Silver
In its pure form silver is almost as soft as gold, and therefore is usually alloyed with copper for strength. Karatage is not marked because, legally, anything called "silver" or "sterling silver" is 92.5% pure. Sometimes silver from south of the border is designated "Mexican silver," which runs anywhere from 80% to 99% pure.

Alloys
Fine Silver in its natural state, 999/1000 pure, is too soft an element for practical jewelry. To make it workable, an alloy such as copper is added.

Following is a list of the main silver alloys:

• Sterling Silver: A mixture of 92.5 % pure silver (925 parts) and 7.5 % metal alloy
   
• Coin Silver: 90% (900 parts) pure silver and 10% (100 parts) metal alloy. A process of melting down coins done in the 19th century, and mostly discarded today
   
• Vermeil: Sterling silver electroplated with at least 100 millionths of an inch of karat gold
   
• Silver Plating: Also known as silver plated or silver coated. A base metal, usually nickel silver or brass, is coated with a layer of pure silver by a process called electroplating (We do NOT buy this.)
   
• German Silver or Nickel Silver: A silver-white alloy consisting of copper, zinc and nickel (We do NOT buy this.)

We Buy Silver
To get an estimate of how much we will pay for a specific item go to our PRECIOUS METALS CALCULATOR where you can calculate the value of your silver items.

Common Silver Items

• Jewelry
• Flatware (knives, spoons, forks, ladels, etc.)
• Tea Services (rarely sterling)
• Hot Water Pot (rarely sterling)
• Trays (rarely sterling)
• Goblets
• Demitasse Cups (rarely sterling)
• Saucers/Plates
• Napkin Rings
• Pitchers (rarely sterling)
• Candle Sticks (often sterling with weighted base)
• Salt & Pepper Shakers

 For questions, stop by or give us a call at 877-GOLD-195 (877-465-3195).