Question 1

What is Zuni Sterling?

Accepted Answer

Zuni are Native American Pueblo people from the Zuni River valley and have become well-known for their beautiful jewelry. Much of that jewelry features sterling silver, turquoise, opals, coral and other gemstones. Shop a collection of Zuni jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 2

What is Lunt Sterling?

Accepted Answer

Lunt Sterling is a type of silver goods produced by the company Lunt Silversmiths. Based in Greenfield, Massachusetts, the company operated from 1902 to 2009. While in operation, it produced tableware and giftware out of a variety of silver alloys. Lunt Sterling refers to objects crafted out of sterling silver, an alloy that consists of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% base metals. On 1stDibs, explore a range of Lunt silverware.

Question 3

What is sterling silver made of?

Accepted Answer

Sterling silver is made of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% alloy. Depending on the composition, the alloy may be nickel, copper, brass or other metals. On 1stDibs, find a variety of sterling silver jewelry, tableware and decorative objects.

Question 4

How can I tell what my sterling pattern is?

Accepted Answer

To verify if your pattern is sterling silver, you can look for a mark that states ‘sterling’. Another mark, ‘925’, indicates your item is crafted with sterling silver. Find a collection of expertly vetted sterling silver pieces from some of the world’s top reputable sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 5

How do I know if my Gorham is sterling?

Accepted Answer

To know if your Gorham is sterling, look for the mark. You will normally find "925" or "925/1,000" symbols engraved on sterling. If you see only the maker's logo, the piece is likely silver-plated. You'll find a collection of expertly vetted Gorham sterling on 1stDibs.

Question 6

What is bad for sterling silver?

Accepted Answer

The worst substances for sterling silver are chlorine, chlorine bleach, and ammonia, all of which will cause tarnish and accelerate corrosion. You should also avoid household cleaners, rubber, and perspiration. Rinse your sterling silver pieces thoroughly after coming into contact with those substances. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of sterling silver pieces from top sellers worldwide.

Question 7

What is a sterling silver Vesta?

Accepted Answer

A Vesta is a type of small case used to carry matches for smoking, while sterling silver is a precious metal made by combining pure silver with an alloy. Therefore, a sterling silver Vesta is one fabricated out of this kind of metal. Find a collection of Vesta containers on 1stDibs.

Question 8

What is antique sterling silver?

Accepted Answer

Sterling silver is an alloyed form of silver, and is made up of 92.5% fine silver and 7.5% copper. An antique sterling silver item will have the same silver content and will be over 100 years old. Shop a collection of expertly vetted antique sterling silver from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 9

How do I identify sterling silver?

Accepted Answer

To identify sterling silver, look for hallmarks in an inconspicuous area, such as the underside of flatware handles, the bottoms of serveware and the interior or clasp areas of jewelry. Pieces made of sterling silver often feature "925" or ".925" markings. Alternatively, they may feature "Sterling" or "STER" stamps. For assistance determining what type of metal a particular piece is, consult a knowledgeable expert, such as a certified appraiser. Shop a diverse assortment of sterling silver jewelry, flatware, tableware and decorative objects on 1stDibs.

Question 10

Is sterling silver OK for earrings?

Accepted Answer

Yes, sterling silver is okay for earrings. In fact, many people love earrings crafted out of the precious metal. Sterling silver has an appealing cool color and noticeable shine. Plus, the metal is durable, so it can resist scratching when worn frequently. Keep in mind that sterling silver earrings will need regular cleaning and polishing to fight tarnishing. Explore a diverse assortment of sterling silver earrings on 1stDibs.

Question 11

Is sterling silver good for earrings?

Accepted Answer

Yes, sterling silver can be good for earrings. Many people appreciate the appearance of sterling silver due to its cool color. In addition, sterling silver resists wear and tear to help earrings stand the test of time. One thing to keep in mind is that silver can tarnish, so you'll likely need to regularly clean and polish your earrings to keep them looking like new. Shop a variety of sterling silver earrings on 1stDibs.

Question 12

Can you shower with 925 sterling silver?

Accepted Answer

Although you can shower with 925 sterling silver jewelry on, it is better to remove it prior to bathing. Exposure to water is unlikely to damage the metal, especially if you dry it off promptly after you shower. However, chemicals found in soap, body wash, shampoo, conditioner and other personal care products could react with the precious metal and cause tarnishing. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of sterling silver jewelry.

Question 13

Is Gorham sterling real silver?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Gorham sterling is real silver. However, sterling silver is not solid silver. Instead, the metal is an alloy formed out of pure silver and another precious metal. You can shop a selection of Gorham decorative objects and serveware on 1stDibs.

Question 14

Is Reed and Barton sterling silver?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Reed & Barton pieces are made of sterling silver. The American brand was founded in 1824 and is highly regarded as one of the highest quality silver manufacturers in the world. The brand also makes more affordable silver-plated items too.

Question 15

Is sterling silverware solid silver?

