British hallmarks have three marks: a leopard head or an anchor (signifies the city where the item is manufactured), a lion passant (signifies the purity of the item, and that it meets the standard of 92.5% silver content), and a single letter (indicates the year when the item was manufactured). after the 1850s may also have a stamp that says “.925” or “Sterling.” Additionally, sterling silver made in Europe is usually hallmarked. Genuine sterling silver, on the other hand, is labeled “925,” representing its 92.5% silver content. Silver plated objects are typically labeled “EP,” “EPNS,” or “Silver on Copper.” Manufacturers are not allowed to label silver plated items “sterling,” which is why the term “sterling plated” does not exist. On the other hand, sterling silver are items that are made of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% additives (copper, nickel, or a combination of metals).ĭifference between a Bobcat and a Mountain Lion Identificationīecause silver plated items and sterling silver may look very similar, especially to the untrained eye, you can distinguish them from each other by looking at the stamp or label. Silver plated items are actually made of another kind of material like copper, nickel, brass, or pewter that is coated with a very thin layer of silver. There is a huge difference between silver plated items and sterling silver in terms of their composition. Silver Plated vs Sterling Silver Composition Sterling silver is commonly used in making jewelry, accessories, and silverware. The most common additives used are nickel and copper, or a combination of different kinds of metals (an alloy), which helps make the item more durable and more resistant to discoloration and oxidation. On the other hand, sterling silver is a combination of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% additives. Jewelry, flatware, and hollowware are the most common silver plated items. This results in an ultra thin layer of silver coating the item, giving it the appearance of pure, fine silver. The complete process involves electrically charging the object first to make sure it attracts the silver particles. Silver plated items are items that have gone through a process called “silver plating,” a process that involves applying actual silver or sterling silver to the surface of the base metal (such as copper, nickel, brass, pewter, or white metal). Has intrinsic value has high resale value Has no intrinsic silver value has very little resale value Relatively softer than silver plating design and grooves will eventually wear off More durable than sterling silver because of the base metal silver plating may come off over time Weighs lesser than silver plate since silver is naturally lighter than most metals used as the base metal in silver plating Usually heavier than sterling silver because of the base metal Has a darker silver color than silver plate Has a lighter silver color than sterling silver Labeled “sterling,” “925” or “.925” sterling silver made in Europe has hallmarks which are usually a combination of three marks: a lion passant, a leopard head or an anchor, and a single letter Labeled “EP,” “EPNS” or “Silver on Copper” Made of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other material such as nickel, copper, or a combination of different kinds of metals (an alloy) Using this list should help you decide which best meets your needs.Its base metal is made of another type of material such as copper, nickel, pewter, or white metal the base metal goes through “silver plating” which means coating the base with a very thin layer of silver This list should provide the general differences that exist between the two types of flatware. Lasts 20 years or less with proper care depending on use.Needs to be stored properly to avoid corrosion or scratches.Should be polished occasionally to maintain lustre.Generally used for higher-end events or expensive restaurants.Composed of layers of silver over another metal – oftentimes copper or brass.Available in 18/10 (highest quality), 18/8 and 18/0 (lowest quality) stainless steel compositions made of chromium and nickel.Wide range of patterns that function well in everything from casual to luxury atmospheres.Most frequently used in restaurant and event settings.This list should educate you on what to expect with each type of flatware so you can determine which best meets your organization's needs.
#Stainless vs sterling silver full
To make it easier for our customers and prospects who are full service restaurants and event rental we've pulled together this pro/con list for the difference between stainless steel flatware and silver plated flatware. With different varieties of restaurant quality flatware for full service restaurants and event rental, it can be confusing knowing the difference between all varieties as well as their standard usage.