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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
Modernist English Solid / Sterling Silver Letter Opener - Brian Leslie Fuller
Located in Bath, GB
A superb mid-century modern letter opener made by the highly collectable silversmith, Brian Leslie Fuller. Made from solid English silver fully hallmarked for London 1979 together ...
Category

Vintage 1970s British Mid-Century Modern Letter Openers

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique Gentlemans Sword English Walking Stick Cane Sterling Silver Wooden 1913
Located in Dublin, Ireland
Superb Rare Polished late Victorian Ebony Wooden Sword Stick of outstanding quality, enclosing its original square tapering polished steel blade,of English origin. The polished co...
Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Sports Equipment and Memorabilia

Materials

Sterling Silver, Steel

Antique Asian Ethnographic Tribal silver gilt coral necklace Vintage Jewelry
Located in London, GB
Nice Vintage central Asian silver gilt coral and gemstone beaded necklace A necklace of silver beads pearl antique red coral amethyst and mixed glass beads and gemstones Period...
Category

Early 20th Century Southeast Asian Antiquities

Materials

Silver

Antique Gentlemans Sword Walking Stick Cane Sterling Silver Partridge Wood 19thC
Located in Dublin, Ireland
Superb Rare Polished Well Figured banded Partridge wood Sword Stick of outstanding quality, enclosing its original three-sided tapering polished steel blade, late Nineteenth Century,...
Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Sports Equipment and Memorabilia

Materials

Sterling Silver, Steel

Los Castillo Silver Hummingbird Creamer, Sugar & Ladle, Taxco 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Whimsical Los Castillo silver hummingbird creamer, lidded sugar bowl, and matching ladle, handcrafted in Taxco, Mexico, circa 1960s. Each vessel is accented with finely detailed humm...
Category

Vintage 1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Serving Pieces

Materials

Silver Plate, Brass

Vintage Sterling Silver 925 Photo Frame 9cm x 8.5cm 20th Century
Located in London, GB
A superb decorative sterling silver photo frame marked 925, late 20th century in date.   Beautiful portrait square frame decorated with bushel of wheat to the side of the frame with ...
Category

Late 20th Century British Picture Frames

Materials

Sterling Silver

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