Question 1

Why is sterling silver called sterling?

Accepted 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.

Question 2

Is Thai silver sterling silver?

Accepted Answer

Most thai silver has more pure silver in it than standard sterling silver. Most sterling silver is 92.5% silver with another alloy, typically copper, making up the rest of the metal. Thai silver often falls in the range of 97.5-99% pure silver, so a significantly higher percentage of it is pure silver, making it softer and less likely to tarnish. On 1stDibs, find vintage and contemporary silver jewelry from top sellers around the world.

Question 3

What is sterling silver made of?

Accepted Answer

Sterling silver is made of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% alloy. Depending on the composition, the alloy may be nickel, copper, brass or other metals. On 1stDibs, find a variety of sterling silver jewelry, tableware and decorative objects.

Question 4

Why is sterling silver so cheap?

Accepted Answer

Sterling silver is so cheap because of two main factors. First, it contains just 92.5% pure silver, so the cost of raw materials to produce it is lower than that of other types of silver. Second, the supply of silver is generally greater than that of other precious metals like gold and platinum, leading to lower prices. Explore a collection of sterling silver jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 5

How do I identify sterling silver?

Accepted Answer

To identify sterling silver, look for hallmarks in an inconspicuous area, such as the underside of flatware handles, the bottoms of serveware and the interior or clasp areas of jewelry. Pieces made of sterling silver often feature "925" or ".925" markings. Alternatively, they may feature "Sterling" or "STER" stamps. For assistance determining what type of metal a particular piece is, consult a knowledgeable expert, such as a certified appraiser. Shop a diverse assortment of sterling silver jewelry, flatware, tableware and decorative objects on 1stDibs.

Question 6

What is bad for sterling silver?

Accepted Answer

The worst substances for sterling silver are chlorine, chlorine bleach, and ammonia, all of which will cause tarnish and accelerate corrosion. You should also avoid household cleaners, rubber, and perspiration. Rinse your sterling silver pieces thoroughly after coming into contact with those substances. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of sterling silver pieces from top sellers worldwide.

Question 7

What is antique sterling silver?

Accepted Answer

Sterling silver is an alloyed form of silver, and is made up of 92.5% fine silver and 7.5% copper. An antique sterling silver item will have the same silver content and will be over 100 years old. Shop a collection of expertly vetted antique sterling silver from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 8

What is a sterling silver Vesta?

Accepted Answer

A Vesta is a type of small case used to carry matches for smoking, while sterling silver is a precious metal made by combining pure silver with an alloy. Therefore, a sterling silver Vesta is one fabricated out of this kind of metal. Find a collection of Vesta containers on 1stDibs.

Question 9

What's the difference between silver and sterling silver?

Accepted Answer

The difference between silver and sterling silver is its composition. Silver is a general term used to describe metal that is rich in or made completely of the element silver. Sterling silver is a specific alloy with 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals like nickel or brass. Fine silver is the term for 99.9% pure silver. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of silver jewelry, watches, tableware and decorative accents.

Question 10

Is sterling silver real silver or fake?

Accepted Answer

Sterling silver is real silver, not fake. However, it is not solid silver. A piece of sterling silver usually contains 92.5% pure silver, and the remainder of its content comes from base metals. Sterling silver is a popular material for jewelry because it is durable and resists tarnishing. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of sterling silver jewelry.

Question 11

Are sterling-silver spoons solid silver?

Accepted Answer

A sterling silver spoon is mostly fine silver, but not quite solid silver. Sterling silver is an alloyed form of silver, and is 92.5% fine silver and 7.5% copper. You can shop a collection of authentic sterling silver items from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

Question 12

How can you tell if Oneida is sterling silver?

Accepted Answer

To tell if Oneida is sterling silver, look for a metal hallmark. Although best known for manufacturing stainless steel, Oneida did produce a limited number of sterling silver-plated pieces. Normally, these items will bear the Oneida name along with the word "plate." Explore a selection of Oneida silverware and tableware on 1stDibs.

Question 13

How can you tell if something is sterling silver?

Accepted Answer

To tell if something is sterling silver, first search it for purity marks. Makers often indicate sterling silver with hallmarks like “925,” "STER" or "STERLING," but some pieces may feature alternate hallmarks. Researching the markings on your piece using trusted online resources can help you identify its materials. When in doubt, seek the opinion of a certified appraiser or other knowledgeable expert. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of sterling silver jewelry, tableware and decorative objects.

Question 14

How do I clean weighted sterling silver?

Accepted Answer

To clean weighted sterling silver, use a cleaning product formulated for sterling silver and a soft lint-free cloth. Keep dust at bay by wiping the object down with a soft cloth dampened with warm water. Always dry the silver with a soft towel after cleaning. Find a collection of weighted sterling silver decorative objects on 1stDibs.

Question 15

Is all sterling silver marked 925?

Accepted Answer

No, not all sterling silver is marked 925. Although all sterling silver usually features hallmarks, these markings do vary. You may sometimes see STERLING or STER used in place of 925. On 1stDibs, shop a wide variety of sterling silver jewelry, tableware and decorative objects from some of the world's top sellers.

Question 16

What sterling silver is best for earrings?

Accepted Answer

Generally, most experts agree that .925 or 925 sterling silver is the best sterling silver for earrings. This variety of sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% alloy. As a result, it has the cool color and sleek appearance of silver, with another base metal to strengthen it. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of sterling silver earrings.

Question 17

Does sterling silver turn green?

Accepted Answer

Yes, sterling silver does sometimes turn green. The discoloration occurs due to a chemical reaction between the precious metal and compounds in the air, sweat and chemicals found in some products. To reduce the risk of discoloration, avoid wearing your sterling silver jewelry while bathing, swimming, applying skin and personal care products or working with household chemicals. Shop a selection of sterling silver jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 18

How do I identify Gorham sterling silver?

Accepted Answer

To identify Gorham sterling silver, study the marks found on the piece. Pieces made after 1848 will have a letter or symbol stamp. You can use an authoritative online reference to figure out the manufacturing year of the piece. Find a variety of expertly vetted Gorham sterling silver on 1stDibs.

Question 19

Is Wallace Sterling real silver?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Wallace Sterling is real silver. Wallace produced silverware, tableware and decorative objects from sterling silver, which is 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% base metal. The silversmith introduced the Wallace Sterling collection in 1875. During the 1930s and ’40s, Wallace's ornate sterling silver flatware was especially popular. Explore a collection of Wallace Sterling pieces on 1stDibs.

Question 20

Is antique sterling silver valuable?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some antique sterling silver is valuable. Sterling silver of any age has value as a material because it is a precious metal. Some pieces may be worth even more than the going rate for sterling due to their maker, style, type and condition. Some silversmiths whose pieces are often in demand among collectors include Tiffany & Co., Georg Jensen, Gorham Manufacturing Company and Towle. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of antique sterling silver wares.

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