Question 1

What does 925 mean on silver?

Accepted Answer

925 means sterling silver — 92.5% pure. British sterling also carries a lion passant hallmark along with the assay office mark and date letter. 'EPNS' or 'silver plate' means a thin silver coating over base metal, which is worth far less.

Question 2

Is old silver worth more than scrap?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes. Collectable makers, complete canteens, unusual patterns and Georgian or Victorian pieces routinely sell for two to five times their melt value. Plain, damaged or very common pieces may be worth little more than scrap — check the weight and hallmark on the advert and compare with the day's silver price.

Question 3

How do I check a hallmark is genuine?

Accepted Answer

A genuine UK hallmark is struck (or laser-marked) by one of the four UK Assay Offices — London, Birmingham, Sheffield or Edinburgh — and shows the metal, its fineness, the assay office mark and usually a date letter and sponsor's mark. Compare the marks on the item with the reference tables published by the Assay Offices, and ask the seller for a clear close-up photo. A hallmark that is blurred, misspelt or in the wrong place is a red flag.

Question 4

How do I avoid scams when buying silverware online?

Accepted Answer

View the item in person before any money changes hands — or use a reputable escrow for high-value pieces — keep all messages inside JewelleryTrader so there is a record, and never pay by bank transfer, gift card or crypto to someone you have not verified. For precious metal, always check the hallmark against the Assay Office records, and for certified stones verify the certificate number directly with GIA or IGI. Every JewelleryTrader seller completes a photo-ID and live selfie check, verified accounts carry a badge, and you can report an advert from the listing page.

Question 5

How do I know what my jewellery is worth before selling?

Accepted Answer

Get an independent valuation first — many high-street jewellers value items for a small fee, and the Institute of Registered Valuers keeps a directory of accredited valuers. Then compare live asking prices for similar pieces on JewelleryTrader so your price reflects what buyers are actually paying. Remember that insurance (replacement) valuations are usually two to three times what a piece will sell for second-hand.

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