Beads of Bali

The Silver Acid Test (also known as the scratch test) has been around for years.The acid used in these tests is very corrosive and potentially very dangerous. Be careful when using. You can buy a single vial of silver test acid or a kit that will allow you to test for most precious metals, including gold and platinum. If all you need to do is test for silver, you can buy a bottle of solution for under five bucks (we recommend Rio Grande for this sort of purchase).

There are different tests on the market, so you need to follow the instructions for the test you purchase. In general, this is the procedure:

1. Buy the kit and a black testing stone. Some kits come with the stone.


2. Scratch the item in an inconspicuous location (you are damaging it, after all). This can be done with a file or needle, which is also provided with some kits. Apply enough pressure to break through any plating.


3. Apply a drop of the acid solution to the scratch. The color reaction will tell you if there is silver in the piece and approximately how much. Different solutions result in different reactions. The kit we have used most recently produces a white, creamy color for sterling and fin silver and a grey or green color if silver is present at lower levels.

This approach has some limitations. First, you have to buy the jewelry piece before you can test it because merchants are not going to let you scratch their jewelry, beads and findings. Second, interpreting the meaning of color reactions can be a bit subjective and imprecise. Third, the procedure is toxic and people can be injured by the solution.