Question 1

Why is sterling silver called sterling?

Accepted Answer

Opinions differ as to why sterling silver is called sterling. Some scholars believe that the name comes from the term Easterlings, referring to coin makers who relocated from Germany to England in the 12th century. Others say that sterling is a derivation of Starling, the name of the one-penny silver coin in circulation in 1300 when King Edward I issued a decree that all silver articles were to be at least 92.5% pure silver. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of sterling silver jewelry, tableware and decorative objects.

Question 2

Is Thai silver sterling silver?

Accepted Answer

Most thai silver has more pure silver in it than standard sterling silver. Most sterling silver is 92.5% silver with another alloy, typically copper, making up the rest of the metal. Thai silver often falls in the range of 97.5-99% pure silver, so a significantly higher percentage of it is pure silver, making it softer and less likely to tarnish. On 1stDibs, find vintage and contemporary silver jewelry from top sellers around the world.

Question 3

What is sterling silver made of?

Accepted Answer

Sterling silver is made of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% alloy. Depending on the composition, the alloy may be nickel, copper, brass or other metals. On 1stDibs, find a variety of sterling silver jewelry, tableware and decorative objects.

Question 4

Why is sterling silver so cheap?

Accepted Answer

Sterling silver is so cheap because of two main factors. First, it contains just 92.5% pure silver, so the cost of raw materials to produce it is lower than that of other types of silver. Second, the supply of silver is generally greater than that of other precious metals like gold and platinum, leading to lower prices. Explore a collection of sterling silver jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 5

What is bad for sterling silver?

Accepted Answer

The worst substances for sterling silver are chlorine, chlorine bleach, and ammonia, all of which will cause tarnish and accelerate corrosion. You should also avoid household cleaners, rubber, and perspiration. Rinse your sterling silver pieces thoroughly after coming into contact with those substances. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of sterling silver pieces from top sellers worldwide.

Question 6

What is antique sterling silver?

Accepted Answer

Sterling silver is an alloyed form of silver, and is made up of 92.5% fine silver and 7.5% copper. An antique sterling silver item will have the same silver content and will be over 100 years old. Shop a collection of expertly vetted antique sterling silver from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 7

What is a sterling silver Vesta?

Accepted Answer

A Vesta is a type of small case used to carry matches for smoking, while sterling silver is a precious metal made by combining pure silver with an alloy. Therefore, a sterling silver Vesta is one fabricated out of this kind of metal. Find a collection of Vesta containers on 1stDibs.

Question 8

How do I identify sterling silver?

Accepted Answer

To identify sterling silver, look for hallmarks in an inconspicuous area, such as the underside of flatware handles, the bottoms of serveware and the interior or clasp areas of jewelry. Pieces made of sterling silver often feature "925" or ".925" markings. Alternatively, they may feature "Sterling" or "STER" stamps. For assistance determining what type of metal a particular piece is, consult a knowledgeable expert, such as a certified appraiser. Shop a diverse assortment of sterling silver jewelry, flatware, tableware and decorative objects on 1stDibs.

Question 9

What's the difference between silver and sterling silver?

Accepted Answer

The difference between silver and sterling silver is its composition. Silver is a general term used to describe metal that is rich in or made completely of the element silver. Sterling silver is a specific alloy with 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals like nickel or brass. Fine silver is the term for 99.9% pure silver. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of silver jewelry, watches, tableware and decorative accents.

Question 10

Is sterling silver real silver or fake?

Accepted Answer

Sterling silver is real silver, not fake. However, it is not solid silver. A piece of sterling silver usually contains 92.5% pure silver, and the remainder of its content comes from base metals. Sterling silver is a popular material for jewelry because it is durable and resists tarnishing. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of sterling silver jewelry.

Question 11

Are sterling-silver spoons solid silver?

Accepted Answer

A sterling silver spoon is mostly fine silver, but not quite solid silver. Sterling silver is an alloyed form of silver, and is 92.5% fine silver and 7.5% copper. You can shop a collection of authentic sterling silver items from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.

