The allure of sterling silver often starts with the name stamped on the back—like Tiffany & Co. or Gorham. But its true value is a story told by more than just the maker. The specific pattern can mean the difference between a common set and a rare find. Valuing fine flatware isn’t as straightforward as calculating the 90% silver half dollar melt value. It’s about understanding the nuances of age, rarity, and condition. We’ll explore everything from common sterling marks to more ambiguous stamps like 926 silver, giving you a complete picture of what your set is truly worth.
If you are evaluating mixed inherited valuables, review guidance on selling sterling silver flatware and selling gold jewelry for cash, then compare the highest-paying gold buyers.
Key Takeaways
- Look for the Hallmark First: Before anything else, check for stamps like “Sterling” or “925.” This simple step confirms you have valuable solid silver, not silver-plated items, which have very little monetary worth.
- Know That Value Goes Beyond Weight: While the price of silver sets a baseline, your flatware’s brand, pattern, and condition determine its full value. A rare design from a maker like Tiffany & Co. or Gorham can be worth significantly more than its simple melt value.
- Sell with Confidence Through a Professional Appraisal: The most reliable way to get a fair price is to consult an expert. A professional evaluation removes the guesswork, helps you avoid common selling mistakes, and ensures you understand the true market value of your collection.
So, What Exactly Is Sterling Silver?
If you’ve inherited a set of old, ornate cutlery, you might be wondering if you’re sitting on a hidden treasure. Understanding what sterling silver is—and what it isn’t—is the first step in figuring out its value. The term gets thrown around a lot, but its definition is very specific and has a major impact on what your items are worth. Distinguishing between genuine sterling, silver-plated pieces, and stainless steel is crucial, as only one of these has significant precious metal value. Let’s clear up the confusion so you can confidently identify what’s in your dining room cabinet.
Decoding the 925 Silver Standard
You might be surprised to learn that sterling silver isn’t pure silver. That’s because pure silver, while beautiful, is far too soft and malleable to be used for functional items like forks, knives, and spoons. It would bend and scratch with the slightest pressure. To create durable, lasting pieces, silver is mixed with other metals to form an alloy. The universally accepted standard for sterling silver is a composition of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, most often copper. This specific blend gives it the necessary strength while retaining the signature luster and intrinsic value of silver, making it one of the key precious metal items we appraise for clients.
Is It Sterling or Silver-Plated? Here’s How to Know
This is one of the most important distinctions to make, as it has the biggest impact on value. Sterling silver flatware is made from the 92.5% silver alloy through and through. Silver-plated flatware, however, consists of a base metal (like copper, nickel, or brass) that is coated with a microscopically thin layer of pure silver. While it might look nice, this plating adds almost no monetary value. The easiest way to tell them apart is to look for a stamp. Legitimate sterling pieces are almost always marked with hallmarks like “Sterling,” “Ster,” “925,” or “SS.” If you can’t find a stamp, you are almost certainly holding a silver-plated item.
How Sterling Silver Differs from Stainless Steel
Another common point of confusion is between sterling silver and stainless steel. While both are alloys used for flatware, their compositions and values are worlds apart. Sterling silver is a precious metal alloy, while stainless steel is an industrial alloy made primarily of iron, carbon, and chromium, which makes it highly resistant to rust. You can often tell the difference by the look and feel. Sterling has a warmer, softer glow and is denser, meaning it feels heavier than a stainless steel piece of the same size. If you’re still unsure what you have, our experts at any of our Chicagoland locations can help you identify your pieces with certainty.
What Does a “926” Stamp Mean on Jewelry?
While “925” is the universal stamp for sterling silver, you might occasionally come across a piece marked “926.” This less common hallmark can be a bit of a puzzle, as it isn’t a standard purity mark and can mean a few different things. The context of the piece—such as its country of origin and overall style—can provide clues, but the stamp itself leaves room for interpretation. Is it a slight variation on sterling silver, a simple manufacturing error, or something else entirely? Before you make any assumptions about its value, it’s important to understand the different possibilities this unusual number could represent.
The “926” Mark for Silver Content
One common theory in the jewelry community is that a “926” stamp is simply a minor variation of the sterling silver standard. Instead of containing 92.5% pure silver, the piece would theoretically contain 92.6%. This fractional difference is so small that it doesn’t meaningfully change the value or quality of the item compared to standard sterling. Some also speculate that the stamp could be a simple mistake, intended to be “925” but mis-stamped during production. While this is a plausible explanation, it’s not something you can assume without verification, as the number could have a completely different meaning depending on the item.
