Is It Sterling Silver or Silver Plate?

One of the first questions we hear is, “Is this actually sterling silver?”

Sterling silver and silver plate can look very similar, especially when pieces have been stored for years. Marks such as STERLING, 925 or 925/1000 usually indicate sterling silver, while other marks may identify silver plate, a manufacturer or a pattern.

Don’t worry if you can’t find or understand the marks. We can examine the pieces and help identify what you have.

Sterling silver has substantial value based on its silver content and weight, but some pieces can be worth more than their silver value because of the maker, pattern, age, rarity or desirability.

That’s why we don’t automatically treat good sterling silver as scrap. We look at what it is before deciding the best way to sell it.

Sterling silver value begins with identification, purity and weight. We examine marks and construction and, when necessary, test pieces to determine whether they are sterling silver, another grade of silver, or silver plate.

But our evaluation doesn’t stop with the silver content. We also look at the maker, pattern, age, condition, rarity and desirability of the piece or set.

A mismatched or damaged sterling spoon may be worth primarily its silver value. A desirable flatware pattern, unusual serving piece or fine piece of hollowware may deserve a completely different approach.

Our job is to determine what you have first—then decide the best way to sell it.

What Kinds of Sterling Silver Do We Buy?

We buy sterling silver flatware, tea and coffee services, hollowware, serving pieces, bowls, trays, candlesticks, jewelry, Southwestern silver, vintage silver and scrap sterling.

Complete sets are welcome, but so are partial sets, mismatched pieces and the odd silver items that accumulate in drawers and boxes over the years.

Don’t worry about identifying the maker or pattern before you come in. Bring the pieces as you found them and we’ll help determine what you have.

What About Sterling Flatware and Holloware?

Some sterling flatware and holloware sells primarily for its silver content. Certain makers, patterns, tea services and unusual pieces can be worth more intact.

We look at the silver content, maker, pattern, condition and current market before recommending how to sell it.

Don’t scrap Grandma’s silver service until you know what it is.

Have Sterling Silver You’d Like Us to Look At?

You don’t need to sort it, polish it, identify the pattern or determine whether it’s sterling before you come in. Bring what you have and we’ll help you determine what it is, what it’s worth and the best way to sell it.