Question 1

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 2

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 3

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 4

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 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

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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

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.

Question 14

Is sterling silverware solid silver?

Accepted Answer

No, sterling silver, no matter what it’s used to make, is not solid silver. In most countries, the sterling standard is 92.5% silver with an additive alloy, usually copper, making up the rest of the sterling silver. Sterling silver is harder than pure silver and much more useful as tableware. Shop a collection of sterling silver from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 15

Is sterling silver a good quality?

Accepted Answer

Sterling silver is a very good quality alloy because the added metals make it very durable, even more so than gold. Because it is also lightweight it can be great for everyday wear.

Question 16

Does Tiffany’s use sterling silver?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Tiffany & Co. uses sterling silver. According to their website, they were one of the first American companies to institute the .925 sterling silver standard in 1851. Sterling silver is a precious metal that may require cleaning to retain its beauty and character for generations. On 1stDibs, find vintage and contemporary Tiffany & Co. silver from top sellers around the world.

Question 17

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.

Question 18

What is the most expensive sterling silver flatware?

Accepted Answer

The most expensive sterling silver flatware is said to be Grand Baroque by Wallace. Sterling silver is a combination of pure silver and copper in a 92.5% and 7.5% ratio. Sterling silver is more valuable because of the silver content. In addition, the age, design, and attractiveness of the silverware may mean its value far exceeds the silver value. Sterling silver flatware with ivory handles is always the most valuable. Find a collection of antique and vintage sterling silver flatware from different creators on 1stDibs today.

Question 19

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 20

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.

Sterling Silver Kitten

21st Century and Contemporary English Sterling Silver

﻿Sterling and Enamel Kittens Pillbox

Antique Early 1900s German Other Sterling Silver

Antique Louis Kuppenheim Silver Cat Kitten Compact Mirror

21st Century and Contemporary English Sterling Silver

Sterling Silver Pillbox

Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Pitchers

Sterling Silver Pitcher Engraved By Shreve & Co.

2010s Italian Art Deco Fashion Rings

925 Sterling Silver Norwegian Forest Cat Kitty Kitten Statement Open Hug Ring

Antique Early 1900s German Boxes and Cases

Antique Sterling and Enamel Cat Case

Vintage 1980s European Brooches

Les Bernard Silver Cross Brooch

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Brooches

Victorian Rose Cut Diamond + Ruby Cat and Wishbone Pin

People Also Browsed

20th Century Italian Art Deco Decorative Boxes

Antique Italian 800 Hand Chased Silver & Ruby Inset Minaudière Vanity Case

20th Century Thai Sculptures and Carvings

Thai Siam Khmer Bronze Gilt Singha Imperial Lion Foo Dog Temple Sculpture

Early 20th Century Nigerian Tribal Tribal Art

Edan Staffs for Ogboni Society, Yoruba People People, Nigeria, 20th century

Vintage 1920s German Bauhaus Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

German 1923 Bauhaus Geometric Enamel And Guilloche Pill Box In .925 Sterling

Antique 19th Century English High Victorian Sterling Silver

19th Century English Sterling Steer Snuff Box, London 1862

Antique 19th Century Austrian Moorish Table Lamps

Cold Painted Antique Viennese Bronze Orientalist Style Lamp by Bergman

Antique 19th Century French Moorish Busts

19th Century Lifesize Bronze Bust of Othello after Gaston Veuvenot Leroux

Antique 19th Century French Islamic Chandeliers and Pendants

Exceptional and Rare Islamic Alhambra Bronze and Enameled Glass Chandelier

Antique Late 19th Century French Animal Sculptures

Late 19th Century Bronze Sculpture: Dog and Turtle Play by Clovis Edmond Masson

Antique Early 1900s American Sterling Silver

Sterling Silver Water Pitcher

Antique Mid-19th Century Ethiopian Tribal Tribal Art

Bronze Currency Bangle/Manilla, Oromo People, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, 19th C.

1920s Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Antique Pair of Russian Wolf Hound/Borzoi Dog Portrait Sculptures circa 1930's, circa 1920's

Mid-20th Century Polish Decorative Boxes

Vintage Polish 800 Silver Vanity Compact, No Mirror, circa 1920-1962

Antique 19th Century Nigerian Tribal Collectible Jewelry

African Bug Bead Necklace, Old Hand-Cast Metal Beads

Antique Late 19th Century French Romantic Decorative Boxes

Antique Hand Painted Box in Pink enamel with Promenade Scene

Antique Mid-19th Century Burkinabe Tribal Tribal Art

Bronze Currency Bracelet/Manilla, Dogon People, Burkina Faso, 19th c. - No 5

Recent Sales

Antique Early 1900s English Edwardian Letter Openers

Antique English Sterling Silver Letter Opener Cat, 1905

Antique Early 1900s German Boxes and Cases

Antique Sterling and Enamel Cat Box

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Sterling Silver

Sterling Silver "Three Little Kittens" Baby Cup

Vintage 1910s German Boxes and Cases

Antique Kitten Enamel Sterling Box

Antique 1870s German Victorian Boxes and Cases

Antique Victorian Ruby Eyed Kitten Silver Purse/Compact

More Ways To Browse

Sterling and Enamel Kittens Pillbox