When “926” Can Mean 22 Karat Gold
Here’s where things get interesting. In some cases, a “926” stamp has nothing to do with silver at all. If you find a piece of yellow gold jewelry stamped with “926 Italy,” it most likely indicates its gold purity. European gold is marked using a three-digit system representing parts per thousand. In this system, “926” signifies that the item is 92.6% pure gold, which corresponds to 22 karat gold. This is a significant discovery, as 22k gold is far more valuable than sterling silver. Mistaking a 22k gold bracelet for a slightly-off piece of sterling silver could be a costly error.
Why Professional Testing is Key for “926” Pieces
Because the “926” stamp is so ambiguous, the only way to know for sure what your piece is made of is to have it professionally tested. An expert can quickly determine the exact metallic composition, solving the mystery of whether you have silver, high-karat gold, or something else. This step is crucial for anyone looking to sell or insure their jewelry, as it provides a definitive answer about its material and true value. If you have a piece with a confusing mark, bring it to one of our PGS Gold & Coin locations. Our certified appraisers use state-of-the-art equipment to give you a clear and accurate evaluation, free of charge.
Beyond Sterling: A Look at Other Silver Types
While sterling silver is the most famous and widely used silver alloy, it’s not the only type you’ll encounter. Different cultures and artisans have used various silver purities over the years, each with its own unique properties and hallmarks. Understanding these distinctions can help you better identify the origins and potential value of your items. From ultra-pure fine silver used in bullion to other common alloys found in antique jewelry, knowing what to look for will give you a deeper appreciation for the precious metal in your collection. Let’s explore some of the other silver standards you might find.
Pure Silver (999)
Also known as fine silver, this is the closest you can get to 100% pure silver, typically marked as “999” to signify 99.9% purity. Because of its extreme softness, fine silver is not practical for creating items that need to withstand daily use, like flatware or most jewelry, as it would easily bend, dent, and scratch. Instead, its primary use is for investment-grade bullion, such as silver bars and certain government-minted coins. When we evaluate precious metals for investment purposes, this is the standard of purity we look for in bullion products designed for wealth preservation.
950 Silver
As the number suggests, 950 silver contains 95% pure silver, making it slightly purer and softer than traditional sterling. This higher silver content gives it a brighter, whiter shine, but it also makes it more susceptible to tarnishing and scratching. You’ll often find this hallmark on pieces made by artisans who prefer working with a more malleable metal, as well as on some antique jewelry from countries like France. While beautiful, items made from 950 silver require a bit more care to maintain their appearance due to their softer nature. Its value is slightly higher than sterling based on silver content alone.
Understanding S925, Oxidized Silver, and Chandi
You may come across a few other terms and stamps related to silver. A piece marked “S925” is identical to standard sterling silver; the “S” simply stands for “sterling” or may be part of the maker’s mark. Oxidized silver is not a different type of alloy but rather a finishing technique where sterling silver is intentionally exposed to sulfur to create a darkened, antique-looking patina in the crevices of a design. This doesn’t affect its purity. Finally, “Chandi” is the Hindi word for silver, often used in India to refer to high-purity silver, which can sometimes be even purer than the sterling standard.
How to Spot Authentic Sterling Silver
Figuring out if your flatware is genuine sterling silver can feel like a treasure hunt. The good news is that you don’t need a chemistry lab to get started. With a few simple checks, you can gather clues about your set’s authenticity. These steps will help you determine if you have valuable sterling silver or a beautiful but less valuable silver-plated set.
Start with the Stamps and Hallmarks
The easiest way to identify sterling silver is to look for a maker’s mark or hallmark. Grab a magnifying glass and carefully inspect the back of a fork or spoon handle. Authentic sterling silver is almost always stamped. Look for words like “Sterling,” “Sterling Silver,” “SS,” or the number “925.” This number signifies that the piece is made of 92.5% pure silver, which is the standard for sterling. If you can’t find a stamp, it’s likely not sterling silver, but there are exceptions for very old or custom-made pieces.
Easy At-Home Tests to Verify Your Silver
If the hallmarks are worn down or missing, you can try a couple of simple, non-destructive tests at home. First, use a magnet. Sterling silver is not magnetic, so if a magnet sticks firmly to your flatware, it’s a clear sign that it’s silver-plated over a different base metal. Another easy test is the polish test. Real sterling silver tarnishes over time, developing a dark patina. When you gently rub a small spot with a soft, clean cloth, you should see a black mark appear on the cloth. Even if there’s no stamp, if your silverware set is very old (over 50 years), it’s still a good idea to have an expert check it.
Pay Attention to Its Weight and Feel
You can often feel the difference between sterling silver and other materials. Sterling silver is denser than stainless steel and most base metals used in plating. Pick up a piece from your set and compare it to a standard stainless steel utensil from your kitchen drawer. The sterling piece should feel noticeably heavier and more substantial for its size. This weight is a key component of its value, as sterling silver is priced based on its actual silver content. While this test isn’t definitive on its own, it’s another strong clue to add to your assessment.
Know When to Get a Professional Opinion
While at-home tests are a great starting point, the only way to be 100% certain about your flatware’s authenticity and value is to consult an expert. A professional can identify subtle hallmarks, perform accurate testing without damaging your items, and give you a clear understanding of what you have. The best way to know for sure is to bring your items to an experienced silver buyer. At PGS Gold & Coin, our specialists can examine your flatware and provide a free, no-obligation evaluation. You can visit any of our Chicagoland locations for a trustworthy and transparent appraisal.
What Determines Your Sterling Silver’s Value?
Figuring out what your sterling silver flatware is worth involves looking at several key factors. It’s not just about how old it is or how shiny it looks. The final value is a blend of its intrinsic metal content, brand recognition, rarity, and overall condition. Whether you have a single ornate spoon or a complete set that has been in your family for generations, each of these elements plays a crucial role in its appraisal. Understanding them will help you set realistic expectations and appreciate the true value of what you own. Let’s walk through the five main things that experts consider when evaluating sterling silver.
The Importance of Weight and Silver Content
The most straightforward factor in your flatware’s value is its weight. At its core, sterling silver is a precious metal, and its value is tied to the current market price of silver. This is often called the “melt value.” Because sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver, its price is slightly less than that of pure silver. For example, a single sterling silver fork can weigh between one to two troy ounces, which could translate to a value of $23 to $46 or more based on its silver content alone. This baseline value is the absolute minimum your pieces are worth, and it’s the perfect starting point for any valuation.
Does the Brand or Manufacturer Matter?
The name stamped on the back of your silverware can make a huge difference. Just like with fine watches or designer handbags, certain brands carry a legacy of quality and desirability that adds significant value beyond the silver content. Prestigious American and international makers like Tiffany & Co., Gorham, Reed & Barton, Towle, and Wallace are highly sought after by collectors. If your set comes from a renowned manufacturer, it’s more likely to command a premium. These brands are known for their exceptional craftsmanship and iconic designs, making them a favorite on the secondary market.
Considering Age, Rarity, and Pattern
Beyond the brand, the specific pattern of your flatware is incredibly important. Many sterling patterns were produced for decades, while others were made for only a few years, making them much rarer. Most sets you’ll find today were made between 1900 and 1940. An intricate, discontinued, or historically significant pattern can be far more valuable than a common one. Collectors often spend years searching for specific pieces to complete their sets, and they are willing to pay more for rare designs. The age and rarity contribute to the story of your flatware, transforming it from a simple utensil into a piece of history.
Assessing the Condition and Craftsmanship
The condition of your sterling silver is critical. Pieces that are free of major dents, deep scratches, or poor repairs will always be worth more. While monograms can sometimes lower the value, it depends on the style and pattern. Light tarnish from age is perfectly normal and can be polished, but permanent damage can decrease the value. Pay attention to the craftsmanship as well—are the details sharp and clear? High-quality sets will feature intricate and well-defined patterns. If you’re unsure about the condition or quality, it’s always best to have an expert evaluate your items. A professional can identify details you might have missed.
Do You Have a Complete Set or Individual Pieces?
While individual sterling silver pieces certainly have value, a complete, matching set is often worth more than the sum of its parts. A full service for eight, twelve, or more—including dinner forks, knives, spoons, and serving utensils—is highly desirable. Collectors and new buyers alike appreciate the convenience and aesthetic of a full set. That said, don’t worry if you only have a few miscellaneous items. An entire antique collection can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars, but even a small handful of forks or spoons can provide a nice payout based on their weight and pattern.