Accepted Answer

No, sterling silver, no matter what it’s used to make, is not solid silver. In most countries, the sterling standard is 92.5% silver with an additive alloy, usually copper, making up the rest of the sterling silver. Sterling silver is harder than pure silver and much more useful as tableware. Shop a collection of sterling silver from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 16

Is sterling silver a good quality?

Accepted Answer

Sterling silver is a very good quality alloy because the added metals make it very durable, even more so than gold. Because it is also lightweight it can be great for everyday wear.

Question 17

Is sterling silverware worth anything?

Accepted Answer

No, sterling silverware is not worth much. Sterling silver does not have enough silver content to have scrap value. Unique and rare silverware, however, may have a value that exceeds its scrap value.

Question 18

Does Tiffany’s use sterling silver?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Tiffany & Co. uses sterling silver. According to their website, they were one of the first American companies to institute the .925 sterling silver standard in 1851. Sterling silver is a precious metal that may require cleaning to retain its beauty and character for generations. On 1stDibs, find vintage and contemporary Tiffany & Co. silver from top sellers around the world.

Question 19

How much is a sterling spoon worth?

Accepted Answer

What a sterling spoon is worth is going to depend on condition as well as rarity, age, design quality and more. Sterling silver spoons can be sold for anywhere from $5 to $2,500. Find a collection of antique and vintage sterling spoons on 1stDibs today.

Question 20

How can I tell if sterling silver is antique?

Accepted Answer

Sterling silver is considered antique if it was made over 100 years ago. Many antique sterling silver items will have a mark or stamp. First, clean the item and check for marks. A “925” mark indicates a silver purity of 92.5 percent, which is the composition of sterling silver. If you don’t see a mark, work with a certified appraiser to acid test the item and determine the silver content. You’ll find expertly vetted antique sterling silver items on 1stDibs.

Ne From Sterling

20th Century Link Bracelets

Nils Erik NE from Denmark Sterling Silver Amber Bracelet

Vintage 1960s French Modernist Link Bracelets

Brutalist Bracelet by Artist Jean-Jacques Morvan

People Also Browsed

Vintage 1970s Danish Modernist Link Necklaces

Rare 14 Carat Gold Danish Brutalist Necklace

Mid-20th Century Norwegian Modern Pendant Necklaces

Regine and Frank Juhls Designer Freeform Sterling Silver Necklace, Vintage

Mid-20th Century Modernist Drop Necklaces

Brutalist Modernist Sterling Space Age Tassel Necklace

Vintage 1950s Norwegian Modernist Brooches

Mid Century Modern Aksel Holmsen Floral Enamel Sterling Silver Brooch Pin

20th Century Danish Modern Link Necklaces

Vintage Georg Jensen Danish Sterling Silver Choker Necklace No. 10

Vintage 1960s Drop Necklaces

1960s Modernist Cleopatra Style Brutalist Evil Eye Drop Gold Statement Necklace

Mid-20th Century Evening Bags and Minaudières

Rare William De Lillo Jeweled Gilt Metal & Leather Evening Bag

Vintage 1960s Unknown Modernist Choker Necklaces

Modernist Gold and Keshi Pearl and Diamond Convertible Brooch Necklace, 1960s

Mid-20th Century British Pendant Necklaces

9ct 375 Gold 1960s Locket

Mid-20th Century Danish Modernist Link Necklaces

Niels Erik From Denmark Sterling Silver

20th Century Brooches

Georg Jensen Denmark Sterling Silver 100B Tulip Pin/Brooch #14681

20th Century French Choker Necklaces

CHRISTIAN LACROIX by CHRISTIANE BILLET Vintage Sculptured Brutalist Necklace

Vintage 1970s Danish Modern Choker Necklaces

N.E. From Sterling Silver Neck Ring, Danish Design, 1970s

Vintage 1970s Danish Modernist More Necklaces

Jens Peter Clausen Copenhagen 'Iceland', 1970s Brutalist Sterling Silver Neclace

Vintage 1950s Norwegian Modernist Drop Necklaces

Norwegian Sterling silver Necklace Anna Greta Eker Choker

Vintage 1980s American Modernist Dangle Earrings

Donna Karan Gold Tone Modernist Bird Earrings

Recent Sales

20th Century Danish More Necklaces

Niels Erik NE from Denmark Sterling Silver Modernist Leaf Floral Necklace

Vintage 1970s Danish Modernist Cuff Bracelets

Modernist Danish Onyx Sterling Silver Bracelet by A. Mik and Earrings by NE From

20th Century Fashion Rings

Native American Signed Sterling Silver Lapis Lazuli Wide Ring

20th Century Danish Brooches

Niels Erik Ne from Denmark Sterling Silver Round Circle Pin

20th Century Brooches

NE From Denmark Sterling Silver Leaf Wreath Pin / Brooch

Vintage 1960s Danish Modernist Link Bracelets

Niels Erik From Sterling Silver Banded Blue Agate Danish Modernist Bracelet

Mid-20th Century Danish Modernist More Necklaces

Niels Erik From, Scandinavian Modern Necklace in Sterling Silver and Rose Quartz

More Ways To Browse