Engraving on Metal is the process of cutting shallow lines into silver or another metal with a sharp graver, reproducing artwork which has been drawn on a metal article. It protects metals with 3 tarnish and corrosion inhibitors. Frosted or matte would give you a duller finish emphasizing more the form of the piece. #BW399. So choose what you like. Different rouges as they are called impart different finishes. What is the best way to clean Silver Tea Sets, Goblets and other fine sterling holloware? The rinse agent lowers the surface tension of the rinse water so it sheets off the surfaces and droplets don't form. We have a beautiful system that allows you to find your pattern easily: https://www.silverqueen.com/PatternSearch/STERLING. Sterling made in the USA after approximately the 1850's always has a sterling mark. (i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),
Sterling is 92.5% silver and 7.5% other alloys including copper for greater durability. The standing lion with his right front pawraised (The lion passant) is the most commonly seen sterling quality mark. Is it pure silver? What is pre-owned silverware?Pre-owned or estate silverware is silverware that has been purchased from estates, individuals wishing to sell their silverware and sometimes from a jewelry store that has gone out of business. Each: Tapering and chamfered rectilinear handle in mottled and translucent agate. English gilt sterling silver & agate fruit set. It may be.925 or show the fraction 925/1000. Unfortunately, there have been times where the companies do not get enough orders.
But most of all, you are the one that you have to please.
Remove new silverware from the dishwasher immediately after the last rinse cycle and towel dry for the first few times.
Gilt sterling silver blades with 2 armorials (knives) and 4-tined shanks with 1 armorial (forks); stippled and scrolled mount. The usage of "grille" size as either for your main course or as an additional 2 pieces added to your place setting to be used as a fish knife or fish fork. If you purchase a brand new setting today without specifying a size preference you will receive place size. Made by Francis Higgins in London in 1833. Hagerty 100 will handle your toughest polishing jobs forall metals. (function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
Midcentury Modern sterling silver cake knife. #BR157. In stained-wood case with fitted velvet. Visible hand hammering. It will come to you individually wrapped in a fresh plastic bag. Different abrasive compounds are used toobtain various finishes. Your pattern will be flat or indented into the metal. If you are cleaning silver hollow ware you may use Silver Foam which can be applied & simply washed off item#1821511 We also have a silver polish in a spray can that can just be wiped off item #1821512. When they are made obsolete the dies or molds are destroyed & the pattern is never made again. Silver plate has no intrinsic silver value. It protects metals with 3 tarnish and corrosion inhibitors. Made by Spratling in Taxco, Mexico. If the silver that we purchase is damaged or initialed, we sell it a refinery. Fork (approx. In leather-bound case with silk lining and fitted velvet. Repousson metal is theprocess used to emboss a sterling or other metal object from the back or inside with larger punches. It has very little resale value as tableware. Colors vary. Turn-of-the-century Belle Epoque 950 silver and mother of pearl fruit set. Case dimensions: H 2 3/8 x W 13 3/4 x D 9 1/2 in. Sterling flatware always retains it intrinsic silver value & usually a value also as tableware. We offer a comprehensive on-line pattern identification guides that quickly help you look up and find out this information easily. Best care for your cutlery is to wash and dry as soon as practical after using, do so should help avoid your knives from getting black unsightly pits. Martele has a hammered finish. We are Providing Free Shipping On Order Above RS. The patina on fine silver is enhanced by the rubbing that occurs when washing and drying by hand. So choose what you like. What is the difference between satin finish and high gloss finish in silver? Choose something that will last over the changing eras of your life. A 4 piece setting would be all the above minus the soup spoon. From 1897 to about 1912 The Gorham Company wanted to produce special pieces that were completely hand made. Since 1972, we have purchased millions of pieces of sterling flatware