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
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
ASPREY - GOURDEL VALES & CO. - Guilloché Enamel & Silver Box - U.K. - Circa 1913
By Gourdel Vales & Co., Asprey International Limited
Located in Chatham, ON
ASPREY (Retailer) - GOURDEL VALES & CO. (Manufacturer) - Exceptional and rare George V period sterling silver and guilloché enamel round dressing table box - featuring powder blue en...
Category
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Wilhelm Kåge Argenta Bowl with Silver Fish Relief, Gustavsberg, Sweden 1930's
Located in Stockholm, SE
A striking Art Deco ceramic bowl designed by Wilhelm Kåge for Gustavsberg, Sweden, circa 1930s. This exceptional example from the celebrated Argenta series features a rich, mottled e...
Category
Vintage 1930s Swedish Art Deco Decorative Bowls
Materials
Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Jewelry Box with Vanity Mirror Victorian Style, ca Late-20th C.
Located in New York, NY
A sterling silver and cut-glass jewelry box with vanity mirror, by Towle Silversmith, circa late-20th century, USA. A round cut-glass jewelry box with sterling silver top, top has a ...
Category
Late 20th Century American Victorian Jewelry Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Vanity Box by Mappin & Webb in Coromandel with Sterling Silver
Located in Northampton, GB
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING
Vanity Box by Mappin & Webb in Coromandel with Sterling Silver dated 1854.
The vanity box is of rectangular form extensively veneered in exotic coromandel a...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century English Early Victorian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Rectangular table frame for oval photo in sterling silver with fired enamels
Located in Firenze, FI
Rectangular table frame for oval photo cm. 5.5 x 7.2 in 925/1000 sterling silver gold plated with translucent fired enamel, aqua green, on guilloché, with borders and ornaments in th...
Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Louis XVI Picture Frames
Materials
Enamel, Sterling Silver, Gold Plate
