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

How can you tell silver from silver plating?

1 Answer
How can you tell silver from silver plating?
To tell silver from silver plating, try holding a strong magnet near the item. If the magnet is attracted to the piece, it is most likely silver-plated, as solid silver is unlikely to be magnetic. You can also check the hallmarks. Markings that say silver plate, EP, EPNS, EPBM or BP indicate plating. Alternatively, you can have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer evaluate the piece. Explore a large selection of silver jewelry, tableware and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024
Shop for Silver Furniture on 1stDibs
Art Nouveau WMF Jewelry Box, Silverplated Pewter & Wood Veneered Panels
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This exquisite antique Art Nouveau jewelry box was crafted by WMF (Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik) around 1900. It features WMF’s signa...
Category

Antique Early 1900s German Arts and Crafts Decorative Boxes

Materials

Metal, Silver Plate, Pewter

Silver Plate and Crystal Barware Cocktail Martini Pitcher with Stirrer Spoon
Located in Atlanta, GA
Christofle designed and crafted this elegant barware Martini cocktail pitcher in France, circa 1940. The modernist bar mixer features a molded crystal jug topped with a silver plate,...
Category

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Barware

Materials

Crystal, Metal, Silver Plate

A rare silver box / pop art sculpture by Fratelli Cacchione, late 20th century
Located in View Park, CA
An extraordinarily rare silver « cigarette » box / pop art sculpture by Fratelli Cacchionr, 20th century. This amazing silver box was created to resemble several boxes of cigarettes ...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Decorative Boxes

Materials

Silver

Superb Vintage Silver Jewell Aztec design Necklace Set Taxco Mexico
Located in London, GB
A stunning and collectible vintage silver Choker Necklace and bracelet by VOO crafted in Taxco Mexico, and dating to the 1970s. This...
Category

20th Century Mexican Collectible Jewelry

Materials

Silver

St James Brazil Silver Plate and Crystal Caviar Bowl Dish Server Duo, 2 pieces
Located in Atlanta, GA
A modernist silver plate and crystal caviar serving bowl duo—also suitable as chiller dishes—designed by renowned silversmith St James Brazil. The duo pieces were meticulously crafte...
Category

Vintage 1980s French Modern Serving Bowls

Materials

Crystal, Metal, Silver Plate

Beautiful Silver Sacred Heart Ex Voto with Cherub Angel, Antique European, 1880s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Beautiful Handmade Religious Ex-Voto A striking and delicately crafted religious Ex-Voto, sourced from an estate sale in Parma, Italy. The piece appears to be made from thin, lightw...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Italian Art Nouveau Religious Items

Materials

Silver Plate, Sheet Metal

Shop All