Silverware sets tend to get passed down for generations. Often, families own silverware and flatware that’s over a century old. While older generations often kept silverware sets as family heirlooms, younger counterparts are typically less interested in keeping them for sentimental value. After all, large sets of silverware and flatware can take up a significant amount of space and require polishing if pieces have become tarnished over the years. And not many people are willing to display or take the time to polish old candelabras or matching salt and pepper shakers along with their great-grandmother’s forks and spoons.

Fortunately, sterling silverware sets can be worth a decent amount of money, making it worth your time to sell that unwanted silverware. The price of any given silverware set can vary wildly due to several factors, including age, number of place settings, purity of the silver, weight, manufacturer, design, as well as the current market price for silver. If you decide to sell a sterling silverware set you no longer wish to keep, the following tips can help attain top dollar:

Determining If the Silverware Is Sterling or Silver Plated

Silverware set pieces are either made from real sterling silver or with different metals and plated with silver. It’s integral to determine whether your flatware is sterling silver, coin silver, German silver, or plated silver before trying to sell it. The easiest way to tell? Look at the hallmarks from the manufacturer on the pieces. Those that are silver plated will be marked with phrases such as “silver plate,” “plated,” “EP” for electroplated, or “EPNS” for electroplated nickel silver. Additionally, if there are simply no markings on the silverware, the pieces are most likely silver plated.

Sterling silver flatware, on the other hand, is typically always marked as such. American-made sterling flatware have the hallmark “sterling” or the shortened “ster.” Silverware from other counties are often marked with “925,” which refers to the 92.5% concentration of silver in sterling silver objects. You may also come across flatware marked with the word “coin,” meaning the pieces are made from melted coins. This flatware is typically about 90% silver.

If you’re having trouble determining whether your silverware is sterling or silver plated, a silversmith can inspect the pieces for you and advise you on the next best course of action. The Jewelers & Loan Co. buys both silver- and silver-plated items!

What Is the Value of Your Sterling Silver Flatware?

Just because flatware is sterling silver doesn’t necessarily mean it’s worth a fortune. There are several factors to account for when gauging sterling silverware value:

Turn to a Trusted Sterling Silver Flatware Buyer

It’s not uncommon for Americans to have silver trays or a number of place settings that have been passed down from generation to generation sitting in storage, collecting dust. Instead of letting these pieces go to waste, they could sell them to a local pawn shop. Many places even take silverware with engravings.

If you’re ready to get your flatware appraised, entrust your set with our reliable silver pawn shop near Boston, MA! Our precious metals specialists will weigh and evaluate your silver and offer you a fair price based on the set’s condition and the market price of silver. To get started, reach out to our team today!