Question 1

What is the difference between silver and antique silver?

Accepted Answer

The difference between silver and antique silver is age. Items of any age made of silver or a silver alloy may be called silver. The term antique silver refers to silver pieces that are at least 100 years old. On 1stDibs, shop a range of antique, vintage and modern silver tableware and decorative objects.

Question 2

Is Taxco silver real silver?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Taxco silver is real silver. Pieces bearing the Taxco mark come from silversmith workshops located in Taxco, Mexico. The region has been known as a major center for silver production since the 1920s. Find a diverse assortment of Taxco silver jewelry, tableware and decorative objects on 1stDibs.

Question 3

Is Gorham silver real silver?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Gorham silver is real silver, however, the silver content changes depending on the item. Some Gorham items are sterling silver, which isn’t pure silver, but a mix of mostly silver and a small amount of another alloy, likely copper. Some other Gorham items are silver-plated. Shop a collection of Gorham silver jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 4

Is Russian silver real silver?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Russian silver is real silver, but it gets a little confusing because they do not have the same sterling silver standards that Europe, Australia, Canada, the United States and other countries associated with the British Commonwealth have. Russian silver is roughly 94.79% pure silver and the rest is copper or other alloys. The British Commonwealth silver standard uses 92.5% pure silver and the rest is copper or other alloys. Shop a collection of authentic Russian silver from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.

Question 5

Is electroplated silver real silver?

Accepted Answer

Yes, electroplated silver is real silver. However, it is not solid silver. Electroplating is the process of coating a base metal with a thin layer of precious metal. In the case of electroplated silver, sterling or pure silver may be used as the precious metal. Due to the manufacturing process, an electroplated piece will consist primarily of another type of metal, such as nickel. Shop a large selection of silver wares on 1stDibs.

Question 6

Is Wallace silver real silver?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some Wallace silver is real silver. In 1875, Wallace introduced its line of sterling silver flatware, which was 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% alloy metals. The silversmith is perhaps best known for its ornate sterling patterns from the 1930s and ’40s. Among these were Wallace Rose Point, Sir Christopher, Stradivari, Grand Baroque and Romance of the Sea. It's important to note that silverware produced by Wallace prior to 1875 usually isn't real silver. Before the release of the Wallace sterling range, the company primarily manufactured pieces made with German silver, a copper-nickel alloy that contains no real silver. Shop a selection of Wallace silver wares on 1stDibs.

Question 7

Is argent silver real silver?

Accepted Answer

Yes, argent silver is real silver. Also called argentium silver, it is an alloy that consists of 93.5% to 96% silver, depending on the manufacturer's formula. Instead of being mixed entirely with copper, the pure silver in argentium silver is usually combined with a blend of copper and germanium, giving the metal improved heat and stain resistance. On 1stDibs, explore a wide range of silver jewelry, tableware and decorative objects.

Question 8

Is antique silver real silver?

Accepted Answer

Whether or not antique silver is real depends on the piece. Sometimes, manufacturers simply call a gray-silver finish antique silver. In these cases, the item is usually not real silver. It is possible for antique silver to be pure silver, sterling or silver plated. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of silver decorative objects and jewelry.

Question 9

Is Poole Silver real silver?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Poole Silver is real silver. However, the American silversmith didn't produce all of its pieces out of solid silver. Poole developed an electro-plating technique that allowed a thin, durable layer of silver to be applied over sturdy base metals. On 1stDibs, find a range of Poole Silver Co. silver wares.

Question 10

Is Thai silver sterling silver?

Accepted Answer

Most thai silver has more pure silver in it than standard sterling silver. Most sterling silver is 92.5% silver with another alloy, typically copper, making up the rest of the metal. Thai silver often falls in the range of 97.5-99% pure silver, so a significantly higher percentage of it is pure silver, making it softer and less likely to tarnish. On 1stDibs, find vintage and contemporary silver jewelry from top sellers around the world.

Question 11

Is Godinger silver real silver?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Godinger silver is real silver. The American luxury brand produces tableware, decorative objects and giftware out of silver plate. As a result, their silver items have a base metal to which a layer of genuine silver is applied. They are not usually solid silver. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of Godinger silver wares.

Question 12

Is silver cutlery real silver?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the make and model whether or not silver cutlery contains real silver. Some flatware contains a percentage of sterling silver, however, not all silvertone flatware contains silver. Shop a wide collection of flatware, including silver, on 1stDIbs.

