How to Sell Silverware: Sterling vs Silver-Plated (Greenville Guide)

Sterling silverware is worth real money. Silver-plated usually is not. Here is how to tell the difference before you sell.

Short answer: sterling silverware is worth real money for its silver content. Silver-plated silverware has only a thin layer of silver over another metal and is usually not worth selling for the silver. The trick is telling them apart, and we will check yours for free.

We are a family shop in Greenville and we go through a lot of inherited flatware, so here is the honest way to tell what you have.

Sterling vs silver-plated: how to tell

Look for the marks. Sterling is marked “Sterling” or “925” (that means 92.5 percent silver). Silver-plated pieces are usually marked “EPNS,” “silver plate,” “plated,” “A1,” or just a maker’s name with no silver mark. If it says sterling or 925, that is the good stuff.

Weight and feel. Sterling feels more substantial. Plated pieces are often lighter and can show a different color where the plating has worn through at the edges.

What sterling flatware is worth

Sterling is valued on its actual silver content at the live silver price, so weight matters. One thing to know: some pieces, especially knife handles and a few serving pieces, are “weighted,” meaning they have filler inside for balance, so they are worth less than their total weight suggests. We account for that honestly when we weigh yours. Complete sets and sought-after patterns can also carry value above melt to a collector.

What silver-plated is worth

Honestly, not much as silver. The silver layer is too thin to recover economically, so most plated flatware is not worth selling for its metal. We will tell you that straight rather than take it for pennies. If you are not sure whether yours is sterling or plated, that is exactly what a free check is for.

Should you polish it first?

No need. Tarnish does not lower the silver value, and over-polishing antique pieces can actually hurt a collectible pattern. Bring your silverware as it is.

How we buy silverware

We sort sterling from plated, weigh the sterling, account for any weighted pieces, and pay on the live silver price, or more if a pattern is collectible. It is all done in front of you. When you are ready, here is our sell silverware page, and if you have silver coins too, our sell silver page.

Questions we hear

How do I know if my silverware is real silver?

Look for the marks. Real silver is stamped ‘Sterling’ or ‘925’. Silver-plated is usually marked ‘EPNS’, ‘silver plate’, ‘plated’, or ‘A1’, or has only a maker’s name. Not sure? Bring it in and we will check it for free.

Is silver-plated silverware worth anything?

Not much for its silver. The plating is a thin layer that is not economical to recover, so most plated flatware is not worth selling as metal. We will tell you honestly rather than take it for pennies.

Where can I sell sterling silverware near me in Greenville?

At our shop on Woodruff Rd. Bring your flatware in, we sort sterling from plated for free, weigh the sterling, and pay on the live silver price, more if the pattern is collectible.

How much can I sell my silverware for?

Sterling is worth its silver content at the live price, so it comes down to weight, minus any weighted pieces like knife handles. Plated is generally not worth selling for silver. Bring it in for a free, exact weigh-up.

Bring it in, we will tell you straight

Greenville Gold & Silver, 1637 Woodruff Rd, Ste C, Greenville, SC 29607

Mon to Fri 10am to 6pm, Sat 10am to 3pm. No appointment needed. 864-901-7975