Identifying Sterling Silver Beads

[DawninCal]

Yesterday I was at the curiosity shop. This place is like a combination thrift/antique/gem stone/vintage jewelry store with a whole lot of miscellaneous thrown in. I love going there because of the unique things I can find. The owner has a basket on the counter with a sign that says "sterling silver scrap". Now, I take this claim with a grain of salt because I bought a chain out of the basket that stuck like glue to a magnet when I got it home.

But, I still like to rummage through the basket and yesterday there was a strand the most unique, big hole beads in the basket so I bought them for $5.00 because I'm always looking for big hole beads to use with leather or cotton cord and these were really cool. They were filthy - just holding the strand in my hands made my fingers turn black, so I put them in the tumbler today. A few hours later, I took them out and they had turned into the most beautiful, shiny silver beads. I'm thrilled!

What I'm wondering is if there is a way to identify whether or not they are truly sterling silver. They don't react to a magnet. Tumbling doesn't appear to have removed any plating - they came out gorgeous. They aren't stamped in any way that identifies them as sterling silver.

I'll use them whether they're silver or not, but I don't want to claim in my listings that they're sterling silver if they are not.

I suppose I could say that while I purchased them from a dealer who said they were sterling, I'm not 100% sure that is correct, but that sounds kind of sketchy.

Thoughts, opinions and/or advice are much appreciated!



Dawn

[gbobmi]

Dawn, there is a test which can be done to determine whether or not it's sterling. I would think most jewelers would have it on hand. I think acid is involved.

Otherwise, check with Rio. I think they might have kits for testing metals. Call them, even. They might be able to steer you in the right direction.

[caeterle]

Where are the pictures of the beads??

[caeterle]

Oh, and pawn shops might have tests for silver, too.

[DawninCal]

Here you go, Cat. Wish I'd thought to take pictures of them before they went into the tumbler - there really were filthy. Can't believe how good they look now!








There were 85 beads on the strand so sterling or not, that works out to six cents each. Not too bad.

Maybe I'll look into one of those kits and if not too expensive or too complicated, order one.



Dawn

[gbobmi]

The kits at Rio are either for gold or a mix of metals. They're not horribly expensive, so have at it! You could do a little side business, testing for precious metals.

Those are cool beads, Dawn. I'd be kind of surprised if they weren't sterling.

Can't wait to find out!

[violetmoonnl]

Those are lovely beads, would be an awesome haul if they do turn out to sterling.

[DawninCal]

I didn't have time today, but will price testing kits tomorrow.

Yea, wouldn't that be fantastic if they turned out to be sterling?

Either way, I'm happy with them, but to be sterling would be such a find.

Speaking of finds; while at the curiosity shop, I also bought a brooch for $5. I don't wear pins very often because I don't like poking holes in my clothes, but I loved the design of this one.

It's signed on the back and it turns out it's by Swedish jewelry designer R. Tennesmed. I found the exact same pin on the internet that sold for $40 and one that was listed on ebay for $75. Score!



Dawn

[gbobmi]

Score! Pic, please!

[caeterle]

That's it. I'm coming over to see that curiosity shop just because it sounds like a shop after my own taste!

[DawninCal]

Cat, you are welcome anytime - the Elf House is happiest when people are staying there. Let me know when to pick you up at the airport!

As soon as the camera battery is charged, I'll post a pic of the brooch. I have a back-up battery, but it was dead too!



Dawn

[DawninCal]

I need to clean it up, but I think it should receive treatment more gentle than tumbling. It's pewter, so just soap and water maybe?






While I don't generally wear brooches, I'm thinking I could slide a jump ring over the pin and hang it on some chain to wear as a necklace. Think that would work?



Dawn

[caeterle]

I would probably try some dish soap and warm water first to see if it does anything. Maybe use a cotton swab to get between those flowers?
I'm not a brooch wearer myself, but it's very pretty.

[DawninCal]

Good idea about the swab, Cat. I might also try a soft bristle toothbrush.



Dawn

[gbobmi]

It's lovely, Dawn! You could wear it as a pendant or....pins and brooches are really IN!!!

It's very cool. I can't imagine giving it up!