If you’ve inherited a silverware set, found some pieces in a drawer, or picked up flatware at an estate sale, you might be wondering: Is this real silver? And if so, what’s it worth?

At New England Diamond and Jewelry Buyers, we evaluate silver flatware every day—ranging from full sterling sets to mixed or plated pieces. While some items hold only scrap value, others can be quite collectible, especially if they come from sought-after makers or contain solid sterling silver.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basics so you can better understand what you have—and what might be worth bringing in for a professional evaluation.

Sterling Silver vs. Silver-Plated Flatware

The most important distinction in flatware is whether it’s sterling silver or silver-plated. Although they may look similar, they’re not valued the same way.

Sterling Silver

Sterling silver flatware is made from 92.5% pure silver, typically mixed with a small amount of copper for strength. These pieces are usually heavier and marked with hallmarks indicating silver content.

We buy sterling flatware based on metal weight, current market price, and sometimes brand or condition.

Silver-Plated

Silver-plated flatware consists of a base metal (like brass or nickel) coated with a thin layer of silver. While it may look the part, its resale value is usually limited unless it’s from a notable maker or part of a collectible set.

We always test plated items if there’s uncertainty, and we’ll tell you clearly what you have—no guesswork or confusion.

How to Identify Silver Flatware Marks

Most silver flatware is marked somewhere on the handle or underside of the piece. These marks—known as hallmarks or stamps—help determine if your item is sterling or plated.

Common Sterling Silver Marks

• “Sterling” – The most straightforward and common U.S. mark
• “925” or “.925” – Indicates 92.5% silver (standard for sterling)
• Lion Passant – A British sterling silver hallmark
• Maker’s Marks – Often accompanied by symbols or initials denoting the silversmith

Common Silver-Plated Marks

• “EPNS” – Electroplated Nickel Silver
• “EP” or “EPBM” – Electroplated Britannia Metal
• “Silverplate” or “A1” – Clearly labeled as plated
• Trademarked Names like “Rogers Bros. 1847” – Many Rogers lines are plated, not sterling, despite old-sounding dates

If you’re unsure what a mark means, don’t worry—we’ll identify and explain it during your free evaluation.

Notable Silver Flatware Makers to Know

Some flatware makers command more value—especially if your pieces are sterling and part of a complete or rare pattern. Here are some well-known names we often see:

High-Value Sterling Makers

• Tiffany & Co.
• Gorham
• Reed & Barton
• International Silver Co.
• Wallace Silversmiths
• Towle
• Georg Jensen

Common Plated Brands

• 1847 Rogers Bros.
• Community Plate
• Oneida
• WM Rogers & Son
• FB Rogers

Keep in mind: The name alone doesn’t guarantee value. Condition, completeness of the set, and whether it’s sterling all play major roles.

Should I Polish It Before Bringing It In?

Actually, no—don’t worry about cleaning your silver before bringing it in. Tarnish is completely normal and doesn’t affect the value of the metal. In some cases, over-polishing can even reduce collectible value by wearing away decorative elements or markings.

We’ll evaluate your flatware as-is, so there’s no need to prep it beforehand.

Have a Mixed Set? Bring It All In.

It’s common for flatware collections to include a mix of sterling and plated pieces—or pieces with unknown origin. Bring in the whole set, and we’ll sort through it with you. We’ll test any questionable items and separate what’s valuable from what’s not.

If your set has knives with weighted handles or steel blades, we’ll explain which parts count toward value and which don’t.

Let’s See What Your Flatware Is Worth

Whether you have a single piece or a full service for twelve, we’re happy to take a look. Evaluations are free, done in person, and handled with care. If your silver has real value, we’ll make you a same-day cash offer based on purity, weight, and market pricing.

📍 Visit us in Newton or Uxbridge
📞 Call ahead if you have a large set or unique items

We buy sterling silver flatware, tea sets, and serving pieces—no matter the age, condition, or quantity. Let us help you understand what yours is worth.