how do i know if these candlesticks are sterling ?

[97guns]

i have a pair of candlesticks that are 24K gold electroplted. the only marking on the bottom is International Silver Co. i took some of the electroplating off and its silver in color underneath, it does not react to a magnet either. what can i do to determin if its silver or not.

[Robarons]

A sterling candlestick will say weighted/reinforced sterling on the bottom. If its not there its not sterling.

[Sheikh_yer_Bu'Tay]

i have a pair of candlesticks that are 24K gold electroplted. the only marking on the bottom is International Silver Co. i took some of the electroplating off and its silver in color underneath, it does not react to a magnet either. what can i do to determin if its silver or not.

Like Robarons said, if it does not say "Sterling", don't buy it. Even sometimes the ones with "Sterling" are not up to the required percentage of silver to be called Sterling. Sterling is suppose to be 92.5% or higher in silver content.

After that it gets pretty tricky. PM Market Harmony or Kurr to learn how to assay the stuff.

[Robarons]

Around the same time as weighted sterling candlesticks were being made other companies tried to do the same in silver plate and peweter. These arent as common as the sterling candlesticks, but they are out there. International Silver Co. is a higher grade silver manufacturer with most of their items being sterling and heavier. However they have cheapened up a bit and produce plate and things like what you own.

A common thing now that you see on a weighted candlesticks is what Gorham is doing , another high quality silversmith, is making it identical down to the ridges on the bottom of the base, stampign their name and some silver marks (the crown, anchor date letters etc.) but not marking sterling or using EP (electroplate).

A rule that I have is that if someone is going to go thru all the trouble to make something out of silver or gold they are going to sign it or stamp it in some way. Umarked stuff is out there, but one can usalyy tell if its higher quality and gold/silver or not. Either way stick to your markings.

Also if you ever wanted to test this or other silver items nitric acid does the trick, google it. It turns red or green, etc can tell you what you need to know. Testing kits are very helpful in these situations when done correctly.

[Mossy]

i have a pair of candlesticks that are 24K gold electroplted. the only marking on the bottom is International Silver Co. i took some of the electroplating off and its silver in color underneath, it does not react to a magnet either. what can i do to determin if its silver or not.

I don't think anyone would put gold plating on sterling silver.