what does this actually mean?

Many people think that sterling silver refers to silver that has a British hallmark. Although this is true in Britain, sterling silver does not have to be British. It can come from any country of origin but should carry a maker’s mark or assay office stamp to guarantee it is authentic.

Sterling silver is the good quality solid silver that we think about when considering silver. It is not pure silver. Pure or fine silver is too soft for most uses – it can wear away and be bent out of shape. Sterling silver keeps it’s shape and is hardwearing for most uses such as jewellery or any kind of object or implement such as the candle sticks that you are considering.

Sterling silver is simply an alloy or mix of 92.5% silver and 7.5% of another metal added to give strength. If too much other metal, called base metal is added, it is not sterling silver. The magic number is 92.5%.
Pure silver contains 99.9% silver.

The reason that sterling silver discolours is because of the base metal included in the alloy. Pure silver, like pure gold does not tarnish but sterling silver tarnishes on contact with air and is a natural process. If the candlesticks are old and have been kept on display, the more tarnished they will be.

You can clean silver if you are careful but it is important not to use anything abrasive that may damage it. Many people like the age patina found on antique silver but it can be ugly if it is too apparent. Keeping your silver in an airtight box is one way of preserving the shine.

Plate silver can look like sterling silver but is not the same. Plate silver is made typically from coating stainless steel or copper with pure silver in a process called electroplating. The silver content of silver plate is minimal so if you are paying for something that you believe to be solid silver and it is plate, it could be an expensive mistake.

Do you have a hallmarks guide?

Hallmarks are the key to valuing silver and gold and if you have ever struggled to identify a hallmark – and let’s face it even experts cannot remember all of them, then you need portable expert information at your fingertips.

Understanding Gold and Silver Hallmarks is a complete guide to British hallmarks and assay marks that can be downloaded straight to your computer, i phone and mobile device for only £2.99

This e book includes all marks from 1678 right up until the present day and also contains a section on international marks.

It is available in PDF format making it suitable for both computer, i phone, i pod touch and almost any mobile device that will read these industry wide standard formats.

No need to learn or memorise the hallmarks, just keep the guide handy and check the details before you buy or sell.

Only £2.99 (digital delivery)

What is sterling silver?