How can you tell the difference between silver and sterling silver plate?
Asked by: Ms. Nyah Brown | Last update: April 2, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (47 votes)
How to tell silver plated vs sterling silver?
Often silver plated stuff will show copper colored layers when worn, whereas sterling is more consistent in tone. Sterling silver has a more pewter like dull whiteish glow, where silver plated will usually be much more reflective and shiny (sort of like a new quarter).
Will a magnet stick to a silver plate?
Magnet test.
If the magnet sticks to it, then it's steel. It might be silver plated on the outside, but solid silver is not magnetic. If it sticks to a magnet then it is not silver. Of course, if it doesn't stick, that doesn't necessarily mean that it's silver, but it's one quick way to discount it.
Is silver plated worth any money?
Yes, some silver-plated items are worth something. Since silver plating features only a small amount of precious metal, the material itself doesn't have much value. However, silver-plated tableware, serveware and decorative objects may appeal to collectors based on their age and maker.
Does a silver plate have markings?
Silver plate items can be made from any base metal and then coated with a thin layer of pure silver. Silver plate items don't have to be marked. If a piece doesn't have a mark to indicate its silver content, it probably is silver-plated.
An Antiques expert reveals how to tell silver from silver plate. The difference in value is huge.
How do you test for silver plate?
The Flake Test
Some items may be silver-plated, meaning they are covered with a layer of real silver. Does the item have flakes that reveal a different metal underneath? Can you scratch it with your fingernail and see another material below it? If so, the item is plated with silver but is not sterling silver.
Does all silverware leave marks on plates?
It is possible that your cutlery can leave metal marks on your dinner plates. This happens if the plates you are using have harder glaze than the cutlery you are using. Also, using low-quality dinnerware or silverware might deposit grey or silver lines on plates overtime.
Do pawn shops buy silver-plated?
Pawn shops will typically not buy silverplated flatware, but silver dealers such as Replacements will. You can also get a price list from their website. Private party sales are also an option for you.
How to tell if something is silver without markings?
3 - Bleach test
Silver tarnishes quickly, turning black, when in contact with bleach. A small spot of bleach can therefore be used to identify silver. The tarnish can easily be polished away, and silver items should leave the cloth slightly blackened by the tarnish being removed.
Is silver-plated worth anything scrap?
For the most part, if you had 100 pounds of silver-plated goods, you might get $100 at a scrap yard because the core material is about a 75/25 copper and nickel alloy similar to a USA nickel. Sterling silver items are in more demand than plated goods.
What is the quick test for silver?
The ice cube test leverages this property by placing an ice cube on the surface of the silver item. If the item is genuine silver, the ice will melt almost immediately, much faster than on other metals or non-metal surfaces.
Is a silver plate heavier than silver?
There are also two other practical ways to check if the item you are examining is pure silver. Firstly, check the weight of the item. Items made from sterling silver are usually much heavier than similar and comparable items, which are plated with silver or other metals.
What does EP mean on silver?
Silver plate can also have markings that look a bit like hallmarks. Look out for the letters EP or EPNS which stand for electro plate or electro plated nickel silver. It may also have the marking A1 or B1 which denote the quality of the silver plate.
What to do with unwanted silver-plated items?
A trained professional specializing in metals or antiquities should be able to identify silver plated items for recycling. You can also take it to a place that specializes in scrap metal recycling to learn more about what you have and what the value may be.
How to test silver at home with toothpaste?
If it rapidly tarnishes and turns black, then the item is real silver. Note that silver-plated items will pass this test. You can easily clean your tarnished silver with toothpaste, baking soda, or silver polish.
What old silverware is worth money?
If it's sterling silver, it's worth quite a bit. If it's silver-plated flatware, it may not be worth much at all. In the past, the majority of silverware was made out of sterling silver. Sterling silver is 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals (usually copper).
How to tell if a silver plate is real?
Use a magnet
See if the metal reacts to a magnet. Precious metals such as silver, gold, and copper are not magnetic. If a magnet is strongly attracted to the metal, it is not pure silver. Plated silver has a metal base of nickel or pewter, which is magnetic.
How to test silver with vinegar?
To test silver with vinegar, mix equal parts of white vinegar and baking soda in a bowl and stir until the baking soda is dissolved. Then, dip a clean cloth or cotton swab into the mixture and apply it to the silver object. If the object is real silver, the mixture will cause a reaction that will bubble and fizz.
Is a silverplate worth any money?
Depending on the silver plated pieces you have, you can expect around twenty five cents to a dollar per pound depending on the piece. Some pieces though can be much more.
How much will a pawn shop pay for silver?
Pawn shops will pay based on a fraction of the silver's value, usually offering around 50% of the item's worth. But keep in mind that these prices can be haggled upward, in a pawn shop setting, as the initial offer is often lower than what they're ready to pay.
How to clean a silver plate?
Line a casserole dish or shallow vessel with aluminum foil (or obtain an aluminum dish). Sprinkle in a generous amount of baking soda. Add the silver pieces, being sure that each piece touches the foil. Pour hot water on top, wait until it cools, and then remove each piece and rub clean with a rag.
Does real silverware turn black?
Why Does Sterling Silver Turn Black? Tarnish occurs when sterling silver reacts with sulphur-containing substances, especially hydrogen sulphide, in the air. Factors that speed up tarnishing: Pollutants: Living in high-pollution areas or coastal regions can cause faster tarnishing.
Does Bar Keepers Friend remove scratches?
A: It may remove minor scratches. For deeper scratches, I would use a fine grain sand paper. Nevertheless,you will definitely want Bar Keepers Friend for regular cleaning/stain removal. I'm shocked at how much I love this stuff.
What does silverware on a plate mean?
To signify that you're finished with a course, place your fork and knife next to each other at either the 6 o'clock position, or with the handles at 4 o'clock and the tines and blade pointed diagonally towards 10 o'clock. Either way, the tines and blade should be pointed into and across the plate.