sterling silver magnet test?

[Hello]

i want to test some "sterling" silver earrings that i have laying around. i hear that the magnet test works well but how effective is it? ive tried some that stick and some that dont and im wondering if the ones that didnt stick to the magnet are truly sterling silver. just how accurate is the magnet test?

[Mad Viking]

If the magnet attracts it, there is a certain amount of iron or steel in it. Simple as that.