Metal finishing Q&As since 1989
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Identifying Sterling Silver
Q. Hello, I have been reading everyone's questions on this site to see if I can find the answer to my question and I did not. I would like to know that if sterling silver was real wouldn't it have Italy stamped on it as well?
Tamara Whitlockseller - Baldwinsville, New York
2006
First of two simultaneous responses --
A. Hello Tamara,
Italy's silver hallmarking system as I know it is 926, 800, 1000. I don't think the piece has to be stamped "Italy". There are certain Italian manufacturer's hallmarks that are used that would tell you a piece is of Italian origin. Just because sterling is real, it doesn't mean it has to be from Italy.
Process Engineer - Syracuse, New York
2006
Second of two simultaneous responses --
A. No. Sterling Silver is produced all over the world and most sterling made in Italy is marked ".925"
Neil BellRed Sky Plating
Albuquerque, New Mexico
2006
Q. I have a beautiful rose link bracelet it's from the 60's and marked Sterling, does that mean it is Sterling Silver
- Gardner, Massachusetts USA
October 3, 2012
A. Hi Natalie. If it came from a reputable source, so that we can discount counterfeiting, yes, it is sterling, which means it is at least 92.5% pure silver / no more than 7.5% alloying metals. And, yes, although we're seeing only the underside, it looks like it's beautiful.
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
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