The $Fe_3O_4$-core and Ag-shell ($Fe_3O_4@Ag$ nanoeggs) were prepared through the encapsulation of 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane-coated magnetite nanoparticle in nano-Ag shell by a simple chemically controlled procedure. The $Fe_3O_4@Ag$ nanoeggs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, UV-vis spectrum and superconducting quantum interference device magnetometer, respectively. A detailed analysis is provided of how the hydrolysis and condensation of 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane and the pH value are vital in fabricating the $Fe_3O_4@Ag$ nanoeggs. The prepared $Fe_3O_4@Ag$ nanoeggs possessed uniform size, improved monodispersity, stability against aggregation and high magnetization, which were utilized for the detection of latent fingerprints deposited onto different surfaces. The experimental results showed that the latent fingerprints developed with the $Fe_3O_4@Ag$ nanoeggs powders exhibited excellent ridge details with minimal background staining.