Do you have a of silverware or a set of hallmarks you'd like help identifying?
: In many sets, only the knife handle is sterling silver, while the blade is stainless steel. Appraisers will only pay for the silver portion of the handle. Tips for Selling to a Pawn Shop
Before heading to a pawn shop, check for these indicators that your set is genuine silver rather than plated: do pawn shops buy silverware
: Gently tap a piece of silverware; genuine silver produces a long, melodious ring, while plated metal often makes a dull "thud". What Pawn Shops Pay for Silverware
Pawn shops generally value silverware based on its —the current market "spot price" of silver multiplied by the weight and purity of your items. Do you have a of silverware or a
: While some rare or high-end brands like Tiffany & Co. , Gorham, or Wallace may fetch a premium, most pawn shops focus strictly on the weight of the metal.
: Examine high-contact areas like the tips of spoons. If you see a different-colored metal (like copper or brass) peeking through, it is silver-plated. Tips for Selling to a Pawn Shop Before
: While light cleaning with a soft cloth is fine, aggressive polishing can remove the "patina" on antique items, which some collectors value.