The Difference between silver and silver plate

Sterling Silver and Plated Silver both have a characteristic sheen that can reflect brillianly under both candle light and natural light. both types of silver can be similar weights but sterling silver is considerably more valuable financially than silver plate.

So when one tell whether their silver coloured metal is the real thing?

Well, Sterling silver has several characteristics that distinguishes it from plated silver.

Silver jewelry comes in various forms, including sterling and plated. Sterling has 92.5 percent silver content; plated has a thin layer of silver bonded to a base metal.
Sterling silver is more expensive and retains its value over time because of its high silver content.

How to distinguish between Silver and silver plate

1 Check for sterling markings. These are words or numbers stamped on a item that represent its value. If it is a piece of jewelry, such as a necklace or ring, turn it over. For silverware, look on the handle, and for tea pots, look at the bottom. You should see the number ".925" marked on the piece. You may also see, "925/1000", or just the word "Sterling". Any of these indicate the piece is sterling silver.

2 Check for plated silver markings. These are found in the same places as sterling markings. You may see "EP," "EPNS," "EPC" or "Heavy Plate." These or any other markings other than sterling markings usually indicate an item is silver plated. Sometimes the markings are so small that you will need to use a magnifying glass.

3 Look for markings from other countries. Not all countries mark sterling silver the same way. For instance, some sterling silver items in England have a lion's head engraved, and sterling silver from Norway is marked "830." Research a silver marking guide, such as the "Online Encyclopedia of Silver Marks, Hallmarks and Makers' Marks" "Guide to gold and silver hallmarks"to compare the markings on your item and determine its country of origin.

4 Apply nitric acid to the surface. It will not affect sterling silver, but will turn silver-plated items green. Buy a silver jewelry testing kit; it will likely include a nitric acid-based solution. Find an inconspicuous spot on the item. Lightly scratch the spot with your fingernail or a needle, and apply a small drop of nitric acid.

How to care for silver and keep it clean

From Gold and Silver Hallmarks

Cleaning Silver is a job that requires care and patience especially if you have a collection.

Silver tarnishes because Silver oxidises a similar process to rusting when it is exposed to the air.

So how can you treat your silver so it keeps its shine but doesn't damage through over cleaning.

Silver doesn't really get dirty, because the tarnish you sometimes see on old silver is usually a result of the silver being exposed to air.

The tarnish is actually a layer on top of the silver.

This layer of oxidation can be removed without polishing and scrubbing by simply dipping your silver in this non-toxic electrochemical dip.

A big advantage to using a Silver dip is that the liquid can reach places a polishing cloth cannot.

Some tips that will help you keep your silver looking bright without over cleaning damaging the metal.

Use care when polishing or dipping silver plated items. It is easy to wear away the thin layer of silver and cause more harm than good through overcleaning.

Minimize exposing your silver to substances which contain sulphur. Foods like mayonnaise, eggs, mustard, onions and materials like latex wool contain sulphur that will cause corrosion.

A good way to treat silver is to wear it! Using your silver flatware/holloware or wearing silver jewelry helps to keep it free from tarnish.

Next: How to make a Silver Polish

 Polishing Cloth for Silver, Gold, Brass & Most other Metals, 12"x15" Largest Size

 
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How to date silver from fineness and assay marks

Silver, gold, and platinum have assay and fineness marks stamped on each article. The Fineness mark is a representation of the assayed purity of the metal. The Assay mark defines at which office the metal was checked for its purity.

The Hallmarking Act 1973 changed on 1 January 1999 and allows articles of higher and lower standards of fineness to be sold. This brings UK law into line with European law. Consumers may now choose from a much wider range of goods but to continue to benefit from the same level of protection.

These marks are the Assay Office Marks and the fineness marks. They are stamped on Gold, Silver and Platinum products and represent the UK office where the article was assayed.

assay and finess marks for silver gold and platinum before 1975

Prior to 1975 no mark was given for platinum by the Assay Offices. The fineness marks were stamped in two blocks except for Britannia Silver which had a single stamp. On Gold the carat mark is always stamped.

assay and fineness marks on silver, platinum and gold after 1975

After 1975 the London Assay Office no longer used the Britannia Silver mark. After 1975 all the four UK Assay Offices included Gold, Silver and Platinum in their hallmark.

After 1975 the Fineness marks were simplified to include a new mark for Platinum. Gold always carries a number preceded by a crown. Silver is marked with a single symbol which is either a lion or Britannia.

The imported fineness marks have also changed to reflect the purity of the metal with the mark for carat removed. A new purity mark for Platinum is also stamped on objects after 1975.

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