How can you tell if a silver candle holder is real?

To tell if a silver candle holder is real, find out if a magnet is attracted to it. Solid sterling silver and fine silver aren't magnetic. However, some silver plate candle holders may be. Silver plate is the term for items made of base metal and then finished with a layer of genuine silver. If the magnet sticks to your candle holders, they may be silver plate or constructed out of a different material. If you'd like an expert's assistance with the identification process, consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. Find a variety of candle holders on 1stDibs.