in regards to flatware, serving pieces, bowls, etc--what is the difference between silver-plated and sterling silver?

Sterling silver is 92.5% silver. Pure silver is worth about $34 per troy ounce. A dinner knife is cement filled--and its blade is made out of stainless steel. Silver plated items do not contain a significant amount of precious metal content--therefore they are not valuable. Sterling silver pieces are very valuable. Some online companies offer free appraisals for pieces marked "sterling". For example, I received a free appraisal for my sterling flatware set from von Harringa Metals. The firm eventually bought my set for a very fair price. http://vonharringa.com/Where_To_Sell_Sterling_Silver_Flatware.html

Really the difference is that sterling silver is 92.5% "pure" silver and therefore valuable for its silver content. However, silver-plate is usually a vary, vary, vary small amount of silver that is used over some other LESS valuable metal. Usually sterling silver will have hallmarks that indicate its purity or value. Check out some of these blog posts or visit http://www.archenterprises.com that has more info about sterling silver. http://www.precious-metal-refining.info/silver-cookware-and-serving-pieces/ http://www.precious-metal-refining.info/how-to-sell-sterling-silver-tableware-precious-metal-refining-blog/

Hello. i'm going to try to give you two links. Hope they answer your questions. 1. http://www.examiner.com/sterling-silver-in-national/is-it-sterling-or-silver-plate-silverplate 2. http://www.examiner.com/sterling-silver-in-national/what-s-inside-a-hollow-handle-or-weighted-sterling-piece Best wishes, Jim