Sterling vs. Silver-Plated: How to Tell (and What It’s Worth)

If you’re sorting through flatware, tea sets, or serving pieces and want to know what you actually have, start with clear identification. The difference between sterling and silver-plated determines how we price—and whether a piece is valued for metal content, brand/design, or a mix of both.

Step 1: Read the Marks (Hallmarks & Stamps)

Look on the back of forks and spoons, under bases, or inside lids/handles.

Common sterling indicators

• “STERLING” (most U.S. pieces)

• “.925” / “925” (92.5% silver)

• “COIN” (older American coin silver, ~90%)

• Country marks plus “925” on many imports

Common silver-plate indicators

• “SILVERPLATE,” “EP,” “EPNS,” “EPBM,” “A1,” “IS”

• Brand name with no sterling/925 anywhere

• “Weighted” followed by “Sterling” usually means sterling outer shell over a non-silver core (e.g., candlesticks). Only the shell is silver.

Not marked? Age, maker, and construction details can hint, but we confirm in-store with professional testing.

Step 2: Confirm with Professional Testing (No Guesswork)

We authenticate metals in view using XRF (X-ray fluorescence)—a non-destructive analyzer that reads the metal’s actual composition. No acid streaks, no surface scratches, no guessing. If an item is plated, XRF shows it; if it’s .925 sterling (or coin silver), XRF confirms it.

At home, a quick magnet check can rule out magnetic base metals, but it cannot prove sterling (clasps/springs can attract). Rely on hallmarks and professional testing for a real answer.

What Affects Value

1) Metal Type & Purity

• Sterling/coin silver pieces carry melt value at minimum.

• Plated items have no precious-metal melt value; select brands/patterns can still have decorative or collectible value.

2) Weight & Composition

• For sterling, we weigh the actual silver content (deducting non-silver parts, felt, cement, weighted bases).

3) Maker, Pattern, and Completeness

• Sets or serving pieces from respected makers (e.g., Gorham, Reed & Barton, International, Wallace, Tiffany & Co., etc.) can bring more—especially with complete place settings or sought-after patterns.

4) Condition

• Dents, deep scratches, or monogram removals affect price. Monograms themselves are not a deal-breaker; some collectors prefer them, some don’t.

How We Price (Transparent & Documented)

For sterling:

1. Confirm purity via XRF

2. Weigh the silver content

3. Apply current market pricing

4. Add premium where maker/pattern/rarity justifies it

For silver-plate:

• We assess brand, age, pattern, completeness, and condition. Some trays, tea sets, and serving pieces have decorative value; others do not.

You receive a clear, written offer. If it makes sense, you get same-day payment. No pressure.

What to Bring

• All pieces together (place settings, serving pieces, loose items)

• Any pattern names, receipts, boxes, or provenance (helpful, not required)

• Leave heavy polishing to us—natural patina is fine and safer for antiques

Local Notes (So You Know What We See)

• Little Rock & North Little Rock: Mixed sterling flatware, tea/coffee services, and estate trays—often partial sets.

• Conway: Smaller household sets and student-moved heirlooms; lots often mixed sterling and plate.

• Greater Nashville (Hermitage & Franklin): More branded sets, monogrammed heirlooms, and decorative serving pieces.

Process and documentation are identical at every store.

Quick Answers

Is “Weighted Sterling” real sterling?
It has a sterling outer shell with a non-silver filler (plaster/metal). We value the silver shell only.

My set says “IS” after the maker. Sterling?
“IS” usually indicates International Silver and is commonly plated unless also stamped “Sterling” or “925.”

Can you price from photos?
We can give a ballpark with clear photos of marks and total piece counts, but the final offer requires in-person testing and weighing.

Do you buy incomplete or damaged sets?
Yes—singles and partials still carry value if sterling. We’ll separate plate from sterling during evaluation.

Ready to Know What You Have?

Walk in with your pieces and a valid ID. We’ll test in view, show the numbers, and make a same-day offer—whether it’s sterling, coin silver, or silver-plated with decorative value.