Polishing the silver item is a very good indicator of its authenticity. Rust or a lack of oxidation indicates that the item ...

Your knives, spoons, and forks may be shiny, but looks can be deceiving. Follow these signs, clues, and tips to see if your ...

Look for silver hallmarks to spot costume jewelry Silver is hallmarked similarly. Sterling silver is, in most countries, standardized at 92.5% pure silver.

Duty was imposed on silver and hallmarks were required to identify it as sterling.” In the earliest British sterling silver, the following marks were required: ...

The Online Encyclopedia of Silver Marks, Hallmarks, and Maker's Marks is a great resource for identifying sterling silver and silver-plated jewelry from any era.

Sterling silver with a 925 stamp is 92.5% silver. A 585 gold stamp means 14-karat gold. 750 gold stamp means 18-karat gold.

But the best way to determine age is by the mark. Almost all 19th-century sterling silver was marked. Most pre-1850 silversmiths stamped the maker's name or initials on a piece.

There was a time when most engaged couples would choose tableware that included sterling silver place settings. Some still do; however, many have opted out of this extravagance due to ...