Silver Value Guide

Sterling silver purity and math

Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver, alloyed with 7.5% copper for strength — pure (fine) silver is too soft for most everyday jewelry and tableware. The math mirrors gold: grams x 0.925 x spot price per gram of pure silver = melt value. Because silver's spot price per gram is a small fraction of gold's, individual sterling pieces are usually worth far less than gold jewelry of similar size, which is why weight matters even more with silver — a large flatware set or serving tray can be worth meaningfully more than a single ring or bracelet.

Silver-plated items, by contrast, are only a thin layer of silver over a base metal like nickel or copper and carry essentially no melt value, so distinguishing plated from solid sterling is the first and most important step in any silver appraisal.

Flatware, tea sets and silver jewelry

Sterling flatware sets, tea services and serving pieces are among the most common silver items people bring in, often inherited and rarely used. These are priced primarily on weight once confirmed as sterling, though pieces from recognized silversmiths like Tiffany, Gorham or Georg Jensen can carry additional value tied to the maker and pattern.

Silver jewelry — rings, bracelets, chains — follows the same sterling math but in smaller quantities per piece, so it's common to combine several items into one appraisal and payout, similar to how scrap gold is often sold in a single lot.

U.S. junk silver coins and bullion

U.S. dimes, quarters and half dollars minted in 1964 or earlier are 90% silver, commonly called 'junk silver' even though they carry real melt value based on weight and current spot price — a pre-1965 quarter contains roughly 0.18 ounces of pure silver. Silver dollars and certain half dollars minted between 1965-1970 have different silver content, so exact dates and denominations matter for accurate pricing.

Investment bullion — silver bars and rounds from recognized refiners, and coins like American Silver Eagles — is typically .999 fine silver, priced closely to spot with a modest premium for brand recognition and liquidity, similar to how gold bullion trades relative to gold's spot price.

Hallmarks and how to identify real sterling

Look for 'STERLING,' '925,' or '.925' stamped on jewelry clasps, the underside of flatware handles, or the base of hollowware like bowls and trays. British and European silver often carries assay office marks or a lion passant hallmark instead of a simple '925' stamp.

• 'STERLING' or '925' — standard U.S. sterling mark
• 'EPNS' or 'silverplate' — plated, not solid silver
• Lion passant or assay office marks — British sterling hallmarks
• Maker's mark or pattern name stamped near the purity mark

Sell your silver in Houston

Gold King tests silver for purity, separates plated from solid pieces, and weighs everything in front of you before pricing against the live spot price — whether it's a single ring, a full flatware set, or a jar of old coins.

Bring your silver to 6809 Southwest Freeway, open daily 10:00 AM to 8:45 PM, or call 713-997-0875 with questions first. A valid photo ID is required by Texas law for precious metal purchases.