Let’s Calculate Your Silver’s Melt Value
Before you can determine what your sterling silver flatware is worth, it’s helpful to understand its baseline value—what it would be worth if it were melted down for its pure silver content. This is known as the “melt value.” While many sets are worth far more than their melt value due to their brand, pattern, or age, calculating this number gives you a solid starting point. It helps you set realistic expectations and understand the foundational value of your assets. Think of it as the floor price; your collection is worth at least this much, and potentially much more.
Step 1: Find the Current Spot Price of Silver
First things first, you need to know the current market price for silver. This is called the “spot price,” and it changes daily based on market trading. You can easily find the daily spot price of silver on financial websites. Remember that this price is typically quoted per troy ounce (which is about 31.1 grams), the standard unit for precious metals. Since sterling silver is an alloy made of 92.5% pure silver, its melt value will be 92.5% of the pure silver spot price. So, if the spot price for pure silver is $30 per troy ounce, the value of the silver in your sterling pieces is about $27.75 per troy ounce.
Step 2: Determine the Actual Silver Content
Next, it’s time to weigh your flatware. Use a digital kitchen scale set to grams for the most accurate measurement. It’s important to weigh only the sterling silver pieces. Be aware that most dinner knives have stainless steel blades and often have weighted, non-silver material inside the handles for balance. Because of this, you should weigh knives separately and understand that their total weight isn’t pure sterling. Once you have the total weight of your forks and spoons in grams, multiply that number by 0.925 to find the pure silver content. To convert that to troy ounces, divide the result by 31.1. This final number is the total troy ounces of pure silver in your collection.
Melt Value vs. Collectible Value: Which Is Higher?
The melt value is just one piece of the puzzle. It represents the raw value of the silver, but it doesn’t account for craftsmanship, brand recognition, or historical significance. A buyer who plans to melt the silver down will offer you a percentage of the melt value to cover their refining costs and profit margin. However, your flatware could be worth much more to a collector. Factors like a rare pattern from a famous maker like Tiffany & Co. or Gorham can give a set a collectible value that far exceeds its silver content. This is why a professional appraisal is so important—an expert can identify these details and help you understand whether you have a valuable antique or a collection best valued for its silver.
Caring for Your Silver Jewelry and Heirlooms
Whether you plan to sell your sterling silver or pass it down to the next generation, proper care is essential for preserving its beauty and value. Tarnish and damage can significantly affect an appraisal, but the good news is that maintaining your silver is straightforward. With the right storage, cleaning techniques, and a little preventative care, you can keep your flatware, jewelry, and other heirlooms in excellent condition. These simple habits will ensure your pieces remain as stunning as the day they were made, protecting both your investment and your family’s legacy.
Proper Storage to Prevent Tarnish
Tarnish is a natural process that occurs when silver reacts with sulfur compounds in the air, creating a dark layer on the surface. The best way to fight tarnish is to prevent it from forming in the first place. Proper storage is your first line of defense. Keep your silver in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. To minimize air exposure, you should store your pieces in anti-tarnish bags or soft cloth pouches. A felt-lined chest is also an excellent option, especially for flatware. Storing each piece individually also prevents scratching, helping to maintain the fine details of the craftsmanship.
Cleaning Your Silver the Right Way
When it’s time to make your silver shine, a gentle approach is always best. You should clean your pieces often using a soft, lint-free cloth and a high-quality silver polish specifically designed for sterling. Avoid the temptation to use abrasive household products like toothpaste or baking soda, as these can create tiny scratches on the silver’s surface. For a simple routine cleaning, you can wash your silver with warm water and a mild, ammonia-free soap. Be sure to dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth immediately after washing to prevent water spots from forming. Regular, gentle polishing will keep tarnish at bay and maintain your silver’s brilliant luster.
Chemicals and Activities to Avoid
Sterling silver is a durable alloy, but it is susceptible to damage from harsh chemicals. It’s important to avoid exposing your silver to substances that can cause discoloration or corrosion. Always take off your silver jewelry before swimming in a chlorinated pool or using household cleaning products containing bleach or ammonia. It’s also a good practice to put your silver jewelry on last, after applying lotions, perfumes, or hairspray. For flatware, be mindful of prolonged contact with sulfur-rich foods like eggs, onions, and mayonnaise. By being conscious of these environmental factors, you can easily protect your silver from unnecessary damage.
