Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
Why is sterling silver called sterling?
1 Answer
Opinions differ as to why sterling silver is called sterling. Some scholars believe that the name comes from the term Easterlings, referring to coin makers who relocated from Germany to England in the 12th century. Others say that sterling is a derivation of Starling, the name of the one-penny silver coin in circulation in 1300 when King Edward I issued a decree that all silver articles were to be at least 92.5% pure silver. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of sterling silver jewelry, tableware and decorative objects.
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 27, 2024
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Shop for Sterling Silver Decorative Objects on 1stDibs
Antique 18th Century Sterling Silver Toothpick Case Birmingham Samuel Pemberton
Located in Portland, OR
An exceptional & early antique Georgian 18th century engraved sterling silver toothpick holder case, Birmingham, Samuel Pemberton, 1790.
This very fine antique silver case is of narr...
Category
Antique 1790s English George III Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Egg style Faberge Blue Enamel Sterling Silver Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Large egg on smooth tripod with 8-day mechanical skeletal Swiss movement with alarm, in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamel on guilloché with Russian E...
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Empire Decorative Boxes
Materials
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Antique Edwardian Scottish Sterling Silver and Oak Humidor
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A magnificent, fine and impressive antique Edwardian Scottish sterling silver and oak humidor/cigar box; an addition to the ornamental smoking accessories collection.
This exception...
Category
Antique Early 1900s Scottish Edwardian Cigar Boxes and Humidors
Materials
Sterling Silver
Table Cigarette Case “Venus with Cupid” miniatures and citrine quartz Salimbeni.
By Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular table cigarette box in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with slightly rounded lid with perforation and fine hand engravings. In the center, a beautiful rectangular mi...
Category
Vintage 1930s Italian Baroque Cigar Boxes and Humidors
Materials
Quartz, Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Sterling Shell Pillbox
Located in Richmond, VA
A petite, polished sterling shell box for storing daily pills or supplements. Substantially weighted and handcrafted in Mexico from sterling silver, it features a carnelian gemstone ...
Category
2010s Decorative Boxes
Materials
Carnelian, Sterling Silver
Egg style Faberge Blue Ocean Enamel Sterling Silver Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Egg on engraved tripod in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamel on guilloché, Russian Empire style inspired by the eggs of Carl Fabergé, late 19th centur...
Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Empire Decorative Boxes
Materials
Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel
