Question 1

What is Zuni Sterling?

Accepted Answer

Zuni are Native American Pueblo people from the Zuni River valley and have become well-known for their beautiful jewelry. Much of that jewelry features sterling silver, turquoise, opals, coral and other gemstones. Shop a collection of Zuni jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 2

What is Lunt Sterling?

Accepted Answer

Lunt Sterling is a type of silver goods produced by the company Lunt Silversmiths. Based in Greenfield, Massachusetts, the company operated from 1902 to 2009. While in operation, it produced tableware and giftware out of a variety of silver alloys. Lunt Sterling refers to objects crafted out of sterling silver, an alloy that consists of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% base metals. On 1stDibs, explore a range of Lunt silverware.

Question 3

How can I tell what my sterling pattern is?

Accepted Answer

To verify if your pattern is sterling silver, you can look for a mark that states ‘sterling’. Another mark, ‘925’, indicates your item is crafted with sterling silver. Find a collection of expertly vetted sterling silver pieces from some of the world’s top reputable sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 4

How do I know if my Gorham is sterling?

Accepted Answer

To know if your Gorham is sterling, look for the mark. You will normally find "925" or "925/1,000" symbols engraved on sterling. If you see only the maker's logo, the piece is likely silver-plated. You'll find a collection of expertly vetted Gorham sterling on 1stDibs.

Question 5

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 6

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 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

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 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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 15

Is weighted sterling worth anything?

Accepted Answer

Whether weighted sterling is worth anything depends on a few things. Namely, the type of piece, its maker, age and condition will determine its value. In terms of the material itself, how much weighted silver is worth depends on how much sterling versus filler material it contains. Some pieces have very little real silver, while others are predominantly silver and have a higher scrap value. To get an estimate of the value of a piece of weighted silver, consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer. Explore a range of weighted silver wares on 1stDibs.

Question 16

Is sterling silver OK for earrings?

Accepted Answer

Yes, sterling silver is okay for earrings. In fact, many people love earrings crafted out of the precious metal. Sterling silver has an appealing cool color and noticeable shine. Plus, the metal is durable, so it can resist scratching when worn frequently. Keep in mind that sterling silver earrings will need regular cleaning and polishing to fight tarnishing. Explore a diverse assortment of sterling silver earrings on 1stDibs.

Question 17

Is sterling silver good for earrings?

Accepted Answer

Yes, sterling silver can be good for earrings. Many people appreciate the appearance of sterling silver due to its cool color. In addition, sterling silver resists wear and tear to help earrings stand the test of time. One thing to keep in mind is that silver can tarnish, so you'll likely need to regularly clean and polish your earrings to keep them looking like new. Shop a variety of sterling silver earrings on 1stDibs.

Question 18

Can you shower with 925 sterling silver?

Accepted Answer

Although you can shower with 925 sterling silver jewelry on, it is better to remove it prior to bathing. Exposure to water is unlikely to damage the metal, especially if you dry it off promptly after you shower. However, chemicals found in soap, body wash, shampoo, conditioner and other personal care products could react with the precious metal and cause tarnishing. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of sterling silver jewelry.

Question 19

Is Gorham sterling real silver?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Gorham sterling is real silver. However, sterling silver is not solid silver. Instead, the metal is an alloy formed out of pure silver and another precious metal. You can shop a selection of Gorham decorative objects and serveware on 1stDibs.

Question 20

Is Reed and Barton sterling silver?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Reed & Barton pieces are made of sterling silver. The American brand was founded in 1824 and is highly regarded as one of the highest quality silver manufacturers in the world. The brand also makes more affordable silver-plated items too.

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