Question 12

Is Wallace Sterling real silver?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Wallace Sterling is real silver. Wallace produced silverware, tableware and decorative objects from sterling silver, which is 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% base metal. The silversmith introduced the Wallace Sterling collection in 1875. During the 1930s and ’40s, Wallace's ornate sterling silver flatware was especially popular. Explore a collection of Wallace Sterling pieces on 1stDibs.

Question 13

Is antique sterling silver valuable?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some antique sterling silver is valuable. Sterling silver of any age has value as a material because it is a precious metal. Some pieces may be worth even more than the going rate for sterling due to their maker, style, type and condition. Some silversmiths whose pieces are often in demand among collectors include Tiffany & Co., Georg Jensen, Gorham Manufacturing Company and Towle. On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of antique sterling silver wares.

Question 14

How do you tell if sterling silver is real?

Accepted Answer

To tell if sterling silver is real, put a magnet close to it. Genuine sterling silver isn't magnetic, so an attraction may indicate one of two things. First, your piece may be made entirely out of a different metal, or, secondly, it may be silver-plated, meaning it is composed of a thin layer of genuine sterling silver over a base metal. For assistance with the identification process, enlist the help of a certified appraiser or experienced jeweler. Shop a large selection of sterling silver jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 15

Is Gorham sterling real silver?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Gorham sterling is real silver. However, sterling silver is not solid silver. Instead, the metal is an alloy formed out of pure silver and another precious metal. You can shop a selection of Gorham decorative objects and serveware on 1stDibs.

Question 16

Can you shower with 925 sterling silver?

Accepted Answer

Although you can shower with 925 sterling silver jewelry on, it is better to remove it prior to bathing. Exposure to water is unlikely to damage the metal, especially if you dry it off promptly after you shower. However, chemicals found in soap, body wash, shampoo, conditioner and other personal care products could react with the precious metal and cause tarnishing. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of sterling silver jewelry.

Question 17

How can I tell if sterling silver is antique?

Accepted Answer

Sterling silver is considered antique if it was made over 100 years ago. Many antique sterling silver items will have a mark or stamp. First, clean the item and check for marks. A “925” mark indicates a silver purity of 92.5 percent, which is the composition of sterling silver. If you don’t see a mark, work with a certified appraiser to acid test the item and determine the silver content. You’ll find expertly vetted antique sterling silver items on 1stDibs.

Question 18

Is Reed and Barton sterling silver?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Reed & Barton pieces are made of sterling silver. The American brand was founded in 1824 and is highly regarded as one of the highest quality silver manufacturers in the world. The brand also makes more affordable silver-plated items too.

Question 19

Is sterling silver OK for earrings?

Accepted Answer

Yes, sterling silver is okay for earrings. In fact, many people love earrings crafted out of the precious metal. Sterling silver has an appealing cool color and noticeable shine. Plus, the metal is durable, so it can resist scratching when worn frequently. Keep in mind that sterling silver earrings will need regular cleaning and polishing to fight tarnishing. Explore a diverse assortment of sterling silver earrings on 1stDibs.

Question 20

Is sterling silver good for earrings?

Accepted Answer

Yes, sterling silver can be good for earrings. Many people appreciate the appearance of sterling silver due to its cool color. In addition, sterling silver resists wear and tear to help earrings stand the test of time. One thing to keep in mind is that silver can tarnish, so you'll likely need to regularly clean and polish your earrings to keep them looking like new. Shop a variety of sterling silver earrings on 1stDibs.

