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

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 4

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 5

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 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

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 8

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 9

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 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

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 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

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 20

How can I tell if sterling silver is antique?

Accepted Answer

Sterling silver is considered antique if it was made over 100 years ago. Many antique sterling silver items will have a mark or stamp. First, clean the item and check for marks. A “925” mark indicates a silver purity of 92.5 percent, which is the composition of sterling silver. If you don’t see a mark, work with a certified appraiser to acid test the item and determine the silver content. You’ll find expertly vetted antique sterling silver items on 1stDibs.

Pearson Sterling Silver

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Vision' Sterling Flatware by Ronald Hayes Pearson for Pearson

Vintage 1960s American More Dining and Entertaining

Vision' Sterling Flatware by Ronald Hayes Pearson for Pearson

Vintage 1960s American Modernist Brooches

Modernist Sterling Brooch By Ronald Pearson

Recent Sales

Vintage 1960s American Sterling Silver

International Sterling Continental pattern

Vintage 1960s American Serving Pieces

AWARD WINNING International RONALD PEARSON Sterling 1961 Vision Flatware 96pcs

Vintage 1960s American Modern Tableware

International Silver "Vision" Flatware Service for Twenty-Four by Ronald Pearson

Vintage 1960s American Modern More Necklaces

Mid-Century Modernist Sterling Silver Collar by Ronald Pearson

Vintage 1950s American Modernist Brooches

Modernist Brooch by Ronald Hayes Pearson

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver

Ronald Hayes Pearson "Vision" Modernist Sterling Silver Flatware 154 Pieces

20th Century Tableware

Set of Ronald Pearson International "Vision"Sterling Flatware

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Collectible Jewelry

Modernist Sterling Silver Bracelet

Vintage 1960s American Modernist Pendant Necklaces

Ronald Pearson Coral Pearl Sterling Silver Pendant or Brooch

Vintage 1960s American Modernist Pendant Necklaces

Ronald Hayes Pearson American Modern Sterling Silver Black Onyx Pendant Necklace

Vintage 1970s American Choker Necklaces

RONALD PEARSON Agate Necklace

Vintage 1960s American Modernist Cufflinks

Ronald Pearson Sterling Silver Modernist Anvil Cufflinks

Vintage 1960s American Drop Necklaces

Ronald Pearson Sterling Silver Picture Jasper Necklace

20th Century American Modernist Stud Earrings

Ronald Hayes Pearson Sterling Silver American Modernist Earrings

Vintage 1960s American Modernist Cuff Bracelets

Ronald Hayes Pearson Sterling Silver American Modernist Bangle Cuff Bracelet

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver

Ronald Pearson "Vision" Modernist Sterling Silver Flatware - Large Set

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver

Ronald Hayes Pearson "Vision" Modernist Sterling Silver Flatware 154 Pieces

Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver

20 Piece Set of Ronald Pearson "Vision" International Sterling Flatware

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Vision International Sterling Flatware Set by Ronald Pearson for 12-75 Pieces

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Collectible Jewelry

Ronald Hayes Pearson Modernist Sterling Pendant

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Collectible Jewelry

Ronald Hayes Pearson Sterling and Carnelian Brooch

Vintage 1960s American Dangle Earrings

Ronald Pearson Sterling Silver Modernist Earrings

Vintage 1960s American Sterling Silver

International Silver Flatware Service "Vision " by Ron Pearson

People Also Browsed

Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Desks

Large French Neoclassical Mahogany Roll-Top Desk

Early 20th Century English French Provincial Farm Tables

Large Oak Farmhouse Table

Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver

Set of 12 Signed Cartier Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver Place Card Holders

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Chinese Tang Sculptures and Carvings

Fine Tang Dynasty Pottery Horse, Oxford TL Tested

Antique Late 19th Century Brazilian Romantic Chaise Longues

Liceu de Artes e Ofícios. 19th Century Daybed

Vintage 1950s Mid-Century Modern Tableware

Italian silverware by Krupp Berndorf, 1950s

Late 20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Pair Large Brass Deer Figurine Sculptures

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Sofas

Phillippe Starck Prive Steel And Leather Sofa

Early 20th Century German Porcelain

Antique KPM Royal Berlin Porcelain Hand-Painted Tureen with Cornucopia & Cherub

2010s Italian Mid-Century Modern Armchairs

Phillippe Starck Prive Steel And Leather Armchair

Vintage 1950s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vases

Royal Copenhagen Porcelain Vase with Lid, 1950s

20th Century European Neoclassical Platters and Serveware

Set of 24 Silver Underplates

Antique 19th Century European Belle Époque Dinner Plates