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Chanel Haute Couture Runway Fluorite Ring. Spring/Summer 2000
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in New York, NY
massive emerald cut fluorite is mounted into a large sterling silver shank very reminiscent of the work of
Category

Early 2000s French Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Fluorite, Silver, Sterling Silver

LOUIS KUPPENHEIM 1925 Trompe L œil Malachite Enameled Box In .935 Sterling
By Louis Kuppenheim
Located in Miami, FL
mint condition, rare and was carefully crafted in solid .935/.999 silver with high polished finish and
Category

Vintage 1920s German Art Deco Decorative Boxes

Materials

Silver, Enamel

Pair of 18th Century, Louis XV Brass Candlesticks
Located in Pasadena, CA
candlesticks were silvered; only the undersides retain the old silvering. Both sticks are in very good
Category

Antique Mid-18th Century French Baroque More Lighting

Materials

Silver, Brass

Tahitian Pearl Necklace Unique Imperfect Shapes, Baroque Pearls
By Five Star Jewelry
Located in Austin, TX
These baroque Tahitian pearls are white in color and knotted between each with a sterling silver
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Silver, Sterling Silver

19th Century Chilean Huaso Spurs
Located in New Orleans, LA
, or Chilean cowboys, these silvered steel spurs, or espuelas, were given by Chile's ambassador to the
Category

Antique 19th Century Chilean Other Arms, Armor and Weapons

Materials

Steel

WWII Carl Zeiss Kriegsmarine binoculars
By Carl Zeiss
Located in Aspen, CO
silver finish. These binoculars were Primarily Used for Monitoring incoming aircraft and outgoing
Category

Vintage 1940s Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Aluminum

Outstanding Blackened Wood Planter Attributed to C.-G. Diehl, France, Circa 1880
By Emmanuel Fremiet, Jean Brandely, Charles-Guillaume Diehl
Located in PARIS, FR
A blackened wood planter attributed to Diehl, with silvered bronze ornaments, resting on four feet
Category

Antique 1880s French Greek Revival Planters, Cachepots and Jardinières

Materials

Bronze

Antique Victorian Serpentine Scottish Agate Brooch
Located in Stamford, CT
Undulating swirls of agate in mellow colors are cut and polished, then set in silver. Texture and
Category

Antique 1860s Scottish Victorian Brooches

Materials

Agate, Sterling Silver

Frida and Diego with Hat - Black and White Photograph, Portrait, Couple, Artists
By Nickolas Muray
Located in Denton, TX
Archives. Paper size: 14 1/4 x 14 1/4 in. Image size: 12 x 12 in. Gelatin silver print "Muray and Kahlo
Category

20th Century Modern Portrait Photography

Materials

Silver Gelatin

Mid-Century Silverplated Candlesticks by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths
By Tommi Parzinger, Dorlyn Silversmiths
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous pair of silver plated candlesticks were designed by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn
Category

Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Candelabras

Materials

Silver Plate

Antique Ruby, Diamond, Pearl Luckenbooth Heart Crown Circle Brooch, Circa 1910
Located in London, GB
, with the grain set diamonds in silver-upon-gold. American, circa 1910. Luckenbooth brooches are
Category

Vintage 1910s American Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, Silver

Pair of Figural Candelabra by Elkington, Mason Co
By Elkington Mason Co.
Located in London, GB
, depth 20cm This pair of three light figural candelabra is made of silvered-bronze. The candelabra
Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Candelabras

Materials

Silver Plate, Bronze

Victorian Rose Cut Diamond Black Onyx Heart Pendant Necklace Brooch 18K Gold
Located in New York, NY
or Brooch in Silver atop 18 Karat Yellow Gold. The romantic and elegant Victorian jewel has a Black
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antonio Pineda Sterling and Rectangle Onyx Cufflinks, circa 1950
By Antoñio Pineda
Located in Baltimore, MD
Our avant-garde silver cufflinks were set by hand with onyx and silver and with their classic
Category

Vintage 1950s Mexican Modernist Cufflinks

Materials

Onyx, Sterling Silver

Trifari AlfredPhilippe 1948-1954 RhodiumPlated Tassel Chain FrenchClip Earrings
By Alfred Philippe for Trifari
Located in Chicago, IL
These mid-century platinum-like silver tassel chain drop earrings were designed by Trifari artistic
Category

