Is there a difference between silver and sterling silver?

i have a silver tea and coffee and creamer (hollowware}set that is stamped 7 INSERTED PEARL PATENTED JULY 8TH 1856 on bottom of both pots, and signed YD.g.g 45.00 on each piece. There doesn't seem to be any other marks. How can I tell if these in fact...

i am ordering high school rings, so i want to know the difference between sterling and supreme~ sterling = 92.5% silver + 7.5% alloy supreme= silver and platinum combo is there a difference between the looks?

for example--on a knife....if the handle is "sterling"--that doesn't mean it is solid silver does it?? why would sterling be better than plated?? thank you

I think a sterling silver professional flute makes a difference because i own one and i also own a standard student flute for marching season. I noticed the difference right when i received my professional flute. What do you think?

I want to get the best price for 14k Yellow Gold Plated Sterling Silver One Person Can Make A Difference And That Person Is You Two-Tone Circle Pendant