You may have heard the saying, “All that glitters is not gold.” from Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice. We also know that all that sparkles is not silver. What is the difference between Sterling and Silverplate? These terms mean very different things and not knowing the difference can prove costly.
Sterling will be marked. In America, items marked sterling must contain a minimum of 925 parts silver for every 1000 parts of material. Expressed another way, items must be 92.5 percent silver and no more than 7.5 percent base metal. This ratio is called the "sterling standard" and has been used in the US since the mid-1860s.
Online Encyclopedia of Silver Marks, Hallmarks & Maker's Marks, is a wonderful research site documenting silver hallmarks. If you have seen the price of a Sterling tea service or set of flatware, these can easily run into thousands of dollars. We have weighted Sterling silver candlesticks.
This means base (non-valuable) materials have been added to increase the weight of the item. Please check out the Sterling Jewelry listed as well.
What is a person to do? Silverplate may be your option. Silverplate is the process of bonding an extremely thin layer (measured in microns) of silver to a base metal; most commonly used are copper, brass, white metal, or nickel. This layer of silver is so thin and nearly impossible to recover from the item. Silverplated flatware and hollowware are very available. http://www.sterlingflatwarefashions.com A Comprehensive Guide to American Sterling Silver Flatware will help you in your research in their Silverplate Marks Icon on the right of their home page.
These Silverplated items are well made and affordable. Ask questions and follow your heart. Our beautiful Camille Tea Service is made by a very reputable company International Silver.
There is also a wonderful Water Pitcher by WM Rogers included.
With proper care these pieces will be ready to hand down through your family for generations.
Happy Bidding,
Liz
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