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Silver is a soft metal, so pure silver is less durable and more prone to scratches and dents. For this reason, fine silver is not often used for jewellery. Silver is often mixed with other metals to increase its durability. The purity of silver is shown by hallmarks, which are usually stamped or engraved on the item. 800 silver, also known as Jewellery Silver, is an alloy composed of 80% silver and 20% other metals, usually copper. This makes it slightly more durable than higher-purity silver, and therefore a common choice for making items like jewellery, spoons, knives, and other flatware.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purity | 80% silver, 20% other metals |
| Fineness | 800 |
| Hallmark | 800 |
| Other Hallmarks | Maker's mark, date letter |
| Shape of the Mark | Oval |
| Colour | Brown |
| Acid Test | Affordable and accessible, but not comprehensive |
| XRF Testing | Non-destructive, highly accurate |
| Common Uses | Flatware, tableware, coinage, niello work, antique silver objects, collectibles |
| Advantages | More durable than higher-purity silver, affordable |
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What You'll Learn
- silver is 80% silver and 20% other metals, usually copper
- It is also known as Jewellery Silver and is more durable than higher-purity silver
- It is identifiable by a hallmark with the number 800
- It is used for antique silver objects, spoons, knives, flatware and coins
- Acid testing can be used to assess its purity
800 silver is 80% silver and 20% other metals, usually copper
800 silver, also known as Jewellery Silver, is an alloy composed of 80% silver and 20% other metals, usually copper. This means that out of 1000 parts, 800 are silver and 200 are other metals. The higher the fineness, the higher the purity. Thus, 800 silver is considered to have a relatively high purity.
Pure silver is soft and easily damaged, so it is mixed with other alloys to increase its strength and durability. This makes 800 silver more durable than higher-purity silver, which is why it is often used for items such as flatware, silverware, and coins. It is also used for jewellery, although sterling silver (92.5% silver) is a more popular choice due to its higher purity and shine.
To identify genuine 800 silver items, look for a hallmark that indicates the number "800". Other hallmarks may also be present, indicating the maker or the assay office that tested the silver. In the UK, a maker's mark and a date letter may also be included. The shape of the mark may also vary by country; in the UK, the fineness is often shown within an oval shape.
While acid testing is a valuable first step in assessing silver purity, it is not always accurate, especially for silver-plated items. For a more detailed analysis, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) testing is recommended to precisely determine the alloy composition without damaging the item.
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It is also known as Jewellery Silver and is more durable than higher-purity silver
800 silver, also known as Jewellery Silver, is composed of 80% silver and 20% other metals, usually copper. It is a popular alloy for making antique silver objects and collectibles. Pure silver is soft and easily damaged, so it is alloyed with other metals to increase its durability and make it more suitable for items like flatware, coins, and jewellery. The process of alloying silver with other metals is common, but it is important to know the silver content in a given item. This is indicated by hallmarks, which are done by independent laboratories and assay offices to test and guarantee purity. The hallmark for 800 silver is simply the number "800", indicating that the item is made of 80% silver.
Jewellery Silver is more durable than higher-purity silver alloys, which makes it ideal for jewellery and silverware. Sterling silver, composed of 92.5% silver, is the standard for jewellery quality in the United States and most world markets. It is favoured for its beauty and durability, but it is still soft compared to other metals and can be scratched or dented. It is also more expensive than 800 silver.
The remaining 7.5% in sterling silver is usually copper, which increases the alloy's hardness and durability. The addition of copper also creates the colour and luster that is prized by consumers. However, sterling silver will tarnish over time, and while non-tarnish alloys have been developed, they are significantly more expensive and still require maintenance.
While sterling silver is the most common type of silver in US jewellery stores, 800 silver is also used in jewellery. The lower silver content in 800 silver makes it a more affordable option, and it is sought after by collectors of antique silver objects. It is also known as Jewellery Silver because of its common use in jewellery, especially in earlier times.
In summary, 800 silver, or Jewellery Silver, is more durable than higher-purity silver alloys due to its composition of 80% silver and 20% other metals, usually copper. This increased durability makes it suitable for items like jewellery, flatware, and coins. It is a popular choice for its unique properties and applications, offering a more affordable option for silver items.
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It is identifiable by a hallmark with the number 800
The hallmark is the key to identifying the purity of silver items. A fineness hallmark, often stamped in an oval shape in the UK, indicates the purity and value of a silver item. This is usually done by independent laboratories and assay offices. The hallmark will indicate the number of parts per thousand that are pure silver. So, 800 silver, also known as Jewellery Silver, means 800 parts per thousand are silver, and 200 parts per thousand are other metals, usually copper.
