Silver flatware has been prized by households for centuries, particularly among the wealthy class. This is due to the elegant finish combined with silver’s natural antimicrobial properties, making it a wise investment. However, knowing how to shop and care for silver flatware is paramount to getting the best value for your money.

The Difference Between Silver Plated And Sterling Silver Flatware

Pure silver is very malleable and as such cannot be used for flatware alone. Instead, it is mixed with metals such as copper to provide it with greater durability. The American government has established a standard for silver dinnerware which assists shoppers in ensuring they get the purest silver possible. This standard is 92.5 percent silver with 7.5 percent for other metals. Sterling silver has a shine which is soft and will often display patterns or designs which are intricate. The silver used in it is of the highest purity and as a consequence its value will not decline over time. In fact, in many families flatware made of sterling silver is considered an heirloom which is passed from one generation to the next, akin to jewelry.

Flatware which is silver plated is far less valuable in comparison to sterling. It consists of metals such as zinc, nickel or copper with a thin layer of actual silver. Because this flatware has very low silver content, it is cheaper, but outwardly will resemble sterling. This is why it is so important for buyers to do their research before making a purchase, as unscrupulous merchants may attempt to pass off flatware which is silver plated as being sterling, which it is not. Furthermore, flatware which is silver plated lacks the weight of sterling and the silver plating may disappear over time due to wear.

How To Identify Authentic Sterling Silver Flatware

When evaluating silver flatware shoppers should first identify the hallmark. The hallmark is a type of stamp or seal which is embedded directly into the silver, displaying the name or logo of the manufacturer. The purpose of the hallmark is to guarantee product authenticity as well as quality, and can inform future owners or collectors of its origins. Generally speaking, sterling silver flatware which was produced prior to 1968 will differ in the amount of silver it has, whereas silver flatware manufactured since 1968 should display the word “sterling” along with a serial or identification number and hallmark.

If you are shopping for antique silverware, you might want to hire a professional to perform an acid test. This test should not be done by amateurs or the inexperienced, as it can damage the silver. When done by a professional however, it will confirm whether or not the sterling is genuine. The majority of silver flatware sold today will come in sets consisting of five pieces, such as a spoon for soup, dinner knife, dinner fork, teaspoon and fork for salad. There are also more elaborate pieces such as gravy ladles, fish knives and demitasse spoons.