You do not need fancy equipment to avoid some of the most common thrift store mistakes. A quick video from @thriftshopdonation.inc shares two simple habits that can help you tell the real thing from a lookalike.

The Two Tests

First, the creator says they always bring a magnet along to test whether silver is real. Real silver is not magnetic, so if the magnet clings, that is a warning sign.

Second, they always tap the glassware. According to the creator, crystal rings when you tap it, while ordinary glass makes more of a thud.

Getting the Most Out of Each Test

These are handy first checks, and a few extra pointers can make them more useful. None of these are guarantees, and a dealer or appraiser is the best final word on anything expensive.

• The magnet is a screening tool. If it sticks, the piece is likely not solid silver. If it does not stick, that is a good sign but not proof, since many other metals are also non magnetic.
• Look for markings. Many pieces of silver carry stamps on the underside or handle, and plated items are often marked as such.
• For the tap test, hold the piece gently by the base or stem and tap the rim lightly with a fingernail or a soft object. A clear, lasting ring suggests crystal, while a short dull sound suggests regular glass.
• Tap with care. Chips and hairline cracks can ruin both the sound and the value, and a cracked piece will not ring properly.
• Check for chips by running a finger around the rim, and hold the glass up to the light to look for cloudiness or scratches.
• Weight matters too. Crystal often feels heavier than plain glass of the same size, though that is a general rule only.

Keep Your Thrifting Kit Small

A small magnet takes up almost no room in a purse or pocket, and it is the sort of tool that can save you from paying silver prices for a plated piece. Pair it with good light, a little patience and a willingness to put something back, and you will make fewer regrets at the register.