Score the piece
How to read the result
5 silver tests
Magnet (real silver isn't magnetic), ice test (real silver melts ice fast), stamp check (925 or 足银), weight (real silver is dense), patina (real silver tarnishes slowly).
5 batik tests
Visible wax cracks (real batik has tiny cracks where wax cooled), pattern repetition (machine has none), dye bleeding on white cloth (real is well-set), fabric weave (hand-loom cotton has imperfections), back side (real batik looks different front/back).
5 embroidery tests
Back side (hand embroidery has knots, machine has loops), thread count (hand varies, machine is uniform), colour blending (real uses 5+ shades for shading), time investment visible, fabric base (hand on hand-loom).
What this tool can't tell you
- Whether a piece is "fair trade" — even authentic pieces can come from exploitative workshops.
- The actual age of an "antique" claim — many are recent.
- Whether the design is sacred / restricted. Some Miao patterns are reserved for specific ceremonies.
- Real vs real-ish — modern reproductions use real silver but machine-stamping. The 925 test still passes.
Common questions
Is it worth paying more for a "village cooperative" piece?
What if the magnet sticks?
Can I bring it through customs?
Sources & reference data
Authenticity tests from 中国质量检验协会 2023 publication; silver density from physics reference; batik and brocade standards from Qiandongnan Cultural Bureau 2024.