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
Early 20th Century Silver Sacred Heart Ex Voto with Cherub Angel, Antique Italy
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

Early 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Religious Items

Materials

Silver Plate, Sheet Metal

Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Vinaigrette Edward Smith 1884 19th Century
Located in London, GB
Sterling silver vinaigrette, by Edward Smith, Birmingham 1884, the cover, sides and base engraved with scrolled foliate decoration, parcel gilt interior and pierced and engraved gril...
Category

Antique 1880s Decorative Boxes

Materials

Silver

Antique English Silver Topped Walking Stick Cane 99cm / 39 inches
Located in London, GB
This is a beautiful sturdy antique English silver pommel handled walking stick, circa 1860 in date. The striking stick features an ornate embossed silver knop cast and chased with s...
Category

Antique 1860s English Sports Equipment and Memorabilia

Materials

Silver

Monumental Wilhelm Kåge Argenta Vase, Gustavsberg, Sweden, circa 1930
Located in Stockholm, SE
An exceptionally rare and monumental Argenta vase designed by Wilhelm Kåge for Gustavsberg, Sweden, circa 1930. This striking example represents one of the largest and most impressiv...
Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Art Deco Vases

Materials

Sterling Silver

Vintage Bulgari sterling silver and onyx column bowls, 20th century
Located in View Park, CA
A rare vintage Bulgari bowl set of two in the classic Corinthian column design in sterling silver and black onyx. These are the small bowls, could be salt bowls or a desk multipur...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Revival Sterling Silver

Materials

Onyx, Sterling Silver

1900s Antique Viennese Scalloped Silver Wall Mirror, Austria, ca. 1900
Located in Vienna, AT
A beautiful and elegant wall mirror dating from around 1900, featuring a lovely curved shape in the Neo-Rococo style transitioning into early Viennese Art Nouveau (Jugendstil). The f...
Category

Antique Early 1900s Austrian Neoclassical Wall Mirrors

Materials

Silver

Shop All