What marks matter
Sterling and 925 marks usually identify real sterling silver made for the U.S. market.
Estate Jewelry Buyer for sterling silver and bullion
Chicago Silver Buyer
Estate Jewelry Buyer buys sterling silver, silver flatware, tea sets, trays, silver coins, and bullion in Chicago and Northern Illinois. Mike reviews whether your silver is genuine, then explains whether it should be priced as metal, collectible silver, or a better designer piece.
That matters because many families assume older silver is valuable, yet plated pieces often have little resale value. Therefore, correct identification comes first.
What silver we buy
Flatware, tea sets, bowls, trays, candlesticks, bullion, and many other marked sterling items.
What changes the value
Weight matters, but rare makers, patterns, or better pieces can earn more than regular melt pricing.
Marked sterling is the starting point
Sterling Silver Flatware and Household Pieces
Mike buys genuine sterling flatware, tea pots, bowls, serving trays, dishes, candlesticks, and many other household pieces. In most cases, sterling items are marked Sterling or 925. Therefore, checking the mark is the fastest first step.
Most basic sterling silver items trade close to their silver value. However, collectible makers and stronger patterns can do better, especially when the item comes from a notable house such as Tiffany & Co. or another important maker.
- Sterling flatware sets and serving pieces
- Tea sets, bowls, trays, cups, and dishes
- Candlesticks and decorative sterling items
- Collectible makers may qualify for premium pricing
Plated silver is common, so verify the marks
How to Tell if Silver Is Real
Many sellers discover that family silver is actually silver-plated. Marks such as Sterling or 925 usually point to genuine sterling in U.S.-made items. By contrast, marks like EP, EPNS, Silver Plate, Oneida, or Rogers Bros. often indicate plated goods instead of solid sterling.
Non-U.S. items may use hallmarks rather than the word Sterling. If you see a group of small hallmarks on older European silver, Mike can help you sort out what you have.
- Look for Sterling or 925 on U.S. pieces
- Hallmarks are common on non-U.S. sterling
- Silver-plated items often have very limited resale value
- Photos of the marks make text estimates much easier
Bullion is tied to the live silver market
Silver Coins, Bars, and Bullion
Mike also buys silver coins and bullion bars. Recognized bars from Engelhard, Johnson Matthey, Pamp Suisse, Perth Mint, Sunshine Mint, Apmex, and similar makers are common, but any authentic .999 silver bullion is worth reviewing.
Because bullion pricing follows the live market, Mike bases these offers on current demand and the day’s metal price. As a result, bullion is handled differently than regular plated household items.
- Silver coins and government issues
- One-ounce to larger silver bars
- Recognized mint and refinery brands
- Clear, market-based offers
Some heavy items contain less silver than they appear to
Weighted Sterling and Other Exceptions
Weighted sterling contains filler material inside the piece. Consequently, the total weight can look impressive even though the actual silver content is modest. Candlesticks and candelabras are common examples.
Mike still buys some weighted items, but he prices them differently because the silver layer is thin. If you are unsure what you have, send clear photos of the marks and the item type before the appointment.
- Weighted items are marked differently from solid sterling
- Candlesticks and candelabras are common examples
- Photos help identify what can be bought and how it will be priced
- Bring weighted items along with other valuables when possible
Keep exploring
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Get a quick estate jewelry estimate
Need to sell sterling silver or bullion?
Text photos of the marks and the full item for a faster silver estimate.