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I've seen this mark on items that were described as solid silver, but also on other items that were silver plated or even white metal. Which one is correct? Or is this mark used for all types and impossible to tell what it is without testing it?

The mark 'Zu yan' (足銀) is supposed to represent silver of "standard purity". The standard purity I got used to in Asia for the couple of decades I spent there was "coin silver' or about 80% pure. Sometimes, stuff outside the good jewelry stores is of lesser quality, whatever it may be marked.

Best regards,

Bill H.

Dear Bill H.,
Thank you for your reply.
The item (see new image) is being sold as '100% white bronze'and they don't mention any silver content. Is it indeed possible that there are items with that silver mark that don't have any silver at all? Or is the seller simply not aware that it can be silver/silver plated (given the weight I assume that it isn't solid silver)

I believe the only way to erase all doubts would, as you first considered possible, be to have a trusted jewelry dealer test the item for silver content.

Best regards,

Bill H.

Dear Bill,

Thank you for this additional comment.
Based on the weight, I assume that it will be at most silver plated, and in that case the seller is asking too much for it.

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