How to Check if Silver is Real: 2026 BIS Hallmark Guide for Indian Buyers

Whether you're buying silver jewellery for the first time or want to check an anklet you've owned for years, the question is the same: is this real 925 silver or just a cheap alloy with a silver coating?

If you're wondering how to check if silver is real, you're not alone. Adulteration of silver is a very common problem in India. From street stalls to online marketplaces, thousands of sellers claim to sell "925 silver" — but many pieces are barely 60–70% silver. In 2025, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) revised the silver hallmarking system, and buyers now have better tools than ever to verify authenticity.

This guide is practical. You'll learn eight tests you can do at home, how to read a BIS hallmark correctly, and the red flags to watch for.

What Does "925 Silver" Mean?

"925" is a purity mark. It means the jewellery contains 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% alloy metals (usually copper). This composition is also known as sterling silver.

Pure silver (999 grade) is extremely soft. It bends easily and scratches quickly during everyday wear. Adding 7.5% copper improves durability while preserving silver's shine, hypoallergenic properties, and tarnish resistance.

If a seller offers you "999 silver jewellery," be cautious. Fine silver is ideal for coins, utensils, and idols, but not for jewellery that's worn daily — pieces below 925 purity (such as 800 or 835 grade) also exist and are typically used for heavier articles like utensils rather than fine jewellery. Reputable Indian jewellery brands almost exclusively use 925 as their internal quality standard because it hits the sweet spot between purity, durability, and price.

925 sterling silver is the global standard and is recognised across India, Europe, and the United States.

The BIS Silver Hallmark — What Changed in 2025–2026?

In September 2025, BIS introduced the revised IS 2112:2025 standard for silver.

Silver hallmarking remains voluntary in India, but any hallmarked silver must now include a unique HUID (Hallmark Unique Identification) code.

A genuine BIS silver hallmark includes:

• BIS Standard Mark with the word "SILVER" laser etched.
• Purity grade (925, 800, 835, 958, 970, 990, or 999).
• 6-digit HUID code.

The HUID acts like a unique identity for your jewellery. It lets buyers verify the assaying centre, jeweller, and purity through the BIS database.

How to Verify an HUID in 30 Seconds

1. Download the BIS CARE app (Android or iPhone).
2. Open the app and tap "Verify HUID".
3. Enter the 6-digit HUID stamped on the jewellery.
4. If the code is genuine, you'll see the jeweller, purity, and assaying centre.
5. If the app returns "Not Found", treat the hallmark as suspicious.

Note: Mandatory silver hallmarking is expected in the future. During FY 2025–26, over 59 lakh silver articles were hallmarked, nearly doubling the previous year's figures.

8 Practical Tests to Check Real Silver at Home

Start with the safest tests (visual inspection, HUID verification, and the magnet test) before moving to chemical tests. If a piece passes the first three, you can usually stop there — chemical tests are only needed when the first checks are inconclusive.

1. Visual Hallmark Inspection

Inspect the jewellery under bright light. Genuine pieces usually have a clean, sharp hallmark on the inside of a ring, behind a pendant, or near the clasp. Blurry or missing stamps are warning signs.

2. Verify the HUID

The BIS CARE app is the most reliable verification method and takes less than a minute.

3. Magnet Test

Silver is not magnetic. Use a strong neodymium magnet. If the jewellery sticks, it is almost certainly made from another metal with silver plating.

4. Ice Cube Test

Silver conducts heat exceptionally well. Place an ice cube on the jewellery. Genuine silver melts the ice noticeably faster than fake metals.

5. Nitric Acid Test (Use with Caution)

Scratch a hidden area and place one drop of diluted nitric acid.

• Real silver: Cream or white reaction.
• Fake silver: Green or yellow reaction.

Warning: Wear gloves and eye protection. This test is not recommended unless you're experienced.

6. Bleach Test

Add a drop of household bleach.

• Real silver tarnishes quickly and turns dark.
• Fake silver usually shows little or no reaction.

Rinse immediately to avoid permanent staining.

7. Ring (Sound) Test

Tap the jewellery gently with another silver item — for example, a silver chain or coin.

• Real silver produces a clear, bell-like ring.
• Fake silver produces a dull, flat sound.

8. Weight and Feel

Silver is denser than most imitation metals. Genuine silver generally feels heavier and cooler to the touch than plated alternatives.

Red Flags to Watch Before Buying Silver

• Prices that seem unrealistically low.
• A "925" stamp that appears only on the surface plating.
• Green or black stains on your skin within a few days of wearing.
• No invoice mentioning 925 Sterling Silver and the item's weight.
• The seller cannot provide a BIS registration number.

What to Do if You Discover Fake Silver

1. Request a refund from the seller.
2. Report online purchases through the marketplace.
3. File a complaint with the National Consumer Helpline (1915).
4. Report fake hallmarks using the BIS CARE app.
5. Raise a payment dispute if the seller refuses to cooperate.
6. For jewellers registered with local trade bodies (such as the Jewellers Association or GJC), escalation through the association is often faster than legal routes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my silver turn black? Does that mean it's fake?

No. Sterling silver naturally tarnishes when exposed to air, humidity, and sulphur compounds. Tarnishing is actually a sign of authenticity — fake silver often doesn't tarnish because the surface is a plated alloy rather than real silver. A soft polishing cloth will restore the original shine within minutes.

Is all 925 silver the same quality?

The purity is always 92.5%, but craftsmanship, plating quality, and finishing vary significantly between manufacturers. BIS-hallmarked and HUID-verified pieces are always the safer choice, especially when buying online.

What is rhodium-plated silver?

Rhodium-plated silver is 925 sterling silver coated with a very thin layer of rhodium — a rare precious metal from the platinum family. The coating gives jewellery a brighter, whiter finish and slows down natural tarnishing. Beneath the plating, the base metal is still genuine 925 sterling silver.

Is BIS hallmarking mandatory for silver in 2026?

As of 2026, BIS hallmarking for silver is voluntary in India — unlike gold, which has been mandatory since 2021. However, adoption is rising rapidly, with over 59 lakh silver articles hallmarked in FY 2025–26. BIS has signalled that a mandatory rollout is being prepared, so buying hallmarked silver today is future-safe.

Is it safe to buy silver jewellery online?

Yes — provided the seller is BIS-registered, offers HUID verification, and has a transparent return policy. Avoid unverified Instagram sellers and stick to established brand websites that publish their BIS registration details.

Final Thoughts

Before buying silver jewellery, spend a few minutes checking the hallmark, verifying the HUID, and performing a few simple authenticity tests. A little diligence today can save you from buying fake silver.

If you're looking for authentic BIS-hallmarked 925 sterling silver, explore our silver jewellery collection. Every piece includes certified 925 purity and a lifetime plating warranty.