Question 1

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 2

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 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

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 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 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 18

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 19

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 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

Vintage 1920s German Art Deco Chain Necklaces

Jacob Bengel Machine Age Leaf Pendant Necklace

Antique Mid-19th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes

19th Century Anglo-Indian Large Sadeli Sewing Box with Hidden Writing Slope

Vintage 1950s French Modern Choker Necklaces

Limoges Purple Enamel and Pate de Verre Link Choker Necklace

Early 20th Century French Louis XV Candelabras

Pair of Ravinet d Enfert Louis XV Style Ormolu Candelabra, Early 20th C

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Vanity Items

Antique 9K Rose Gold and Mother of Pearl Button Hook

Vintage 1960s Mexican Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Taxco Mexico Brass and Azurite Malachite Small Hinged Box with Rosewood ca 1960s

Antique 19th Century Indian Anglo Raj Decorative Boxes

19C Anglo Indian Sadeli Mosaic Greeting Card Case

Antique 1810s Italian Wall Mirrors

Antique Italian Giltwood Florentine Mirror 19th Century

Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Sculptures and Carvings

Japan "Red Eye" Garden Rabbits

Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Sculptures and Carvings

Fine Pair of Big Bronze "Red Eye Rabbits" from Old Japan

Early 20th Century English Wall Mirrors

Antique Inlaid Cut Brass Boulle Wall Mirror c.1900

Vintage 1980s French Floor Mirrors and Full-Length Mirrors

Decorative French Carved Giltwood Mirror

Antique Late 19th Century Indian Anglo Raj Decorative Boxes

19C Anglo Indian Highly Carved Padouk and Mosaic Folio Cover

Antique 1880s Japanese Aesthetic Movement Brooches

Antique Shakudo Brooch with Image of Mount Fugi, circa 1880

Early 20th Century Russian Artisan Figurines and Sculptures

Fine Antique Pink Quartz Monkey Miniature - Collectible Gemstone Art

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Jean Després Onyx and Gold "Machine Age" Ring Circa 1930-50

Antique 1820s Portuguese Neoclassical More Rings

C1820, 18K Portuguese Diamond Snake Ring

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Wrist Watches

Hamilton Yellow Gold Filled Art Deco Watch circa 1940 with Original Buckle

Early 20th Century Russian Russian Empire Figurines and Sculptures

Carved Fluorite Kitten Figurine

Antique 1850s Italian Wall Mirrors

Antique Florentine Giltwood Mirror 19th Century 137x94cm

20th Century Animal Sculptures

Pair of Large Bronze Stags on Marble after Jules Moigniez

Vintage 1980s Italian Rococo Floor Mirrors and Full-Length Mirrors

Stunning Italian Rococo Giltwood Decorative Mirror

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Aesthetic Movement Brooches

Shakudo Lobster Shrimp Brooch Pin Japan Antique Victorian, 1870

Antique Early 1900s Italian Floor Mirrors and Full-Length Mirrors

Antique Elaborate Gilded Hand Carved Florentine Mirror, circa 1900

Vintage 1980s Animal Sculptures

Vintage Pair of Large Bronze Stag Statuettes After Moigniez

Vintage 1980s Animal Sculptures

Vintage Pair of Large Bronze Stag Statuettes After Moigniez 20th C

Vintage 1980s French Animal Sculptures

Pair of Bronze Stag Statuettes After Moigniez

Vintage 1970s Animal Sculptures

Pair of Large Bronze Stag Statuettes after Moigniez

Antique Late 18th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Decorative Boxes

18C Anglo Indian Sadeli Mosaic Sarcophagus Sewing Box

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Aesthetic Movement Pendant Necklaces

Rare Shakudo Bunny Rabbit Pendant Necklace Japan Antique Victorian, circa 1870

Antique 19th Century Brooches

Antiquate Ruby Emerald and Diamond Yellow Gold Dragonfly Brooch

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Aesthetic Movement Pendant Necklaces

Rare Shakudo Bunny Rabbit Flower Pendant Necklace Japan Antique Victorian, 1870

Antique 17th Century Spanish Pendant Necklaces

22-Karat Spain 2 Escudos Treasure Coin Bezel in 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant

Antique 17th Century Spanish Pendant Necklaces

22-Karat Spain 2 Escudos Treasure Coin Bezel in 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant

Vintage 1970s American Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes

Lee Rohde Jewelry Box Rosewood, 1973

Early 20th Century European Art Deco Brooches

Art Deco 1930 s Diamond Pearl 18 Karat Gold Platinum Brooch

Antique 1860s French Wall Mirrors

Antique French Giltwood Rococo Cartouche Shape Mirror, circa 1860

Antique 1860s Scottish High Victorian Sofas

Exhibition Quality Wylie Lochhead 1860 Glasgow Chesterfield Brown Leather Sofa

20th Century Artisan Wrist Watches

Bvlgari Tubogas Midsize Watch, Black Dial, Quartz, BB30 GSCD

20th Century Italian Modern Fashion Rings

Achille Vertunni
Market in Cairo by Achille Vertunni, Circa 1875