There are several methods you can use. Real silver is nonmagnetic; use a magnet to test if the piece attracts it. Look for stamps or hallmarks indicating silver purity, such as 925, 900, or 800. Real ...

Thrift stores are full of metal pieces that look expensive but are priced like afterthoughts, from tarnished trays to tangled chains. The catch is that modern manufacturing has made it harder to tell ...