paying top dollar. But you may also receive more than the intrinsic value if your pattern is one that is resalable. To learn more about our antique sterling silver silverware sets, please give us a call today. Gross weight: 5 troy ounces. Choose something that will last over the changing eras of your life. Since about 1975 most manufacturers have deemed, Prior to 1975 many patterns had what is called a, Polishing of the silverwareis done by usinga polishing wheel attached to a long-spindled motorized arbor which runs at high speed. Sit down for dinner with a full English antique sterling silver silverware set. https://www.silverqueen.com/store/Estate-Silver-from-around-the-world, (Note from the Silver Queen: The newer silverware is being made with glue that will withstand the heat. The standard blade size on most patterns is the, Martele is the french word for hand hammered. Be sure to wait until your dishwasher is cool before removing your fine china and crystal.). Use only your hot dry. 5737. When choosing your china, crystal & silverware,choose something that compliments each other. It is also made of 95% pure silver instead of sterling silver which is .925 fine. Many people are adding to discontinued sets & are looking for your patterns. In automatic dishwashing, a reaction can occur between water droplets and the small portion of copper at the surface to cause brown spots on some pieces. Both the knife and the fork have long handles and short blades or tines. It quickly and easily removes years of tarnish, dirt, corrosion, grease, lime and waterstains. Be sure to wait until your dishwasher is cool before removing your fine china and crystal.). What are the standard serving pieces?The standard serving pieces sometimes sold as a 6 piece hostess set are the A. French bladed knives were more popular about 40 years ago. Marked Allan Adler Handmade Sterling. When choosing your china, crystal & silverware,choose something that compliments each other. It shows off the pattern. Excellent condition. We refund the money to our customer.Our recommendation is instead of "Made to Order",you wait until a preowned piece shows up or you select another pattern that contrasts with your pattern. Resource: Melvin Bernstein, "Electroplating," Discovery Channel School, original content provided by World Book. Fully marked. German produces 800 fine items 80% pure, Norway 83% pure, Russia 84% pure and many other European Countries also produce silver items of varying purities.
The artists, chasers, and silversmiths would typically take 100-300 hours to produce just one item. It is completely smooth on the edge going up and down on either side. Use only your hot dry. Marked Sterling. Very good condition. Martele is the french word for hand hammered. Knife: 7 5/8 in. ASP, our immigration adviser, help us reunite here in New Zealand. We offer a comprehensive on-line pattern identification guides that quickly help you look up and find out this information easily. Silverware may be washed in the dishwasher but hand washing is the preferred method. No silver flatware is made with pure silver. If the silver piece is not damaged and has not been initialed, we have it polished to look like new. The thickness of the layer deposited on the article depends on the strength of the electric current, the concentration of metallic ions, and the length of time the article has been in the solution. Excellent condition. Very good condition with deep patina. 1940s marks. 999 Pure Silver Dinner Set / Thali Set - Ashapura Pattern With BIS Hallmark, Silver Dinner Set - 999 Pure Silver With BIS Hallmark, Silver Dinner Set / Thali Set with 990 BIS Hallmark, Silver dinner set - 990 Bis Hallmarked certified, Silver Thali - Ashapura pattern - with 990 BIS Hallmark, Silver Baby Dinner Set - 990 Bis Hallmarked - 7" size dinner set, Flower Designed Silver Coffee Mug - 925 BIS Hallmark, Silver Dinner Set for Baby - 990 Bis Hallmarked, Silver Dinner Set - Nakshi - Asha Pattern -990 Bis hallmarked, 10" size - 999 Pure Silver Dinner Set / Thali Set - Ashapura Pattern With BIS Hallmark, Silver Dinner set with Gold flower in Centre - Ashapura pattern-990 Bis Hallmarked, Silver Baby Dinner Set - 990 Bis Hallmarked - 8" size baby dinner set. https://www.silverqueen.com/Product-list/STERLING/REPOUSSE. Scroll handle with scallop shell terminal and entwined tendrils flowing into large and ovoid ball with open scrollwork; sides striated with tubular openwork and rim serrated.