Where to Sell Your Sterling Silver Flatware
Once you have a good idea of what your sterling silver flatware is worth, the next step is finding the right place to sell it. Your best option will depend on your set’s value, your location, and how much time you’re willing to invest in the process. Each selling route has its pros and cons, so it’s smart to understand your choices before making a decision.
Your Local Coin Shops and Precious Metal Dealers
For most people, visiting a local precious metals dealer is the most straightforward and reliable way to sell sterling silver. These businesses have the expertise and equipment to accurately assess your items on the spot. The biggest advantage here is trust and transparency; you can ask questions, watch them weigh your silver, and get a clear explanation of their offer. Plus, you can walk out with payment in hand the same day, avoiding the hassles of shipping and online fees. When you work with a reputable buyer, you’re dealing with professionals who understand both the melt value and potential collectible value of your pieces.
Exploring Online Marketplaces and Auctions
Selling your flatware on platforms like eBay or other online auction sites can expose your set to a global audience of collectors. This can be a good route if you have a particularly rare or in-demand pattern that a collector might pay a premium for. However, this path requires more work on your part. You’ll need to take high-quality photos, write detailed descriptions, and accurately state the weight and condition of your set. Keep in mind that you’ll also have to manage packaging and shipping, which can be risky with valuable items. Online marketplaces also charge selling fees and payment processing fees, which will cut into your final profit.
Working with Antique Dealers and Estate Specialists
If you believe your sterling silver set has significant historical or artistic value beyond its silver content, an antique dealer or estate specialist might be a good fit. These experts are skilled at identifying and pricing items based on their age, maker, and provenance. They often have a network of collectors who are specifically looking for antique pieces. However, not all antique dealers specialize in silver, and their offers might be lower if they are primarily interested in the item’s collectible value rather than its precious metal content. It’s a great option for true antiques, but for more common sterling sets, a precious metals dealer may offer a more competitive price based on the silver weight.
How to Compare Payouts from Different Buyers
No matter where you decide to sell, it’s wise to get more than one offer. When you sell sterling silver to be melted down, you won’t receive 100% of the market price for silver. The buyer has to account for the costs of melting and refining the silver to a pure form. A typical offer from a dealer might be between 50% and 70% of the total melt value. A trustworthy buyer will be transparent about how they arrive at their price. Don’t hesitate to ask for a breakdown of their offer. By visiting a few different local experts, you can compare offers and feel confident that you’re making the best decision for your valuable items.
Getting the Best Price for Your Flatware
Selling your sterling silver flatware isn’t just about offloading old utensils; it’s about getting a fair return for a valuable asset. Whether you inherited a full set or collected pieces over time, a few strategic steps can make a significant difference in the offer you receive. Taking the time to understand what you have and how the market works will empower you to make a confident and profitable decision.
Get a Professional Appraisal
Before you do anything else, find out exactly what your flatware is worth. While at-home tests can confirm if you have sterling silver, they won’t tell you its market value. The most reliable way to determine this is to get a professional appraisal from a trusted expert. An experienced silver buyer can assess every factor that contributes to the price—not just the weight, but also the pattern, manufacturer, age, and any collectible value. They can distinguish between a common set and a rare, highly sought-after design. Bringing your items to a reputable dealer ensures you get an honest, accurate valuation based on deep market knowledge, giving you a solid foundation for your sale.
Should You Clean Your Silver Before Selling?
A little preparation can make the selling process much smoother. Start by gathering every piece of your set, including serving spoons, forks, and any other unique items. It’s a good idea to count everything and make a simple inventory list. You can get a rough estimate of the silver weight using a kitchen scale. One important tip: resist the urge to aggressively polish your flatware. While a gentle cleaning with a soft cloth is fine, heavy polishing can remove the natural patina that many collectors value, potentially lowering its worth. Simply organizing your set and having it ready for inspection shows you’re a serious seller and helps the appraiser work more efficiently.