Mid-20th Century American Art Deco Drop Earrings

Materials

Rhodium, Silver, Base Metal

Neo-Greek Cigar Cellarette, C.G. Diehl, E. Frémiet J. Brandely, Circa 1867
By Emmanuel Fremiet, Charles-Guillaume Diehl, Jean Brandely
Located in PARIS, FR
bronze and silver electroplated brass ornaments, such as the central niche decorated with a winged
Category

Antique 1860s French Greek Revival Tobacco Accessories

Materials

Brass, Bronze

ALFRED DUNHILL Paris 1928 Louis Kuppenheim Enameled Japonisme Box 935 Sterling
By Alfred Dunhill, Louis Kuppenheim
Located in Miami, FL
rectangular shape and crafted in solid .935/.999 silver, with 24kt gilt interiors. It is embellished with a
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Decorative Boxes

Materials

Gold, Silver, Enamel

ArtDeco 5BlackDiamond-FacetedSpinels 6BezelSetCognacDiamonds CastSilver Earrings
Located in Chicago, IL
unsigned mid-century Buccellati-style burnished-silver clip earrings were most likely handcrafted before
Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Spinel, Black Spinel, Brown Diamond, Silver

WWII Carl Zeiss Anti-Aircraft Kriegsmarine binoculars
By Carl Zeiss
Located in Aspen, CO
silver finish. These binoculars were Primarily Used for Monitoring incoming aircraft and outgoing
Category

Vintage 1940s German Other Aviation Objects

Materials

Aluminum

Early 18th Century Large Rare Venetian Valance/Wall Hanging of St. Peter
Located in Doha, QA
hand painted, all over hand crafted with golden and silver threads and symbols of Venetian crowns
Category

Antique Early 18th Century Italian Baroque Tapestries

Materials

Gold, Silver

Val Bertoia Relaxing Spray Sculpture, 2014
By Harry Bertoia, Val Bertoia
Located in New York, NY
wires were silver-melted together at the ends then mounted horizontally on a stainless steel stem and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Steel

Neo-Greek Inkwell by C.G. Diehl, E. Frémiet and J. Brandely, France, Circa 1867
By Emmanuel Fremiet, Charles-Guillaume Diehl, Jean Brandely
Located in PARIS, FR
Signed Diehl à Paris. Wood and silvered copper inkwell. Central drawer ornamented with an
Category

Antique 1860s French Greek Revival Inkwells

Materials

Copper

19C Anglo Indian Bombay MOP Sadeli Mosaic Trinket Box
Located in Dallas, TX
deep greens with silver, pewter, mother of pearl, bone and ebony in geometric patterns. The box case
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Silver

19C Anglo Indian Carved Teak Wood and Sadeli Mosaic Box
Located in Dallas, TX
. This is a really nice example of these type of boxes! It sits on 4 silvered button feet (recently
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Jewelry Boxes

Materials

Silver, Pewter

Pair of "Alesia" Cups by F. Barbedienne and D. Attarge, France, Circa 1878
By Ferdinand Barbedienne, Désiré Attarge
Located in PARIS, FR
Signed Désiré Attarge Fit and F. Barbedienne Paris Pair of silvered bronze cups, chased by Désiré
Category

Antique 1870s French Decorative Bowls

Materials

Bronze

Table Box portrait of Empress Eugenia de Montijo miniature Salimbeni
By Giorgio Salimbeni, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
More than a kilo of sterling silver was needed to create this stunning rectangular tabletop box
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Art Nouveau Decorative Boxes

Materials

Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Val Bertoia Double Vertical Spray Sculpture, Steel Wires with Brass Base, 2014
By Val Bertoia, Harry Bertoia
Located in New York, NY
1950s - 1960s) to make two vertical sprays. The wires were then silvered into a brass cylinder mounted
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Mid-Century Modern Sculptures

Materials

Brass, Stainless Steel

Pair Of 19th Century Victorian Candlesticks
Located in Ongar, GB
A very nice decorative pair of Victorian candle sticks. Originally they were silver plated which
Category