Sterlingsilver is 92.5% silverwith a 7.5% additive, usually copper. (Note from the Silver Queen: The newer silverware is being made with glue that will withstand the heat. Made by Allan Adler in Los Angeles. In automatic dishwashing, a reaction can occur between water droplets and the small portion of copper at the surface to cause brown spots on some pieces. The "rinse and hold" cycle on an automatic dishwasher is particularly hard on cutlery because the pieces are warm and wet for an extended period of time. Why did my stainless steel knife blades pit? Dimensions: H 9 x W 5 1/4 in. It is also made of 95% pure silver instead of sterling silver which is .925 fine. Most of the time you will want to use a gentle rub or silver polish to keep your sterling shiny. There are only a handful of American patterns made with this size available, with Grande Baroque by Wallace being the primary one.When set on the table most people would never notice that some forks and knives might be a hare longer or shorter and many of our customers freely mix their luncheon, place and dinner pieces when entertaining. Choose from a variety of gorgeous antique sterling silver cutlery that enhances the dinner experience for you and your guests. It is used to improve the appearance of materials, for protection against corrosion, and to make plates for printing. Eight knives have William Theobalds makers stamp and 1833 date letter. We need to constantly buy flatware for our silver matching business and can usually pay a premium on better flatware patterns. It is not. Fully marked including Whiting makers stamp and no. This measures usually 9.5" for the knife and 7.75" for a fork. After the silverware has been washed several times, the copper on the surface is gone and the surface is pure silver. They prefer to have some invested in something tangible. These pieces can be handed down from generation to generation. Regency Classicism for a special dinner party. ): 7 7/8 in. Some of our customers have both place and dinner size for really extravagant dining. Dimensions: H 13 x W 3 3/4 x D 1/4 in. New sterling silverware sometimes gets brown spots after washing in the dishwasher. In New Zealand, you can study for internationally-recognised qualifications at a wide range of educational institutions. There is no return except for damage. })(window,document,'script','//www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js','ga'); Lunch Size Pictured above: Regular proportions of handle and blade.
This set comprises 12 forks and 12 knives. When they are made obsolete the dies or molds are destroyed & the pattern is never made again. Most Silver plate will last approximately 20 years or less depending on use with the proper care. Fully marked. When we order from them, it is a contract that we cannot break.
Our recommendation is instead of "Made to Order",you wait until a preowned piece shows up or you select another pattern that contrasts with your pattern. Since 1972, we have purchased millions of pieces of sterling flatware paying top dollar. https://www.silverqueen.com/store/Sterling-Servers-Store. An early piece by this maker. Each: Tapering and chamfered rectilinear handle in mottled and granulated agate in different colors. This set comprises 168 pieces: Forks: 12 dinner forks (8 5/8), 12 luncheon forks (7 1/2), 12 fish forks (7), 12 dessert forks (6 7/8), and 12 seafood forks (6); Spoons: 12 tablespoons (8 1/2), 12 cream soup spoons (6 3/4), 12 dessert spoons (6 7/8), 12 teaspoons (6 1/4), 12 five oclock spoons (5 1/8), and 12 demitasse spoons (4); Knives: 12 dinner knives (9 3/4), 12 luncheon knives (8 3/8), and Click for details. Made by John & Henry Lias in London in 1838. These pieces are now highly desired and collectible and fetch the highest prices in the silver market place typically between $150 to $600 per ounce depending on the aesthetics of the item. worth the refining costs to try to redeem the silver. Scallop shell bowl with open flutes inset with open scrolls and diaper. However, in the box the shorter and longer forks will not stack on top of each other as nicely and that in is problem for many people.
What does modern blade and french blade mean? Yes, there are many countries that use a lower purity than 92.5% pure. Four knives have Click for details. Sterling Silverware is a form of what is called "Hard Money". But most of all, you are the one that you have to please. A 5 piece setting is comprised of a salad fork, place fork, place knife, place soup spoon and a teaspoon as pictured above going from left to right. When buying either your sterling or silver plated pattern, choose a pattern because you like it. Since the year 1200 all English Silver is 92.5% pure silver. Case lining has gilt stamp for Monte Carlo retailer. We are one of the nation's premier buyers of sterling silver flatware. Prior to 1975 many patterns had what is called a "luncheon size" as the standard to purchase for when brides bought their new silverware. The other marks indicate the city of origin, the maker, and the year of manufacture. Fully marked with London assay stamp. Victorian Georgian sterling silver Shell and Thread fish slice. #BW328.
