The Man of Silver has six ways to tell if a piece is Sterling Silver or silver plate

Although Sterling Silver and silver plate pieces both have some value, not all silver pieces are created equal.

Here are six methods to tell if a piece is silver or silver-plated. Although I can use other methods to confirm a piece’s value if needed, the markings provide the most accurate means of determining its value.

1. Markings:  Solid silver items are typically marked with symbols or numbers indicating the purity of the silver. Common marks include “925” (indicating 92.5% silver, the sterling silver standard), “800,” or other numeric codes. They also often include hallmarks which can identify if it is Sterling Silver, Country of Origin, City, and Maker. Silver-plated items may have marks like “EPNS” (Electroplated Nickel Silver), “EPC”, “EP,” “EPNSA,” or “Silver Plate.” These marks indicate that the item is coated with a layer of silver over a base metal.
2. The magnet test: This is the least reliable test to use at home. Sterling Silver is not magnetic, so if a magnet doesn’t attract the piece, it may be solid silver. Silver-plated items are also not usually magnetic. If a magnet sticks to the piece, it contains steel.
3. Weight: Silver plate items tend to be heavier than Sterling Silver ones due to the brass and/or copper. Silver-plated items have a thin layer of silver over a base metal, only about 1% by weight is silver.  Sterling Silver items are 92.5% pure with alloys making up the other 7.5%.
4. Visual Inspection:  Solid silver tends to develop a patina or tarnish over time. Silver-plated items may show wear or tarnish as well, but the base metal may be more apparent, especially in areas of heavy use. They also tend to have a greenish blue hue to them with the tarnishing. 
5.  Rubbing Test: Sterling Silver and Silver Plate both tarnish. I am able to use, if needed testing acid, to see if the item contains copper which will result in an interaction that turns green. 
6. As a last resort, I have the ability to use a special x-ray machine that can analyze and breakdown all of the metals by percentage in an item.

I will visit your home or place of business, use these techniques, and draw on my more than 25 years of experience in the jewelry and precious metals industries to assess any silver, gold, silver-plated, designer watch, or costume jewelry you may own. I’ll work with you to efficiently, clearly explain, and equitably clear your home. In addition to receiving immediate payment, your clutter will be cleared out. You won’t have to go to the post office with your pieces and wait for an anonymous internet company to give you a quote.

Sell your Sterling Silver, silver plate, and more in Chicagoland.

Every day I work with clients in the comfort of their homes, offices, or banks in the counties of Cook, Lake, Kane, McHenry, and DuPage. I also see clients in my office in Lincolnwood, Illinois. The Man of Silver has a family tradition in the Chicago area of serving customer’s needs. My family has helped tens of thousands of happy customers over the past 60 years. I am committed to giving my customers the best price on the silver or silver-plated pieces that they are selling based on the live price. Place your trust in a local company with roots in Chicagoland.