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
Art Deco Louis Kuppenheim Attributed Sterling Silver Enamel Japonisme Snuff Box
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique German Art Deco period silver & enamel snuff box.
Attributed to the workshops of Louis Kuppenheim in Pforzheim, Germany.
In sterling silver.
With a red enamel grou...
Category
Early 20th Century German Art Deco Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver, Enamel
Liberty & Co. Small Art Nouveau Type Sterling Silver Photo / Picture Frame
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed English picture frame in the Art Nouveau style.
Made by Liberty & Co. of London in 1987.
In sterling silver.
With an oval opening perfect for portraits framed by sil...
Category
20th Century British Art Nouveau Picture Frames
Materials
Sterling 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
Whiting Japonesque Hand-Hammered Bowl Applied with Bamboo & Beetle Bug
Located in New York, NY
Japonesque applied sterling silver bowl. Made by Whiting in New York, ca 1885. Curved and tapering; raised and spread foot. Chased and applied bamboo shoots as well as a beetle—a big...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century American Japonisme Decorative Bowls
Materials
Sterling Silver
Antique English Novelty Walnut Sterling Silver Box - 1899 by Sampson Mordan
Located in Bath, GB
The box is modelled in the form of a Walnut beautifully crafted to be expected by this venerable silversmith.
The box is hinged in full working order and retaining it's lavishly gil...
Category
Antique 1890s British Late Victorian Decorative Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
Hermes, Paris - Sterling Silver Pill Box With 1873 Coin Inset
Located in Bath, GB
From the iconic French luxury retailer, this solid / sterling silver box was made by Hermes of Paris, fully signed on the side of the box together with the Minerva head mark (silver)...
Category
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes
Materials
Sterling Silver
