All genuine silver items must have a mark made by a die with a number indicating the quantity of silver used. If you can't find it then it is probably silver plated and that type of item is not identified with a stamped die. You can also tell silver from shiny steel in that silver has an overall yellowish or warmish glow where steel is cold and whitish. When polished silver and silver plate will leave black marks on the polishing cloth. Of course the best way is to consult a jeweler.