Reading silver hallmarks can feel like decoding a secret language. At first glance, they may just look like a series of tiny stamped symbols — but to collectors, dealers, and enthusiasts, they carry a wealth of information. Understanding these marks is key to identifying origin, purity, age, and even maker.
Silver hallmarks aren’t just decorative stamps — they’re tools of identification. These marks provide concrete information about a silver object’s origin, composition, and authenticity. For anyone buying, selling, or collecting silver, knowing what hallmarks mean is essential to understanding what you actually have.
If you’ve ever inspected a piece of silver jewelry, flatware, or decorative item and noticed the number “925” stamped on it, you’ve come across one of the most common purity marks in the world of silver. But what exactly does it mean — and why does it matter?
Sterling silver has long been a benchmark of quality in jewelry, tableware, and decorative arts. But with so many silver-plated and mixed-metal items in circulation, it’s not always easy to tell whether a piece is truly sterling or just looks the part. So how do you know if what you’re holding is actually sterling silver?
When it comes to silver, not all that glitters is the same. Two terms that often cause confusion are plated sterling and actual sterling silver — and while they may look alike at a glance, they’re very different in terms of composition, quality, and value.
If you've ever inspected a piece of antique silver and noticed a small lion stamped into the surface, you’ve encountered one of the most recognizable hallmarks in the world of silver. But what does that lion actually signify?
