Question 1

Is sterling silver plate worth anything?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some sterling silver plate is worth something. However, the value of silver-plated pieces will usually come from their maker, type, style, age, condition and other factors rather than from their materials. Sterling silver plate actually contains very little silver and is primarily made of a less expensive base metal. To learn how much your item may be worth, consider using the services of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. Find a large collection of silver wares on 1stDibs.

Question 2

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 3

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 4

How can you tell silver from silver plating?

Accepted Answer

To tell silver from silver plating, try holding a strong magnet near the item. If the magnet is attracted to the piece, it is most likely silver-plated, as solid silver is unlikely to be magnetic. You can also check the hallmarks. Markings that say silver plate, EP, EPNS, EPBM or BP indicate plating. Alternatively, you can have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer evaluate the piece. Explore a large selection of silver jewelry, tableware and decorative objects on 1stDibs.

Question 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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 11

What is an antique silver plate?

Accepted Answer

Silver-plating refers to the process of applying a thin layer of silver overtop of a base metal, such as copper, nickel or pewter. An antique silver-plated item would have gone through this same process. Shop a collection of expertly vetted antique silver plate items from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 12

What is the mark for silver-plated?

Accepted Answer

The mark for silver plating varies. In the U.S., the most common markings are EP, EPNS, A1 and B1. A UK silver plate may feature a wide range of markings. You can find pictures of these identifying marks on trusted online resources and use them to determine if a particular piece is silver-plated. Alternatively, a certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer can assist with identification. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of silver wares.

Question 13

What is the hallmark for silver plate?

Accepted Answer

The hallmark for silver plate depends on the manufacturer. Most often, companies do not place hallmarks on silver plate. This differs from sterling silver, which usually bears a 925 mark. In some cases, companies may stamp "plated" or a similar term, but this is uncommon. On 1stDibs, find a range of silver plate serveware and decorative objects.

Question 14

What was silver plate called?

Accepted Answer

The silver plate commonly used during the 18th century is Sheffield plate. It is a combination of silver and copper. By the mid 19th century, most silver plate pieces featured electroplating. Find a collection of Sheffield plate silver ware on 1stDibs.

Question 15

What is Sheffield silver plate?

Accepted Answer

Sheffield silver plate usually refers to electroplated silverware produced in Sheffield, England. Prior to electroplating, Sheffield silver was associated with a particular process of layered construction which consisted of copper and silver. Today, this older form of silver is usually referred to by collectors as “Old Sheffield Silver Plate.” Shop a collection of Sheffield silver from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 16

What is triple-plated silver?

Accepted Answer

Triple-plated silver is silverware manufactured with a certain technique. Specifically, the manufacturer has applied three layers of silver plating to the base metal during the production process to ensure its durability. You will sometimes see triple-plating described as "Treble Plate." Find a large selection of silverware from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 17

What is antique silver plating?

Accepted Answer

Antique silver plating is a thin layer of genuine silver applied over top of a base metal. Depending on the piece, the main metal may be copper, brass or nickel. You'll find a range of antique silver-plated decorative objects on 1stDibs.

Question 18

What is the difference between a silver plate and a Sheffield plate?

Accepted Answer

The difference between a silver plate and a Sheffield plate is that one item is a type of the other. Silverplate, which is sometimes spelled silver-plate or silver plate, is the general name for any silver wares made predominantly of a base metal finished with a thin layer of pure silver.

Developed in the 1700s by Thomas Boulsover in Sheffield, England, Sheffield silverplate is a specific type of silverplate created by fusing silver with copper. This new material felt like silver but was substantially cheaper. It was then used to produce a variety of serveware, candlesticks, buttons, tea sets and more.

Find antique Sheffield silverplate and other silverplate objects for sale on 1stDibs.

Question 19

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 20

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.

Sterling Silver Under Plate

Early 20th Century American Other Sterling Silver

Vintage S. Kirk & Son 925 Sterling Silver Salt Cellar Spoon and Under Plate

21st Century and Contemporary English Modern Dinner Plates

Set of 12 14.5" under plates made by C. J. Vander circa 2000

Antique 19th Century English Early Victorian Flatware and Serving Pieces

19th Century Sterling Silver Butter Dish with Cow Finial

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

Set of 6 Danish Midcentury Sterling Silver & Red Enamel Open Salts

Recent Sales

2010s Japanese Artist Pendant Necklaces

Wolf under the Crescent Moon, Sterling Silver with 18 Karat Gold-Plate

1990s English Modern Dinner Plates

Stunning set of 12 English Sterling Silver Under Plates With Gilt Reed Borders

Vintage 1930s American Sterling Silver

Crystal Urn and Under-Plate with Sterling Rim

Vintage 1940s American Sterling Silver

Sterling Silver Spring Glory Sauce Bowl & Spoon

20th Century American Victorian Serving Bowls

Vintage Towle Silver Plate Punch Bowl Set with under Tray and Twelve Cups

21st Century and Contemporary French Serving Bowls and Tureens

Lapparra Paris Tureen with Cover and under Plate

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Drop Necklaces

CLARISSA BRONFMAN Under The Midnight Sun Sapphire Diamond Symbol Tree Necklace

Mid-20th Century English Sterling Silver

20th Century English Sterling Silver Dessert Bowls W/ Under Plates, Set of Eight

Early 20th Century French Sterling Silver

A rare French silver under-plate by the Maison Cardeilhac.

People Also Browsed

Early 20th Century European Sterling Silver

Niello Silver Wax Seal Stamp and Rectangular Niello and Crystal Scent Bottle

Antique 19th Century Russian Sterling Silver

Fabergé Silver Service

Early 20th Century American Dinnerware and Flatware Sets

Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Coquille Dishes

Mid-20th Century American Victorian Dinner Plates

Set of 12 Gorham Chantilly-Duchess Bread & Butter Plates

20th Century English Tableware

C.J. Vander 994-Piece Silver Flatware Service

21st Century and Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Diamond Necklace Tiara

Early 20th Century American Edwardian Dinner Plates

Set of 12 Watson Navarre Sterling Silver Bread & Butter Plates

Antique Mid-19th Century English High Victorian Taxidermy

Rare Victorian Firescreen with Taxidermy Hummingbirds by Henry Ward

Mid-20th Century American Scandinavian Modern Dinner Plates

Set of 12 Fisher Alexandria Sterling Silver Bread & Butter Plates

Early 20th Century French Belle Époque More Jewelry

Belle Époque Diamond Tiara

Vintage 1960s American Pendant Necklaces

Important Harry Winston Diamond 23 Carat Certified Emerald Pendant Necklace

Antique Mid-19th Century Russian Other Sterling Silver

A 200 Plus Set of 19 Century Imperial Russian Silver Flatware by Andrei Bragin

Vintage 1970s American Modern Sterling Silver

Set of Twelve Tiffany & Co. Sterling Silver Bamboo Pattern Charger/Dinner Plates

Antique Early 1900s American Neoclassical Sterling Silver

Set of 12 Exquisite "Gilded Age" Sterling Silver Tiffany Charger Plates

Vintage 1950s French Retro More Necklaces

The Estee Lauder Van Cleef & Arpels Important Retro Ruby Diamond Necklace

Vintage 1970s Italian Drop Necklaces

Bulgari Rome Elizabeth Taylor Style Colombian Emerald Diamond Necklace Set

Sterling Silver Under Plate For Sale on 1stDibs

How Much is a Sterling Silver Under Plate?

More Ways To Browse