Skip to main content
Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions

How can you tell if silver plated items are real?

1 Answer
How can you tell if silver plated items are real?
To tell if silver-plated items are real, you can try holding a magnet up to them. Since silver-plated pieces are usually crafted out of a base metal and then finished with a thin layer of silver, a magnet will often stick to them. Although there are other tests that you can perform, these often involve applying household chemicals that may cause permanent damage to the silver plate. It is best to consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer if you're unsure about the authenticity of the materials. Shop a variety of silver plate silverware, serveware and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertAugust 29, 2024
Art Deco Roman Archer Statue by Hermann Eichberg
By Hermann Eichberg
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Art Deco Roman Archer Statue by Hermann Eichberg Dramatic statue of a Roman Archer with bow and arrow in the Art Deco style by German sculptor Hermann Eichberg. The finely detailed ...
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Silver Plate

Emilia Castillo Hammered Silver Vase with Malachite Lizards, Mexican Modernist
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This silver vase by Emilia Castillo feels alive with personality. Three silver lizards climb playfully up its surface, their bodies accented with deep green malachite inlay that give...
Category

Vintage 1980s Vases

Materials

Malachite, Silver Plate, Brass

WMF Art Nouveau Aperitif Serving Tray
Located in NANTES, FR
Art Nouveau aperitif server or pin tray, circa 1900. Silver-plated metal with ginkgo biloba leaf decoration, handle decorated with a woman. Stamped WMF. In very good condition. Note ...
Category

Antique Early 1900s German Art Nouveau Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche

Materials

Silver Plate

Hollywood Regency Godinger Box Safe Keep Tin Faux Bamboo
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a vintage Hollywood Regency Godinger box or safe keep tin.Faux bamboo. Silver plated. Stamped from the maker present. Dimensions: 4.88" H x 5. 14" W x 4.25"...
Category

1990s American Hollywood Regency Decorative Boxes

Materials

Silver Plate

Elegant Fish-Form Silver-Plated Napkin Holders Sterling Style Luxury Table Décor
Located in Wembley, GB
Elegant Fish-Form Silver-Plated Napkin Holders – Sterling Silver Style Luxury Table Décor Bring an element of refined artistry and timeless elegance to your dining or interior setting with this set of fish-shaped silver-plated napkin holders. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, each piece showcases the intricate scales, fins, and lifelike contours of a fish, creating a striking balance of naturalistic beauty and luxury design. These sculptural napkin holders are both decorative and functional, offering a sophisticated way to present napkins at formal dinners, luxury events, or elegant home settings. Their gleaming silver-plated finish, reminiscent of sterling silver craftsmanship, adds brilliance and refinement, while the contrasting tones of silver and gilt gold plating provide versatility for different table settings and interior styles. Perfect for collectors of fine silverware, interior designers, and hosts who appreciate high-end dining accessories, this set embodies the heritage of European decorative silver design while offering a unique, contemporary twist with its bold fish motif. Key Features Material: High-quality silver-plated (with sterling silver style finish) Design: Fish-shaped, detailed scales and fins, realistic artistry Finish: Mixed tones – silver and gilt gold plating for luxurious contrast Condition: Very good vintage condition, highly polished and well-preserved Function: Napkin holders, luxury table décor, or decorative collectible pieces Style: Timeless European-inspired design for fine dining and interior elegance Unlike standard napkin holders, these fish-form silver-plated pieces function as both practical dining accessories and statement décor items. Their sculptural quality makes them equally at home on a luxury dining table, displayed as part of a silverware collection, or even used as interior accents in modern and classical homes alike. This unique design draws on traditions of antique sterling silver tableware while offering an accessible option for collectors and hosts who want to achieve the same level of sophistication. Silver-Plated Fish Napkin Holders, Sterling Silver Style Tableware, Luxury Silver Dining Accessories, Collectible Silver-Plated Decor, High-End Silver Tableware, Antique Silver Napkin Holders...
Category

Vintage 1960s British Art Deco Animal Sculptures

Materials

Metal, Silver Plate, Sterling Silver, Sheet Metal, Silver Leaf

Art Deco Skyscraper Style Apollo Co Silver Plated Bowl w/ Chevron Motif
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Art Deco bowl by the Apollo Company, dating to circa 1930, showcases the dynamic geometric styling and luxurious craftsmanship that defined the Skyscraper Style of the p...
Category

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Decorative Bowls

Materials

Silver Plate

Shop All