Antique 19th Century British Candlesticks

Materials

Metal

C1840 18K Early Victorian or Late Georgian Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Silver set diamond cluster ring with 18k gold band and a closed locket back which has possibly lost
Category

Antique 1840s English Early Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

14K Gold Signature Mars Warrior Pendant
Located in Venice, CA
tiny size and definition of the bracelet’s original charms, which were cast in silver, and wanted to
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold

Italian Mid-Century Desk Black Lacquer Stainless Steel by STUDIODADA 1970s
Located in Salzburg, AT
bottom of the hinged centre section were lined with silver-grey Alcantara. The segmented arch at the
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables

Materials

Stainless Steel

14K Gold Signature Achilles Warrior Pendant
Located in Venice, CA
the tiny size and definition of the original charms, which were cast in silver, and wanted to recreate
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold

Antique Italian Giltwood Florentine Over Mantle Mirror 19th Century
Located in London, GB
antiquity, mirrors were made of solid metal (bronze, later silver) and were too expensive for widespread use
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Italian Mantel Mirrors and Fireplace Mirrors

Materials

Mirror, Giltwood

Dominique pair of French Modernist Art Deco club chairs with footstool
By Dominique
Located in Philadelphia, PA
handles and silvered bronze plaques were produced by Puiforcat.Beginning with the Salon d'Automne in 1922
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Club Chairs

Materials

Chrome

Signature Victorian Inspired 14k Gold Paper Clip Link Chain
Located in Venice, CA
When we came across a fabulous Victorian era watch chain in silver, we fell in love with its
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Chain Necklaces

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

An Antique French 19th Century Bronze Warwick Urn
Located in London, GB
nineteenth-century eye: numerous examples in silver and bronze were made, and porcelain versions by
Category

Antique 19th Century French Classical Roman Urns

Materials

Bronze

Pentti Sarpaneva candlestick Pitsi, Turun Hopean, bronze, Finland, 1960s
By Pentti Sarpaneva, Turun Hopea
Located in Forserum, SE
first with Kalevala Koru and later with Turun Hopea Oy. While some of his designs were cast in silver or
Category

Vintage 1960s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Candlesticks

Materials

Bronze

Hancocks 4.16ct Old Mine Cushion Cut Georgian Revival Diamond Earrings
By Hancocks
Located in London, GB
, these settings were crafted in silver and backed with gold for strength and durability and often
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Drop Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique English George III Giltwood Chippendale Mirror 18th Century
Located in London, GB
classical antiquity, mirrors were made of solid metal (bronze, later silver) and were too expensive for
Category

Antique 18th Century English Chippendale Wall Mirrors

Materials

Gesso, Giltwood

Art Nouveau Bronze Paper Knife Page Turner With Female Bust By Alexandre Caron
By A. Caron
Located in Norwich, GB
mythological or symbolic and small in size, were made up of various precious materials including silver, gold
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Letter Openers

Materials

Bronze

Hancocks 4.90ct Georgian Revival Diamond Line Bracelet
By Hancocks
Located in London, GB
, these settings were crafted in silver and backed with gold for strength and durability and often
Category

2010s British Link Bracelets

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Fourteen Karat White Gold Contemporary Earrings by Artist with Rose Onyx
By Polya Medvedeva Jewellery
Located in Berlin, DE
originally designed as table sculptures made of smoky quartz, silver, and gold, which were later modified
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Quartz, Onyx, White Gold, 14k Gold

Limoges Black Gray Enamel and Pate de Verre Link Choker Necklace
Located in Atlanta, GA
silver-foiled or gild-foiled, then decorated with clear enamel and topped with colored fused glass
Category

Vintage 1950s French Modern Choker Necklaces

Materials

Brass, Copper, Enamel

Pair of 1970s Resin Wall Lamps with Botanical and Butterfly Inclusions
Located in Antwerp, BE
—frozen in a glowing block of light. Subtle strands of silver-toned wire were added during casting
Category

Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Wall Lights and Sconces

Materials

Resin

3 Agate Boxes With Gilt Pomponne Mounts, Antique, 19th Century
Located in Cotignac, FR
to imitate gold or silver. Louis XVI granted them a manufacturing privilege in 1785, although until
Category