The remaining 20% of alloys in 800 silver are other metals, such as copper, which increase the item's durability. This is why 800 silver is often used for making items like jewellery, spoons, knives, and other flatware. It is also used for coinage, as it has a higher silver content than base metal coins. The acid test can be used to separate silver articles into purity groups, but for a comprehensive understanding of an item's exact alloy composition, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) testing is advisable.
In addition to the "800" mark, there may be other hallmarks indicating the maker or the assay office that tested the silver. In the UK, a maker's mark and a date letter may also be present. This is important to know when assessing the authenticity and value of silver items. While acid testing is a valuable first step, it is only part of the picture, and further analysis is recommended for a detailed understanding of an item's purity and composition.
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It is used for antique silver objects, spoons, knives, flatware and coins
800 silver, also known as Jewellery Silver, is an alloy composed of 80% silver and 20% other metals, usually copper. Pure silver is soft and easily damaged, so it is mixed with other alloys to increase its durability. This makes 800 silver suitable for use in antique silver objects, spoons, knives, flatware, and coins.
In the past, 800 silver was commonly used for antique silver objects and collectibles. Its unique properties, such as its durability and antibacterial qualities, make it ideal for flatware and tableware. It is often used to make spoons, knives, forks, and other flatware items. Its antibacterial properties help inhibit bacterial growth, making it a hygienic choice for these items.
The alloy is also used for coinage. 800 silver coins have a higher silver content than base metal coins, making them a popular choice for currency. In fact, Canadian silver common currency coins were minted in 800 silver from 1919 until 1967. Additionally, 800 silver is preferred for niello work, a decorative metalworking technique, as it can withstand high firing temperatures better than higher silver content alloys.
To identify genuine 800 silver items, look for a hallmark that indicates its purity. This is typically the number "800" within an oval or, in the case of German silverware, a crown and crescent moon, a maker's mark, and a decimal fineness mark. Italian silverware may also bear the "800" mark, but the varying sizes and shapes of these marks indicate the lack of strict hallmarking regulations at the time.
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Acid testing can be used to assess its purity
800 silver from Austria, also known as Jewellery Silver, is an alloy composed of 80% silver and 20% other metals, usually copper. It is a popular alloy for making antique silver objects and collectibles, chosen for its balance between purity and durability.
Acid testing is a valuable technique for assessing the purity of 800 silver. This traditional method is widely used by jewellers, collectors, and metalworkers to determine the quality and authenticity of silver items. It is a low-cost, accessible method that provides immediate insights into the purity of silver. The process involves applying a small drop of acid to the surface of the silver item and observing the resulting colour change. This colour change varies with different purities of silver, providing a quick indication of the item's silver content. For example, silver with 80% purity, often marked as silver 800, will change the acid to a brown colour.
To ensure accurate results, it is crucial to perform a preparation step before conducting the acid test, especially for items that might be silver-plated. This involves gently filing or scratching the surface of the item to expose the base metal beneath the silver layer. By creating this scratch, the acid can interact with the underlying metal, providing a reliable assessment of the item's overall silver purity. This preparation step is essential for preventing inaccurate assessments and correctly identifying the true value and authenticity of silver items.
While acid testing is an excellent initial step in evaluating silver purity, it has certain limitations. The test categorises silver articles into groups based on their purity levels, but it does not provide a comprehensive understanding of the exact alloy composition. For more detailed analysis and verification, further testing methods, such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF) testing, are recommended. XRF testing offers a non-destructive, highly accurate analysis of the metal's composition, ensuring precise determination of the alloy's makeup without damaging the item.
In summary, acid testing is a valuable tool for assessing the purity of 800 silver from Austria. It is a simple, affordable method that offers quick insights into the purity levels of silver items. However, for a more comprehensive understanding of the alloy composition, additional testing techniques, such as XRF, should be considered.
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Frequently asked questions
800 silver is 80% pure silver and 20% other metals, usually copper.
Look for the hallmark—a genuine item made of 800 silver should be engraved with the number "800".
800 silver is used for flatware and tableware, such as spoons, knives, and forks, as well as antique silver objects and collectibles. It was also used for coinage in the past.
Pure silver is soft and easily damaged, so it is mixed with other alloys to increase its durability. 800 silver is more durable than higher-purity silver, which makes it more suitable for certain applications.
