Whether you’ve recently inherited some antique silverware or are looking to get rid of those pieces that have been collecting dust in your china cabinet for years, there’s a chance you may be able to fetch a fair amount for it. But how much your silverware is worth depends mostly on one thing: Is it sterling silver or silver-plated?
Here is a breakdown comparing sterling silverware to its most common silver substitutes, as well as a few tips on how to tell if your silverware is real sterling silver or not.