19th Century More Art

Materials

Brass

Agate Box With Gilt Pomponne Mounts, Antique, 19th Century
Located in Cotignac, FR
to imitate gold or silver. Louis XVI granted them a manufacturing privilege in 1785, although until
Category

19th Century Other Art Style More Art

Materials

Brass

Agate Box Antique 19th Century Oval With Gilt Pomponne Mounts.
Located in Cotignac, FR
gold or silver. Louis XVI granted them a manufacturing privilege in 1785, although until then, all
Category

19th Century Other Art Style More Art

Materials

Brass

Agate Box Antique 19th Century With Gilt Pomponne Mounts
Located in Cotignac, FR
gold or silver. Louis XVI granted them a manufacturing privilege in 1785, although until then, all
Category

19th Century More Art

Materials

Brass

Animalier Gilt Bronze Study entitled "Seated Alsatian" by Louis Riché
By Louis Riché
Located in London, GB
sculptures of lions were cast in silver by Risler et Carré.
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Animal Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Dragon Foo Dog Shakudo Earrings Samurai Warrior Japan 14 Karat Gold Victorian
Located in New York, NY
Gold, Silver and Bronze. The earring hooks are 14 Karat Gold. The Shakudo pieces originated in the
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Aesthetic Movement Dangle Earrings

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Mixed Metal, Shakudo

Decorative Ornate Florentine Giltwood Mirror 190 x 150 cm
Located in London, GB
volcanic glass. In classical antiquity, mirrors were made of solid metal (bronze, later silver) and were
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Wall Mirrors

Materials

Mirror, Giltwood

Art Nouveau WMF Copper Wall Plate with Floral Relief, Germany circa 1900
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
nature-inspired motifs with functionality. WMF pieces, often crafted in silver-plated pewter or brass
Category

Antique Early 1900s German Arts and Crafts Decorative Art

Materials

Metal, Copper

Yellow Gold Art Deco Style Earrings by Artist Light Blue Chalcedony
By Polya Medvedeva Jewellery
Located in Berlin, DE
quartz, silver, and gold, which were later modified into jewelry. The pair is also available in other
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Art Deco Dangle Earrings

Materials

Chalcedony, Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold

Limoges Green Enamel and Pate de Verre Link Bracelet
Located in Atlanta, GA
create jewelry. Copper pieces were silver-foiled or gild-foiled and then decorated with clear enamel and
Category

Vintage 1960s French Art Deco Link Bracelets

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Pair of 19th Century Original Pier Parcel gilt long mirrors
Located in Southall, GB
plate. These plates were often hand-silvered and may have a unique patina or slight imperfections that
Category

Antique 19th Century English Floor Mirrors and Full-Length Mirrors

Materials

Giltwood

Antique French Burr Walnut Parcel Gilt Mirror 19th Century
Located in London, GB
(bronze, later silver) and were too expensive for widespread use by common people; they were also prone to
Category

Antique 1880s French More Mirrors

Materials

Mirror, Walnut

Antique Oval Florentine Giltwood Mirror 19th Century 120x92cm
Located in London, GB
(bronze, later silver) and were too expensive for widespread use by common people; they were also prone to
Category

Antique 1880s Italian Wall Mirrors

Materials

Giltwood

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Silver Were For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact silver were you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Find modern versions now, or shop for modern creations for a more modern example of these cherished works. You’re likely to find the perfect silver were among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 18th Century as well as those made as recently as the 21st Century. When looking for the right silver were for your space, you can search on 1stDibs by color — popular works were created in bold and neutral palettes with elements of gray, black, brown and silver. Creating a silver were has been a part of the legacy of many artists, but those crafted by James Lewin, Daniel Pollera, Jack Mitchell, Terry O'Neill and Lisa Toboz are consistently popular. Artworks like these — often created in silver gelatin print, paper and photographic paper — can elevate any room of your home.

How Much is a Silver Were?

The price for an artwork of this kind can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — a silver were in our inventory may begin at $20 and can go as high as $1,196,500, while the average can fetch as much as $1,945.
Questions About Silver Were
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    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 worlds top boutiques on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 29, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 15, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 29, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 10, 2024
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
    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.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    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 worlds top dealers on 1stDibs.