Silver is a valuable metal that has a long-lasting intrinsic value. On the contrary, silver-plated items are only worth what the buyer has to offer. Unlike silver that has a melting value, silverplate doesnt. Besides, each item has a small amount of silver.

How do you value silver plated items?

Since there is only a small amount of silver on each item, there is no melting value for silverplate. Pieces that are more decorative, rare, and in good condition might sell for more money. Silverplate value is more about the antique market than it is about the metal market.

How can you tell real silver from silver plate?

Check the colouring of the item carefully; genuine silver is generally less shiny and colder in tone than silverplate. If you see places where the silver appears to be flaking off or turning green, the item is silver plated. To investigate further, you can try cleaning the item with a soft cloth.

Can you get money for silver-plated items?

Some magnificent silver-plated objects like teapots and bowls that are in excellent condition can give good money. In most cases, storefront buyers of sterling silver and gold will give you something like a dollar or fifty cents for every pound of your silver-plated item.

Can you scrap silver-plated items?

To cash in on your scrap silver plated items, you can easily sell them to your local scrap yard. Some scrap yards will be friendlier then others, so call ahead for pricing and to get a feeling for whether or not a yard seems understanding. Some scrap yards even have a special “silver plated scrap” price.

How do you recycle silver-plated items?

The easiest way to recycle silver is to donate it, or you can sell the plates to a scrap-metal dealer. As of April 2010, silver is worth about $18 per ounce. Some silver is antique, worth more than its metal value.

Does anyone buy silver-plated items?

In fact, youll be surprised to find out that they are more valuable than nickel-silver alloy at any scrap yard. In most cases, storefront buyers of sterling silver and gold will give you something like a dollar or fifty cents for every pound of your silver-plated item. They accumulate what you have until it is enough.

Are old silver plated trays worth anything?

Silver is a valuable metal that has a long-lasting intrinsic value. Therefore, you can melt it down and sell it depending on the metal market. On the contrary, silver-plated items are only worth what the buyer has to offer. Unlike silver that has a melting value, silverplate doesnt.