Timing Is Everything: Watch the Silver Market
The value of your sterling silver is directly tied to the current price of silver, which fluctuates daily. Before you sell, it’s wise to check the current spot price of silver to get a sense of the market. This price gives you the baseline “melt value” of your flatware based on its weight. However, remember that melt value is just one piece of the puzzle. A final offer from a quality buyer like PGS Gold & Coin will also account for craftsmanship, brand recognition, and rarity. By understanding the current market, you can have a more informed conversation with your appraiser and better recognize a fair offer when you see one.
Common Selling Mistakes You’ll Want to Avoid
Selling a family heirloom or a collected set of sterling silver can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to get a fair price. It’s a process filled with questions, and it’s easy to make a few missteps along the way. Knowing what to look out for can make all the difference, helping you feel confident and prepared. By sidestepping a few common pitfalls, you can ensure you understand the true value of your items and have a smooth, transparent selling experience. Let’s walk through some of the most frequent mistakes so you know exactly what to avoid.
Mistake #1: Confusing Silver-Plated with Sterling
One of the most common mix-ups is confusing sterling silver with silver-plated pieces. While they might look similar at first glance, their values are worlds apart. Sterling silver is made of 92.5% pure silver, making it quite valuable. Silver-plated items, on the other hand, have only a very thin layer of silver over a base metal like copper or nickel, so they hold very little intrinsic value. Before you sell, it’s essential to confirm what you have. Look for hallmarks like “Sterling” or “925.” If you’re unsure, bringing your set in for a professional evaluation is the best way to get a clear answer.
Mistake #2: Assuming Older Is Always More Valuable
It’s a natural assumption: the older something is, the more it must be worth. While age can certainly be a factor in an item’s value, it’s not the only one—and often not even the most important. A 100-year-old set in poor condition or with a very common pattern might be worth less than a newer, rarer set from a famous designer. Factors like the manufacturer, the specific pattern, rarity, and overall condition play a huge role. That’s why it’s always a good idea to have an expert evaluate your collection; we can identify the unique characteristics that truly determine its worth, regardless of its age.
Mistake #3: Setting Unrealistic Price Expectations
Understanding how sterling silver is valued is key to setting realistic expectations. Many sterling flatware sets are ultimately sold for their melt value—the value of the pure silver once it’s melted down and refined. It’s important to know that you won’t receive 100% of the market “spot price” for silver. A buyer has to account for the costs of melting and refining the silver, as well as their own business operations. A fair offer will typically be a percentage of the total melt value. If your set has collectible value beyond its silver content, that can change the equation, which is why a trustworthy appraisal is so important.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What if I can’t find any stamps or hallmarks on my silverware? Don’t worry if you can’t find a stamp. While most sterling silver is marked, very old or custom-made pieces sometimes lack hallmarks. The best next step is to try the magnet test—if it sticks, it’s not sterling. However, the only way to know for sure is to have an expert take a look. A professional can perform a test to determine the metal content without damaging your items, giving you a definitive answer.
Should I polish my sterling silver before I bring it in for an appraisal? It’s best to leave your flatware as is. While it might seem like a good idea to make it look shiny and new, many collectors actually prefer the natural patina that develops over time. Aggressive polishing can sometimes wear down the fine details of the pattern and potentially lower its value. A light wipe with a soft, dry cloth is all you need to do before an evaluation.
My flatware has a monogram on it. Does that make it worthless? Not at all. While a monogram can sometimes affect the value, it doesn’t automatically make your set less desirable. For some antique patterns, a period-appropriate, beautifully engraved monogram can actually add to its charm and historical character. For more common sets being valued for their silver content, a monogram typically doesn’t impact the price much at all.
Why is the offer I receive less than the full market price of silver? The “spot price” you see online is the market rate for pure, raw silver bullion. Sterling silver flatware is an alloy (92.5% silver) that must be melted down and refined to extract that pure silver, a process that has costs. A buyer’s offer reflects these refining fees and their business costs, which is why you’ll receive a percentage of the total melt value. A trustworthy dealer will be transparent about how they calculate their offer.
How are the dinner knives valued if the blades are stainless steel? This is a great question, as it’s a common point of confusion. Most sterling silver dinner knives have stainless steel blades and a weighted material inside the handle for balance and durability. Because of this, they contain much less silver than a fork or spoon of the same size. During an appraisal, experts account for this and will either weigh the knives separately or use a standard value estimate for them, ensuring you get a fair and accurate price for the actual silver content in your set.