Antiquing: Is Sterling Silver Considered Real Silver?

Weekends spent exploring antique shops and flea markets are my favorite pastime. I’m always on the hunt for a hidden gem, and, recently, silver has become my newest fixation.

From flatware to vases to watches, I come across many beautiful pieces. But a question popped into my mind: Is sterling silver considered real silver? After a little research, here’s what I found.

What Is Sterling Silver?

When I first started collecting, I assumed any silver-colored metal was just that—silver. I quickly learned there’s a big difference between pure silver and sterling silver.

Pure silver is made of 99.9% silver. While it sounds luxurious, it's actually very soft and not practical for everyday items like jewelry or flatware because it bends and scratches easily.

To make the silver more durable, metalworkers mix it with other metals. Sterling silver is an alloy made of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. The blend makes the final product strong, suitable for daily use, and lustrous.

How To Identify Sterling Silver

So, how can a person tell if a tarnished serving tray is actually a sterling silver treasure? Look for hallmarks. These are tiny stamps on the piece that explain the material’s composition. Most sterling silver from the United States will have a “Sterling,” “STER,” or “925” marking.

The “925” stamp means the item is 92.5% pure silver. If you see other markings like “EPNS” (electroplated nickel silver), that means it's silver-plated, not sterling.

I always keep an eye out for these hallmarks. When they’re present, I know I’ve found the real deal!

Take Care of Each Sterling Silver Find

One of the most rewarding parts of antiquing is seeing a piece transform. Sterling silver is considered real silver, and it will tarnish, too. The copper in the alloy reacts with sulfur in the air and forms a dark layer.

With an understanding of the stages of silver tarnishing, it’s simple to bring antique pieces back to life. Polishing removes the discolored surface and reveals the bright, shiny silver underneath.

Seeing an old, forgotten item shine again is why I fell in love with collecting in the first place. It connects me to the past and gives a beautiful object a new story. Remember these notes about sterling silver, and get ready to find some incredible collectables!