How can you tell if something is sterling silver or not?
Look for a Stamp/ Hallmark Look for a stamp with the symbols “Ster,” “925” or “Sterling Silver.” The 925 hallmark is the most crucial tip to determine if any piece you wish to buy is made of genuine sterling silver.
How to tell if sterling silver is in good condition?
Era: English silver is often listed by the era it was produced in. This includes words like Colonial, Victorian, Edwardian, and Modern. Always ask the seller for a picture of the hallmarks, if one is not shown on the listing. Ask questions about the condition. eBay sellers are notorious for giving very few details in their descriptions sometimes.
How are sterling silver hallmarks assayed for quality?
Each item is assayed (tested) for quality, then marked with a series of 4 – 5 symbols, each in a cartouche of the same shape. The shape is used with letters to help date the item. The hallmarks will tell you if the item is sterling silver, what town it was assayed in, the date of assay and the maker’s initials.
What does the maker’s mark on sterling silver mean?
There are guide books that can help you identify the date mark on most older pieces of sterling silver. The maker’s mark is a series of initials representing the name of the silversmith or company. They are set into a cartouche, usually the same as the other marks, but not always.
What kind of purity does sterling silver have?
In order for a silver to be classified as sterling silver, it must meet at least a 92.5 purity, AKA 925. So, as you can see: 925 silver is sterling silver. Conversely, metals that contain less than 92.5 percent silver are not sterling silver, which is important to keep in mind when buying sterling silver. How to Identify Sterling Silver
How can you tell if something is sterling or silver?
If you are looking at jewelry, check the clasp. You should see one of the following markings or something similar: “9.25,” “925/1000,” “Sterling,” “S/S” or “Sterling 9.25.” If you do not see any of these markings, it’s highly unlikely the item is genuine silver. If you do not see the sterling marking, the item is probably silver-plated.
How to tell if something is silver and not Silverplate?
To compensate for its malleability, silver is often mixed with other metals. For an item to qualify as genuine silver, it must be 92.5 % pure. Most sterling silver is composed of 7.5 % other metal, typically copper. Jewelry or other substances composed primarily of other metals and coated with only a thin layer of silver are called silverplated.
What does the 925 mark on sterling silver mean?
Old time Scandinavian silversmiths used a lower content silver alloy to make their items, that is what the 830 means. Standard Sterling Silver has a 92.5 percent silver content with 7.5 percent of another metal added to it to strengthen the piece. Therefore, the most common mark for sterling silver is 925.
How is sterling silver marked in the UK?
The United Kingdom, France, and the United States of America each have a distinct marking system. American sterling silver is marked with one of the following hallmarks: “925,” “.925,” or “S925.” the 925 indicates that the piece contains 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals. Sterling silver items made in the UK contain a stamp of a lion.
