Difference in Silver Plates

Weight

• One of the biggest differences between sterling silver and silver plating is weight. Sterling-silver plates are not as heavy as silver-covered plates. You can actually feel the difference when you hold one of each type in your hands. Sterling silver, which has 92.5 percent silver, is lighter than silver-covered plates, which have no standard percentage of silver.

Price

• The value of each type of silver item is also a major difference. Sterling silver is much more expensive than a silver-covered plate. As the price of silver goes up, so does the value of a sterling-silver plate. The silver-covered plate generally does not retain its value unless it is an antique or a collectors' item. Even then, the increase in value of a silver-coated plate is limited compared to a sterling-silver plate of the same year.

Markings

• The markings on each type of silver plate are different. Sterling silver has hallmarks stamped on the back of the plate. Because sterling silver is solid throughout the plate, it is easier for the manufacturer to stamp its signature design. The silver-covered-plate manufacturer typically engraves its name on the item.

Appearance

• All sterling-silver plates look as if they are solid silver because a majority of the plate is made up of pure silver. Oftentimes, on the silver-covered plates, the heavier metals can be seen under the surface of electroplated silver. Porcelain or glass also have a tendency to surface from under the thin layer of silver, usually along the edges or at the high points of the plate. Over time, the thin layer of silver will wear off. Sterling silver plates do not have this characteristic.