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How can you tell if something is sterling silver?

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How can you tell if something is sterling silver?
To tell if something is sterling silver, first search it for purity marks. Makers often indicate sterling silver with hallmarks like “925,” "STER" or "STERLING," but some pieces may feature alternate hallmarks. Researching the markings on your piece using trusted online resources can help you identify its materials. When in doubt, seek the opinion of a certified appraiser or other knowledgeable expert. On 1stDibs, shop a wide range of sterling silver jewelry, tableware and decorative objects.
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 9, 2024
Vintage Signed Cartier Sterling Silver Mid-Century Picture or Photo Frame
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage signed silver picture or photo frame. By Cartier. In sterling silver. With a robust easel back stand. Marked to the base. Simply an wonderful frame from Cartier! ...
Category

20th Century Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Sterling Silver

Large Signed Cartier Sterling Silver Mid-Century Photo / Picture Frame
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Mid-Century photo or picture frame. By Cartier. In sterling silver. With a robust easel back stand. Marked Cartier / Sterling / 53 / Hand Made Sight Height: ca. 9 7/8 in...
Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Picture Frames

Materials

Sterling Silver

Art Nouveau Art Glass Perfume Bottle with a Pierced Sterling Overlay
Located in Louisville, KY
You walk into your bedroom, it's 1895. As you approach your well appointed vanity, you see it and smile. How could anyone miss this stunning piece of art in glass and sterling, captu...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Art Nouveau Bottles

Materials

Sterling Silver

Vintage Tiffany Co. Sterling Silver Figural Chicken or Hen Hinged Box
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage signed silver trinket box or pillbox. By Tiffany & Co. In sterling silver. In the form of a sitting hen. The chicken has a hinge to its tail and opens up with applied pressure to the chest. Marked to the base. Simply a wonderful Tiffany trinket box...
Category

20th Century Italian Decorative Boxes

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique Swiss Miniature Silver Gilt Enamel Art Nouveau Carriage Clock 1910
Located in Portland, OR
A fine antique Swiss silver gilt & guilloched enamel miniature carriage clock, retailed by Birks of Montreal, Circa 1910, just fully cleaned & overhaul by a professional clocksmith. The clock having a silver gilt case with guilloched enamel decoration, the rare & unusual decoration inspired by the architecture of the Alhambra and Moorish Spain, in the form of long mihrab shaped windows punctuated with circular white enameled 'jewels'. The base with a frieze of silver gilt spheres and the clock is raised on a striated agate base. The white enameled dial having black Arabic numerals & gold hands and is signed "Birks", for the famous Montreal retailer who sold luxury jewelery & timepieces. The clock having a seven day 15 jeweled lever mechanism, the clock is identical to others made for Cartier in Geneva and had been marked with "Birks" name as they were the retailers of this clock. The clock is stamped to the rear "Sterling" & "Argent" & 0.935, Geneva assay mark '935'. The clock was most likely designed by Maurice Coüet who designed clocks for both Cartier & The Geneva Clock Co. The clock is stamped with the "JTC" mark in a cartouche. Condition is excellent, the clock has been just been professionally cleaned & overhauled and works perfectly, key is present. A very elegant & rare antique miniature clock...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Art Nouveau Carriage Clocks and Travel Clocks

Materials

Agate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Pill Box Silver Sterling Enamel Blue shades Art Deco-style engraving Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Round pill box in 925/1000 sterling silver gold-plated with Art Deco-style engraving, early 1900s, with translucent fired enamels in various shades. Diameter 4 cm, height 1.3 cm. Wei...
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Art Deco Decorative Boxes

Materials

Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

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