Pure silver is 99.9% silver, while sterling silver is an alloy consisting of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other precious metals (such as copper, steel or iron). Sterling silver is sensitive to air and water, and tarnishes easily. Silver however, does not tarnish even when exposed to the elements.Pure silver is very soft, so it’s mostly used for jewelry. Silver flatware is often mixed with other precious metals (to make sterling silver) is to increase durability and help items such as silver cutlery and tea sets hold their shape.
There are some companies that recycle electroplated (EP) copper and brass flatware and can offer you cash for your items. However do your research first as some plated flatware should not be sold for scrap value! Depending on the age and condition, certain flatware pieces and tea sets could be considered vintage or antique and fetch considerably more than scrap value. For example, we see Rogers flatware almost on a daily basis. We cannot buy it because it is plated, however styles like the Eternally Yours style date back to 1941 and are highly collectible. Do your research and try to sell it online.
Find your Portland Gold store or learn more about our gold buying process.