Question 13

Is Leonard silver real silver?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Leonard silver is real silver. However, the Leonard Silver Company electroplated most of its pieces, crafting them from base metal and finishing them with a thin layer of genuine silver. During the 1970s, Towle purchased Leonard Silver and continued to produce silver-plate serving trays and other silver-plated tableware under the brand name through the late 20th century. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of silver wares.

Question 14

Is Sheffield silver real silver?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Sheffield silver is part real silver, part copper. Sheffield manufactured what is known as a Sheffield plate, which is a “double sandwich” form of plating—it has a sheet of silver on each side of a piece of copper. Shop a selection of Sheffield pieces on 1stDibs.

Question 15

How can you tell silver from silver plating?

Accepted Answer

To tell silver from silver plating, try holding a strong magnet near the item. If the magnet is attracted to the piece, it is most likely silver-plated, as solid silver is unlikely to be magnetic. You can also check the hallmarks. Markings that say silver plate, EP, EPNS, EPBM or BP indicate plating. Alternatively, you can have a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer evaluate the piece. Explore a large selection of silver jewelry, tableware and decorative objects on 1stDibs.

Question 16

Is Barbour silver real silver?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Barbour silver is generally real silver. However, not all pieces produced by the brand are solid silver. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the American silversmith produced both solid sterling silver and silverplate tableware, flatware and decorative objects. Silverplate items consist primarily of base metal and have just a thin layer of genuine silver applied as a finish. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Barbour silver wares.

Question 17

Is sterling silver real silver or fake?

Accepted Answer

Sterling silver is real silver, not fake. However, it is not solid silver. A piece of sterling silver usually contains 92.5% pure silver, and the remainder of its content comes from base metals. Sterling silver is a popular material for jewelry because it is durable and resists tarnishing. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of sterling silver jewelry.

Question 18

Is the International Silver Company real silver?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the International Silver Company produced real silver products. The hallmark "IS," however, refers to the brand and does not indicate purity, as International Silver mass produced silverplated flatware and holloware as well as sterling. In order to determine if the piece is real silver, look for the standard marks that indicate purity — the number 92.5 or 925 and the word “sterling” are indicators of sterling quality.

When an object is described as “silver” or “sterling silver,” it means that it contains 92.5% pure silver (the remaining 7.5% consists of copper and/or other alloys). The purity standard was first established in England and later adopted in the United States. The mark on antique British sterling-silver pieces is the lion passant (a lion walking to the left), which signifies a work is 92.5 percent pure sterling; if it’s not there, it is likely silverplate — or not English.

International Silver was a Connecticut conglomerate formed from 17 companies in 1898. It was once the largest manufacturer of silver and silver-plated products in the world.

Find antique International Silver Company serveware, platters and decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.

Question 19

What's the difference between silver and sterling silver?

Accepted Answer

The difference between silver and sterling silver is its composition. Silver is a general term used to describe metal that is rich in or made completely of the element silver. Sterling silver is a specific alloy with 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals like nickel or brass. Fine silver is the term for 99.9% pure silver. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of silver jewelry, watches, tableware and decorative accents.

Question 20

Are sterling-silver spoons solid silver?

Accepted Answer

A sterling silver spoon is mostly fine silver, but not quite solid silver. Sterling silver is an alloyed form of silver, and is 92.5% fine silver and 7.5% copper. You can shop a collection of authentic sterling silver items from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

