The most common type of silver that we buy is Sterling Silver. These are marked somewhere on the item with “Sterling” or “925”. While more rare, we do buy coin silver. Coin silver is strictly made in the United States and is usually marked with “COIN” or “PURE COIN”. Although commonly mistaken as Sterling Silver, we do not buy Silver Plated items. Silver Plated items have an outside layer of Sterling Silver, but have nickel or base metal underneath that layer. To tell whether the item you have is plated, check for the Sterling Silver markings known as hallmarks (often STERLING or .925 .835 etc). Silver Plated is hard and will not bend like Sterling or Coin silver.
We also buy Sterling Silver flatware and serving pieces. Sterling flatware and servings pieces will have the same markings as other Sterling items, with the word “Sterling” stamped into the flatware. This is usually visible on the back of forks and spoons, or the handle of knives. For serving pieces this mark is usually on the base or back of the item. Some common makers of Sterling Silver flatware sets and serving pieces are Gorham, Reed & Barton, Wallace, Towle, Georg Jensen and Tiffany & Co. If the word “STERLING” is not on the flatware, it is most likely silver plated, which has no monetary value and can be donated or given away.
Most Native American jewelry pieces are made of sterling silver and will have the hallmarks shown above. Common pieces we see are squash blossom necklaces, turquoise and red coral rings, concho belts and cuff bracelets. Highly desirable pieces like this will also have the artist’s stamp which usually consists of their initials. Jewelry of this category sells best with its original patina and wear – do not polish these items!
