How to Spot Authentic Sterling Silver Judaica (and Avoid Fakes?)
When you hold a piece of sterling silver Judaica —a Kiddush cup, menorah, or Torah pointer—it’s more than just silver in your hands. It’s the weight of tradition, faith, and the silversmith’s skill. Yet, as silver Judaica grows in popularity, so does the number of imitations that look real but aren’t. Knowing how to tell genuine sterling silver from a clever fake isn’t just about money—it’s about preserving meaning and craftsmanship. Below are some tried-and-tested ways collectors and artisans use to identify real silver Judaica. 1. Start with What “Sterling Silver” Means The word “sterling” isn’t just marketing—it’s chemistry. True sterling silver is made up of 92.5% pure silver , with the remaining 7.5% usually copper . That tiny addition keeps the metal strong enough for daily ritual use, since pure silver is too soft on its own. If you ever see the number 925 engraved or stamped on a piece, that’s your first good sign—it means the maker followed that exact formula. Anything labele...