Silver Were

Antique 18th Century British George III Sterling Silver

Antique 18th Century George III Sterling Silver Wine Goblet by Aldridge Green

Early 2000s English Sterling Silver

Vintage Sterling Silver Photo Frame by Carrs of Sheffield 2001

Antique 1880s American Victorian Tableware

Victorian Silver Plated Figural Napkin Ring (Boy On Ring) . American, Circa 1880

Vintage 1950s British Art Deco Barware

Sterling Silver Cocktail Glasses Set of Six Art Deco Style

Antique 1830s English Regency Sheffield and Silverplate

19th Century English Regency Old Sheffield Silver Plate Samovar

Antique Mid-19th Century Russian Empire Sterling Silver

Antique Russian Niello Silver Cup Beaker by M. Dmitriev 1862 Moscow Views

Antique 1890s Indian Serving Pieces

Antique Indian Silver Peppers by Oomersee Mawjee Sons, circa 1890

Antique Late 19th Century British Georgian More Dining and Entertaining

Late-Victorian antique sterling silver table bell

Mid-20th Century Mexican Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver

Set of 12 Sterling Silver Taxco Mexico Cocktail Sipping or Straw Spoons Pouch

Vintage 1940s Danish Sterling Silver

Georg Jensen Sterling Silver Card Suit Tea Spoons Post 1945 Henning Koppel

Antique 1880s American Victorian Tableware

"Rip Van Winkle s Dog" Silver Plate Victorian Napkin Ring, American, circa 1880s

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Sterling Silver

2 Antique Pair Tiffany Co Sterling Silver Footed Salt Cellar Bone Dishes 3"

Antique 1890s French Louis XVI Centerpieces

Antique Louis XVI Silvered Bronze Surtout de Table with Jardiniere, C. 1890

Antique 1780s English Georgian Serving Pieces

1790s Antique George III Sterling Silver Old English Pattern Serving Spoons

Mid-20th Century Norwegian Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver

Mid-Century J. Tostrup Norway Sterling Silver and Enamel Serving Spoons Dishes

Antique Mid-19th Century English Empire Sheffield and Silverplate

Hawksworth, Eyre Co. Pair of Empire Silver Plated English Candlesticks

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver

Rare Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver Salt Pepper Cellars Signed Allan Adler

Vintage 1970s American Clip-on Earrings

Whimsical Floral Earrings in Crystal

Vintage 1960s French Mid-Century Modern Sheffield and Silverplate

Set of 12 Silver Plated Stylized Dolphin Place Holders Signed by Christofle

Antique 1830s English William IV Sheffield and Silverplate

Antique English Silver Plate Cut Glass Epergne Candelabra Centrepiece 19th C

20th Century American Belle Époque Serving Pieces

Set of Four Sterling Silver Forks with Arabesque Motif by Tiffany Co.

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Sheffield and Silverplate

Alex Clark London Silver Rose Bowl Trophy for Lmbc Cambridge Boat Race 1911

Vintage 1950s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Sterling Silver

Mid Century Set of 12 Demi Tasse Gilt Sterling Silver Spoons by David Andersen

Antique 1880s English Edwardian Sheffield and Silverplate

Antique Edwardian Silver Plated Bottle Holder Henry Wilkinson, 19th Century

Antique Mid-19th Century British George III Sheffield and Silverplate

George III Style Pair of English Round Meat Plate Covers in Silver Plated

Antique 1830s English Sheffield and Silverplate

Antique Pair of Old Sheffield Silver Plated Wine Coasters, 19th Century

Antique 1820s English Regency Sheffield and Silverplate

Antique Pair of Old Sheffield Silver Plate Wine Coasters, 19th Century

Antique 1820s English George III Sheffield and Silverplate

Antique Pair Regency Old Sheffield Silver Plate Candelabra C1820, 19th C

Antique 1880s Ukrainian Neoclassical Serving Pieces

Set of 4 Antique Sterling Silver Russian Kiddish Cups With Kokoshnik Stamp

Early 20th Century English Art Deco Sheffield and Silverplate

Art Deco Silver Plate Tea Spoon Set, Walker Hall, Sheffield

20th Century American Neoclassical Serving Pieces

Set of Three Sterling Silver Small Serving Forks by Tiffany Co.

Antique 1820s English George IV Sheffield and Silverplate

Antique Pair of Old Sheffield Silver Plated Wine Coasters, 19th Century

Antique Early 1900s American Victorian Barware

Figural Frog Toothpick Holder, circa 1900

Vintage 1940s American Rococo Sterling Silver

Botticelli Pattern After-Dinner Coffee Set Sterling FRANK WHITING

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Barware

Ravinet D Enfert, Paris - Fine Quality Art Deco Ice Bucket c.1930

Antique 1790s Wine Coolers

Antique George III Wine Cooler by Matthew Boulton with Robinson Crest 18th C

Antique Early 1900s Austrian Jugendstil Glass

Vase Loetz Silber Iris with Foliage circa 1901 Yellow Green Austrian Jugendstil

Antique Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Sheffield and Silverplate

Beardshaw Co. Sheffield Plate Faux Ivory Fruit Knives and Forks

Antique 1820s English Regency Sheffield and Silverplate

Antique Old Sheffield Plate Regency Wine Cooler, 19th Century

Antique 1820s English Regency Sheffield and Silverplate