Does "silver" stamped on an item mean sterling silver?

Answer by  Purple (948)

Real Sterling Silver jewelry will always say SS on it or a number of it's weight. Sometimes there are real pieces that don't say anything but most do. Sometimes silver can mean plated not real Sterling Silver. A jewelry store can tell if your not sure.

Answer by  damsellfly (93)

Sterling Silver has a silver content of at least 925 parts out of 1000. If a piece is marked simply "silver" this does not guarantee that it is sterling. It should be marked .925 or Sterling or Sterling Silver.

Answer by  raja86 (86)

Sterling and .925 are standards of measure. If it says just silver, the silver content may be higher and it may date the item to pre-1900's or earlier. Make sure that there is no worn out marking that may say Mexico. That is a different type of silver.