Sterling Silver is a type of silver alloy which includes a minimum of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals such as copper or nickel, which give the metal added strength and durability.
Sterling silver must not include more than 2% aluminum. These metals typically give sterling silver a softer, warmer tone than purer forms of silver like Britannia Silver or American Fine Silver (99.9%).
It is an excellent choice for those interested in creating jewelry that will be worn close to the skin because it will not cause the irritation that can come with wearing platinum or palladium jewelry over time.
In this article, I am going to address whether or not sterling silver set off metal detectors, without wasting any more time let’s jump straight to it.
Does sterling silver set off metal detectors?
In short, yes. Classic sterling silver jewelry (meaning .925 pure and often with a satin or polished finish) contains a lot of metal, more than any other piece of jewelry.
Metal detectors can sense metallic items through your clothes and under your skin, as well as any metal-containing items in your bag. This includes keys, coins, belts, hairpins, and even lipsticks!
But you don’t need to fret; there are ways to work around this problem! Just be sure not to wear these things next time you’re traveling or going to an event where security checks are required.
metal detectors work on sterling silver. Your only worry should be that this security personnel will tell you not to wear your pieces of jewelry while traveling because they contain the same metallic elements as the items they usually catch!
Does sterling silver set off a metal detector?
Yes. Classic sterling silver contains a lot of metal, and at least some security personnel will likely insist on not letting you pass in case it triggers their equipment or screws up any other procedure in any way. All this is standard protocol at airports and places with strict security measures.
How to avoid a metal detector going off from sterling silver?
You just need to remove your jewelry before passing through security. If that’s not possible, consider investing in a far more sophisticated and precise metal detector (one that’s just for airport use) and ask the security personnel on-site to retest your jewelry.
The problem is that it’s easily confused with other metals. Some security personnel may not even let you pass because it’s easy for them to assume that this metal (like other metals they usually find on people) is prohibited.
another way If you want to avoid a metal detector going off on your sterling silver jewelry, you can try wiping off or washing it with warm water and detergent first. This will remove the patina, thus making it more like steel than anything else. Another idea is to wear or store your sterling silver jewelry wrapped in aluminum foil before putting it back on.
What to do about a metal detector going off from sterling silver?
Don’t freak out if a metal detector goes off from sterling silver jewelry. It’s definitely not the end of the world. It doesn’t mean you’re a criminal. It doesn’t mean you should be strip-searched and your life ruined. Just be cool, calm, and collected when you deal with security personnel.
First of all, do not argue! Arguing will only make things worse. If given the opportunity to explain yourself, calmly explain that your jewelry is sterling silver. That’s it; no more arguing or questioning; just quietly state the truth about your jewelry being sterling silver.
You do not have to remove your jewelry if asked. It’s not illegal in any country to wear sterling silver jewelry. Regardless, if security asks you, politely refuse; they don’t have the right to make you take off your own jewelry at gunpoint just because it sets off their metal detector.
If that happens, they are violating your personal space and are committing assault. You do not have to comply with their unlawful commands. You just need to be polite and let them know that you’re not taking off your own jewelry just because it sets off their silly metal detector.
If they tell you to do so, remove all of your jewelry. If you feel uncomfortable, you can ask for a safe place to drop your jewelry off. Don’t let them touch your jewelry or show them where you’re dropping it off.
Don’t make a scene. You don’t have to be rude or totally drop your guard. It’s not a good idea to be rude or offensive, however, because that will just make the situation worse.
Just be cool and calm. If you feel the need to flail your arms like you’re being attacked, then naked, with your jewelry on and a switchblade in your teeth before screaming “DIE” while knocking down security people with chairs is cool, then that’s fine
just do it in a controlled manner that doesn’t make them jump out of their damn seats and shoot you or anything else I mentioned above.