Sterling Silver Cockerels

Antique 1880s British Victorian Decorative Boxes

Victorian Sterling Silver Cockerel Sugar Box (1882)

Antique Early 1900s German Edwardian Sterling Silver

Antique Silver Overmarked Silver Box with a Cockerel and a Hen, London 1902

Antique 1810s German Empire Sterling Silver

Antique Empire Silver Lidded Jug With Cockerel, Germany, Circa 1810

Vintage 1930s German Animal Sculptures

Pair of Sterling Silver Model Fighting Cockerels

Late 20th Century English Gilded Age Figurines and Sculptures

Pair of Israel Freeman & Son Sterling Silver Table Fighting Cockerels/Roosters

Vintage 1970s English Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Edward Barnard Solid Sterling Silver Rooster Cockerel 50 Years Old Hallmarked

Vintage 1960s English Animal Sculptures

Pair of sterling silver fighting cockerels made in London in 1968 by Barnards

20th Century Unknown American Colonial Animal Sculptures

Pair of Antique Solid Silver Cockerels or Roosters in an Attitude of Fighting

Recent Sales

Antique Early 1900s British Sterling Silver

Antique Edwardian Sterling Silver Cockerel Sugar Box

Antique Early 1900s German Edwardian Sterling Silver

Almost Life Sized Antique Sterling Silver Pair Of Cockerels by Berthold Muller

Antique 1880s French Sterling Silver

Antique French Sterling Silver Fighting Cockerel, 19th Century

Antique 1880s German Sterling Silver

Antique Pair German Silver Fighting Cockerels 19th C

20th Century English Animal Sculptures

Sterling Silver Table Fighting Cockerels London 1964 Rooster Model Figures Pair

Early 20th Century Dutch Animal Sculptures

Large Dutch Antique Pair Silver Fighting Cockerels Roosters Models Figures c1900

Antique 19th Century German Figurative Sculptures

Antique German Silver Cockerel / Rooster Model Figure on Base 1899 ‘Import Mark’

Vintage 1920s European Sterling Silver

Vintage Sterling Silver Cockerel Figurine

Vintage 1970s English Sterling Silver

Vintage Sterling Silver Fighting Cockerel Ornaments by Israel Freeman & Son

Vintage 1930s German Sterling Silver

Antique German Sterling Silver Fighting Cockerel Ornaments

Vintage 1970s English Sterling Silver

Sterling Silver Cockerel Cocktail Picks

Vintage 1970s English Barware

Set of Sterling Silver Cockerel Cocktail Sticks

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Barware

Large Sterling Silver and Cut Glass Cockerel Shaker by Hawkes

Vintage 1930s English Georgian Sterling Silver

George V Silver Cockerel Bookmark Retailed by Asprey by Sampson & Mordan, 1930

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Tiffany & Company, George Paulding Farnham, A Rare, Lavish Silver Centerpiece

Antique 18th Century German Rococo Wine Coolers

18th Century Rococo German Painted and Gilt Wine Cooler in the Form of a Swan

Antique 16th Century Indian Jewelry Boxes

16th-Century Indo-Portuguese Colonial Mother-of-pearl Gujarat Casket

Early 20th Century Italian Victorian Sheffield and Silverplate

Pair of Ornate Silver Plated Fighting Rooster or Cockerel Table Sculptures

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Pair of Gold Plated Fighting Cockerel Ornaments, Italy, 1960s

Vintage 1930s Dutch Animal Sculptures

Pair of Silver Roosters

Antique 1890s English Sterling Silver

Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Pig Condiment Set

Vintage 1920s American Dinner Plates

Tiffany Silver Gilt Dessert Service, circa 1910

Antique Late 19th Century Austrian Renaissance Decorative Boxes

Antique Viennese Rock Crystal and Enamelled Silver Toilet Set in Wooden Case

Antique 1840s English Vases

Pair of Wedgwood Borghese Covered Vases, circa 1840

Antique Early 19th Century English George IV Figurative Sculptures

Large George iv Silver Sideboard Dish, Made by Joseph Angell II, 1828

Antique 1890s British Books

Oscar Wilde, the Sphinx, First Edition, 1894, Illustrated by Charles Rickets

20th Century French Neoclassical Vases

Pair of Very Large Malachite and Ormolu Vases

Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Centerpieces

Art Nouveau Silver, Crystal, and Pate De Verre Table Centrepiece by Falize

20th Century Sterling Silver

Tiffany and Co. Sterling Silver 9-Light Candelabra Set Paris Exposition 1900

Sterling Silver Cockerels For Sale on 1stDibs