Vintage silver is having a major moment, but how can you tell whether the pieces you plan to set out on your holiday table are solid sterling silver or simply silver plate? As a silver enthusiast myself, I was curious—so I turned to fellow collector Vianni Lubus, founder of Collected Home by Vianni.
“Vintage silver is one of my favorite things to source and collect,” Vianni says. “Over the past year, I’ve spent countless hours learning about makers, patterns, and all the little clues that tell us what we’re holding.”
Below, Vianni shares her top tips for determining whether that lovely piece from Grandma is more valuable than you might think.
Understanding Silver Versus Silver Plate
First, it’s important to understand the technical difference between sterling silver and silver plate. To qualify as sterling silver, a piece must contain 92.5 percent pure silver. (Because pure silver is too soft to withstand everyday wear, it’s combined with a small amount of other metals to create a more durable alloy.)
Silver plate, on the other hand, describes an item that has a thin layer of silver applied over another base level, most commonly copper, brass, or nickel silver.
“Sterling generally has a much higher intrinsic metal value, but that doesn’t mean silver plate isn’t worth owning or collecting,” Vianni says. “In fact, some of my favorite pieces are silverplated!”
Look for the Markings
“One of the very first things I do when I’m sourcing silver at an estate sale is flip it over,” Vianni says. “The underside is often where the story begins.”
Sterling silver pieces are often marked by the number 925 (a nod to the percentage described above), or the word STERLING.
Silverplate markings are more varied. Vianni recommends looking for EPNS, EPBM, EP or EP Copper; Silverplate, Silver Plated, or Plate; and A1 or AA, which refer to specific material makeups within this category. Brand names to keep an eye out for include Rogers, Oneida, Community, or International Silver, but note that a maker’s name alone doesn’t automatically indicate silverplate. “You have to look at the complete marking,” Vianni reinforces.
Conduct the Magnet Test
If the piece is unmarked, you can use a magnet to determine its contents. Magnets don’t stick to sterling silver because the two most common elements found in the alloy, sterling and copper, aren’t ferromagnetic. Silverplate is composed primarily of elements that are magnetic, so a magnet will stick to silverplate.
Inspect Pieces for Wear
Vianni also notes that wear around a piece’s edges can be telling. “One of the easiest visual clues that a piece is silverplated is when you begin to see another metal showing through,” she says. “On older silverplated trays, bowls, and serving pieces, you might notice a warm coppery or yellowish tone appearing along the edges, handles, or raised decorative details; that’s often where the silver coating has worn thin over time.”
Sterling silver, on the other hand, develops a patina over time but won’t show signs of another metal underneath. “I always remind people that tarnish itself doesn’t tell you whether something is sterling or plated,” Vianni says. “Both tarnish!”