I get a lot of questions in my western buckle store Beal’s Cowboy Buckles about silver buckles. If it is real silver it will almost always be stamped on the back “sterling silver” or sometimes “SS”. The only way to know for sure is a chemical test that many higher end jewelry stores can do (usually for a fee).
Other “silver” designations include:
German Silver – A white nickel alloy (65% copper, 17% zinc, & 18% nickel). In other words – there is no silver in German silver. Normally a darker surface look than sterling silver.
Nickel Silver – Similar to German silver, contains no silver.
Silverplate – A very thin layer of silver is sprayed over the surface of the buckle which is often a bronze base. This gives a shinny surface the people like and is one of the most popular ways buckles are made today. Sometimes a clear coat is applied over the silverplate to give it better wear because polishing the thin layer directly can result in it rubbing off.
Sterling Silver – A silver alloy consisting of 92.5% fine silver and 7.5% pure copper. Has a bright surface. By adding copper it causes the silver to become less pliable and stronger in its structure which improves both strength and durability.
Solid Sterling Silver – A piece of silver that is top to bottom sterling. It is not plated with sterling, nor is it sterling overlay.
(the picture is a hand engraved solid sterling silver buckle by my Texas friend Clint Orms)