How Do You Identify Old Silver Markings?
Buying and evaluating antiques is a popular hobby. Understanding and identifying what you have found can be the most difficult part of this process. It’s also perhaps the most essential as you seek to ensure quality and authenticity. The sterling silver standard introduced in England in the late 1800s was the first widely used method for marking and evaluating precious metals. Various methods of identification continue in modern times, as all valuable jewelry is now stamped with some sort of mark meant to rate its overall value. Look for marks on the sterling silver items. Check your silver based on the numbers you find. If marked .925, it is likely newer sterling silver. The .950 mark identifies older and slightly better-quality sterling silver, while .835 is a common European silver. The number 800 indicates 80 percent silver and 20 percent alloy. Check to see if there are marks that indicate the origin of the silver. Many regions have specific marks that can be difficult to see or r
