What is German Silver / Nickel Silver?

"German Silver" is a term for an alloy mixture of copper, zinc and nickel, sometimes also containing lead and tin.  It was originally named for its silver/white color, but the term "Silver" is now technically prohibited for alloys not containing silver. (This pertains more to retail sellers or a retail store.)  However most times this alloy mix of Copper, Zinc and Nickel is still commonly referred to as "German Silver"  aka "Nickel Silver."  I will go more into detail on "Nickel Silver" after a full explanation of the term "German Silver"

But here is where it gets a bit tricky on the "German Silver".....

Germany does produce a lot of 80% (.800) Silver Items and sometimes this can be confused with "German Silver." Why? Of Course a 80% Silver Item produced in Germany is "German Silver", as in, it is Silver from Germany.  But it is not to be confused with the "German Silver" phrase referring to Alloy mix of Copper, Zinc and Nickel.

"Nickel Silver" is nothing more than another term for "German Silver."  The entities using this phrase are describing the exact same alloy mixture of copper, zinc, and nickel.   Nickel Silver is also named for its silvery appearance, but it contains NO elemental Silver unless plated.   And of course plated items hold ZERO precious metal value.  

Some other phrases for the same alloy mixtures we are discussing such as "German Silver" and "Nickel Silver" are as follows:

• Mailechort
• Argentan
• New Silver
• Nickel Brass
• Albata
• Alpaca
• Electrum

All of the alloy mixtures described above are not going to have any Precious Metal Value at all, and we are unable to purchase these items.   Of course if you are unsure what you may have, we can X-Ray your items and quickly determine if you have Silver or just one of these "pretend" alloys.    We utilize state-of-the-art XRF X-Ray, which precisely, quickly and non-destructively tests items for any Precious Metal Content.  

At Texas Gold and Silver Buyers of San Antonio, we strive to educate our customers and potential future customers on all the ins and outs of the Precious Metal Universe.  We hope that our blog posts educate the public on some of the more confusing and harder to understand aspects of everything Gold, Silver, Platinum and Palladium.  If you choose to sell your items to us, we will answer any and all questions you may have pertaining to your Precious Metal Items.   We strongly feel that none of the process, including our offer should be a secret.  We pledge a FAST, HASSLE-FREE, HONEST, SAFE and TOP DOLLAR Transaction.

We buy ALL Gold, Silver, Platinum and Palladium.  

Give us a call or stop by TODAY!
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Texas Gold and Silver Buyers 

210-441-2177

3435 Thousand Oaks, Suite 107
San Antonio, Texas 78247