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Start by checking the whole set of marks—not just one number. “STERLING” or “925” is evidence of a sterling-silver claim, but a stamp alone does not prove what an object is made of. Plate marks such as “EPNS” or “EPBM” indicate silver over a different metal. Magnets and tarnish can offer clues, but neither can confirm sterling. For an uncertain or valuable piece, have its marks and material assessed by a qualified professional.
What “sterling silver” means
Sterling silver is 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper, according to the Canadian Conservation Institute; the accessed page does not state a publication year. A “925” mark expresses a claim of 925 parts silver per 1,000 parts by weight.
Fineness describes the silver content of the material; it does not, by itself, tell you whether the whole object is solid sterling or silver-plated. Read marks in context and look for evidence about the object’s construction as well as its claimed grade.
Inspect the marks first
Find and record every mark
Under good light, inspect the backs of handles, the reverse of serving pieces, and other inconspicuous areas. A handheld loupe or magnifier can help you read small impressions, but it cannot test the metal. Photograph the marks and record all letters, numbers, shields, and symbols before trying to interpret them.
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Look for “STERLING,” “925,” or a hallmark appropriate to the item’s country of origin. Record maker or sponsor marks as well as fineness marks. In the UK, official hallmark guidance treats maker or sponsor and fineness marks as parts of the hallmark; interpret the combination rather than relying on a single symbol. The UK Hallmarking Guidance Notes page was last updated on 30 December 2022.
Consider where and when the piece was marked
Marking systems and legal requirements vary by country and period. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), for example, lists silver fineness grades of 800, 835, 900, 925, 970, and 990 parts per thousand in IS 2112:2014. Those are grades listed for hallmarking silver jewellery and artefacts under that standard—not a universal list of marks or a rule that applies to all household cutlery.
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So an absent “925” stamp does not, on its own, show that an item is not silver. Consider its likely origin and marking convention, and seek specialist help if the marks are unfamiliar or do not fit together.
Check whether the piece is plated
“EPNS” means electroplated nickel silver, and “EPBM” means electroplated base metal, in the Canadian Conservation Institute’s guide. These marks describe silver applied over another metal; they do not mean the object’s body is sterling. Silver-plated flatware is a separate category, and the Competition Bureau Canada notes that plated flatware can also carry quality marks related to plating characteristics.
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Do not assume every number or silver-related word is a fineness mark for the entire utensil. Read the full set of marks, including plate wording, and account for the rules and terminology of the relevant country.
Use appearance and a magnet only as supporting clues
What a magnet can—and cannot—tell you
Silver is not magnetic, but many other metals are not magnetic either. A magnet may flag some magnetic components; if an item does not react, that result does not establish that it is silver. Some utensils also contain parts made from different materials.
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How to interpret tarnish and wear
Silver can tarnish in colors ranging from yellow to darker shades, and fingerprints can stain polished silver, according to the Canadian Conservation Institute. Tarnish is not exclusive to sterling: a silver-plated surface can tarnish too. If wear appears to expose a differently colored metal beneath the surface, that may suggest plating, but do not scratch or abrade the piece to investigate.
Protect the silverware while you investigate
- Use enough light to read the marks; avoid abrasive polishing just to reveal a stamp.
- Do not scratch the surface or apply chemical tests to a potentially valuable or antique piece.
- Be cautious with aggressive cleaning: polishing can wear away plating and remove surface detail.
- Keep photographs and a written record of every mark to show a specialist.
When to get a professional assessment
Ask a qualified assay office, hallmark-authentication service, or specialist appraiser to assess an item if its marks are missing, illegible, inconsistent, or suspicious—or if a reliable identification matters for a sale, insurance, or an heirloom. The Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office describes an authentication approach that considers the hallmark, expert connoisseurship, and analytical testing. It also notes that counterfeit punches or transferred marks are possible. This does not mean every assay office offers the same consumer service or access; check with the provider about the assessment it can perform.
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A professional can consider evidence that simple home checks cannot settle. A stamp is a claim to investigate, not an infallible guarantee.
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