925 stg silver hallmark

[bright.ton42]

I've just received a silver piece of jewellery from America that

was advertised as 925 stg silveron ebay  but there is no hallmark on it. 

This is what I found about hallmarks in the States:

"925 Stamp - It's the Law 

It is the law that metal must be identified by the maker and the metal quality.  Revised Section 295 of Volume 15 of the United States Code is commonly known as the National Gold and Silver Marking Act, went into effect October 1, 1981. It set requirements for gold and silver markings that must be followed. The mark for sterling silver will either be stamped "sterling" or the number 925. 925 refer to 92.5% silver which is considered sterling. The location of the stamp varies depending on the type of jewelry. The stamp on necklaces is usually on the clasp. On rings and bracelets, the stamps are usually on the inside of the sterling silver jewelry piece. "

Yet someone told me if it is only small (as this is) you don't have to stamp it.  I'm just wondering if i can

claim a SNAD on it?  I notice in their feedback someone else picked them up on it for the same item.  

[kopenhagen5]

I would think if it's a genuine 925 sterling article, it would not be a SNAD, with or without the hallmark. Especially if smaller items don't require it for practical purposes.

[bright.ton42]

But how do I know if it's genuine?  

[yodablu]

I always thought if it is genuine 925 silver it will be hallmarked, have you checked over the item with a magnifying glass as sometimes the hallmark is in a strange place or very small markings.

[2106greencat]

bright.ton - you can't really claim SNAD without first finding out if it is indeed not 925. You would have to do that anyway I think before paypal would find in your favour. Best to take it to a jeweller and ask, then worry about claiming. JMO

[debra9275]

Hi Bright.on.

I mostly ask the sellers if something is hallmarked if they don't mention it in their listings. Personally I prefer items to be hallmarked. If they said in their listings that it was hallmarked and it wasn't, well, I would not be happy.

you'd better get a magnifying glass as often the hallmarks could be really tiny. . If still in doubt ask your jeweler

IMO you'd better find out for sure first before  claiming a SNAD

[kopenhagen5]

But how do I know if it's genuine?  

Yes that's the question.

As cat said, if a jeweller is prepared to have a look and determine it's material, go from there.

[lyndal1838]

You do realise that the chain is stainless steel don't you?

If you want to make a claim for SNAD you have to get a letter on letterhead from someone qualified.  You must prove to paypal that it is not Sterling Silver as listed.

You may get away with not returning the item, but if paypal insists on it, it will cost you more to return it by registered post than it cost you to buy it.  Is it worth it?

[bright.ton42]

Thanks everyone.  I've had a really good look and there's no hallmark. 

Yes thanks Lyndal I knew the chain wasn't silver. 

It is a gift for someone which is why I'm making the

fuss, but no, it's probably not worth going to the

trouble/expense of testing .  In future though I will ask

if it's stamped , though I've read that even stamps can be

faked.    I've also read that you test silver by rubbing it

with nitric acid.  Well  .... nope,  I won't go there either , lol.  

[lyndal1838]

Yes, it is quite cheap and easy to test the item yourself, but that is not good enough for a paypal claim.  You need that all important letter on letterhead paper to send to paypal.

I have an acid testing kit which tells me within seconds if my gold or silver jewellery is as described.

I bought the test kit from the USA for about $10 including postage and it is great.