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

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 8

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 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

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 11

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 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 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 14

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 15

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 16

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 17

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 18

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 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.

Sterling Silver Corkscrew

Antique 1890s English Victorian Barware

Antique Early 1800s Dutch Sterling Silver

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Cufflinks

2010s French Sterling Silver

Antique 19th Century English Sterling Silver

Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Barware

Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Barware

Early 20th Century American Edwardian Barware

Early 20th Century American Art Nouveau Barware

Antique Late 19th Century American Victorian Barware

Antique Late 19th Century American Victorian Barware

Antique Late 19th Century American Victorian Barware

20th Century Japanese Art Deco Barware

Early 20th Century American Edwardian Barware

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Barware

Early 20th Century American Victorian Barware

Early 20th Century American Edwardian Barware

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Barware

Early 20th Century American Edwardian Barware

Recent Sales

Mid-20th Century English Sterling Silver

Early 20th Century American Sterling Silver

21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Cufflinks

Antique 19th Century American Barware

Vintage 1940s English Art Deco Sterling Silver

21st Century and Contemporary English Sterling Silver

20th Century Barware

Vintage 1930s English Art Deco Barware

Late 20th Century English Modern Sterling Silver

Early 20th Century American Barware

20th Century American Barware

Vintage 1960s English Barware

1990s British Modern More Silver, Flatware and Silverplate

Antique Early 1900s American Sterling Silver

Antique Early 1900s American Edwardian Sterling Silver

Vintage 1930s Sterling Silver

Late 20th Century Italian Post-Modern Barware

Early 20th Century Barware

20th Century Barware

Antique Late 19th Century American Barware

Early 20th Century American Barware

Antique 19th Century French Barware

Early 20th Century Unknown Barware

Early 20th Century North American Barware

Early 20th Century American Barware

Mid-20th Century Danish Barware

Early 20th Century American Barware

Early 20th Century Barware

Antique 19th Century American Barware

Antique 19th Century American Barware

Antique 19th Century American Barware

Antique 19th Century American Barware

Early 20th Century American Barware

Early 20th Century American Barware

Antique Late 19th Century American Barware

Early 20th Century American Edwardian Barware

Antique 19th Century Barware

Antique Late 19th Century American Barware

Antique Late 19th Century American Barware

Early 20th Century German Barware

Antique Late 19th Century American Barware

Antique 19th Century American Barware

Antique 19th Century American Barware

Early 20th Century American Barware

Antique 19th Century American Barware

Early 20th Century American Edwardian Barware

Antique Late 19th Century American Rustic Barware

Antique 19th Century American Folk Art Barware

Antique 19th Century American Barware

Early 20th Century French Decorative Art

Antique 19th Century American Barware

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Barware

Vintage 1930s British Art Deco Barware

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Sterling Silver

Early 2000s Italian Barware