A fine piece of silver jewelry is priced not only on its weight and precious metal content, but also on its design and craftsmanship. In fact, most of the value of a piece of silver jewelry is in the labor and the skilled craftsmanship required to create the design and mold its form. To ascertain the quality of a silver item you are about to purchase, follow these guidelines:

• Make sure there are no visible blemishes or imperfections on the piece.
• Check to make certain that fasteners, clasps and catches work properly and are secure.
• Check pin backs and earring posts for strength and durability.
• Lay silver chains flat to make certain their links don't kink or bend.