Table serving spoon; B. If the silver piece is not damaged and has not been initialed, we have it polished to look like new. The Skilled Migrant Category is a points system based on factors such as age, work experience, your qualifications, and an offer of skilled employment. Silver is gilt and mother of pearl is tinted brown. Prolonged soaking, (i.e. New Zealands business migration categories are designed to contribute to economic growth, attracting smart capital and business expertise to New Zealand, and enabling experienced business people to buy or establish businesses in New Zealand. Most Silver plate will last approximately 20 years or less depending on use with the proper care.When buying either your sterling or silver plated pattern, choose a pattern because you like it. https://www.silverqueen.com/items/Polishing-Products. However it is not profitable for the companies to make one piece. #BV350. ga('create', 'UA-25602096-1', 'auto'); Weight: 4 troy ounces. ASP Immigration Services Limited, our firm provides comprehensive immigration representation to clients located throughout New Zealand and the world. Height: 10 1/2 in. We are always honest, fair, competitive and reliable in our quotes and payment method. Rare sterling silver punch ladle. I know the name of my pattern, how do I find out what you have available and the prices? Most of the time you will want to use a gentle rub or silver polish to keep your sterling, For something darker we recommend using Hagerty's Silversmith's Polish item, We don't advise using silver dips as they are. High gloss is youre shiniest. They cancel our contract. overnight)in water must be avoided especially where several pieces may be in close contact during the soaking period. So the choice is yours. Weight: 8.5 troy ounces. Shaped and curved rectilinear blade with ornamental piercing and shell-mount to threaded King-shaped handle with shell terminal and engraved armorial. Made by Hamilton & Inches in Edinburgh in 1876. Weight: 3.3 troy ounces. This set comprises 157 pieces (dimensions in inches): Forks: 12 Dinner forks (7 1/4), 12 luncheon forks (6 7/8), 24 salad forks (6 3/4), 12 pastry forks (5 5/8), 2 seafood forks (6 1/8), and 1 youth fork (5 5/8); Spoons: 12 teaspoons (5 7/8), 12 teaspoons (5 1/2), 8 fruit spoons (5 7/8), 4 gumbo spoons (6 5/8), 2 ice cream spoons (5 5/8), 2 demitasse spoons (4 1/2), and 3 salt spoons (2 5/8); American Edwardian sterling silver grape shears, ca 1910. A great piece for the weekend cottage. Pure silver is usually labeled .999 fine, it can never be guaranteed completely 100% pure. Hand engraving removes metal when cutting, Machine engraving does not remove metal, Bright cutting is another form of engraving which when viewed is very reflective because of its flat, angled cut.
Sterling silver blades (knives) and 3-tined shanks (forks) with scallop shell mount. This set comprises 24 pieces: 12 knives and 12 forks. It may say Sterling. Hagerty 100 will handle your toughest polishing jobs forall metals. We are always honest, fair, competitive and reliable in our quotes and payment method. We take great care to develop a strong client relationship, coupled with efficient communication. You will only find this when it comes to silver bullion bars available for the purposes of trading silver as a commodity. Dimensions: H 6 x W 2 1/4 in. Sterling will last forever if you want to use it and take care of it. Sterling is 92.5% silver and 7.5% other alloys including copper for greater durability. If it does not have this mark then it is likely not sterling, unless it is foreign made (not in the USA) and has other hallmarks that designate its silver content.
What is the difference in sizes of lunch, place, dinner and continental in place settings? High gloss is, Over the years knife styles have varied in the manufacturing process of sterling silverware.


The artists, chasers, and silversmiths would typically take 100-300 hours to produce just one item. It is completely smooth on the edge going up and down on either side. Use only your hot dry. Marked Sterling. Very good condition. Martele is the french word for hand hammered. Knife: 7 5/8 in. ASP, our immigration adviser, help us reunite here in New Zealand. We offer a comprehensive on-line pattern identification guides that quickly help you look up and find out this information easily. Silverware may be washed in the dishwasher but hand washing is the preferred method. No silver flatware is made with pure silver. If the silver piece is not damaged and has not been initialed, we have it polished to look like new. The thickness of the layer deposited on the article depends on the strength of the electric current, the concentration of metallic ions, and the length of time the article has been in the solution. Excellent condition. Very good condition with deep patina. 1940s marks. 999 Pure Silver Dinner Set / Thali Set - Ashapura Pattern With BIS Hallmark, Silver Dinner Set - 999 Pure Silver With BIS Hallmark, Silver Dinner Set / Thali Set with 990 BIS Hallmark, Silver dinner set - 990 Bis Hallmarked certified, Silver Thali - Ashapura pattern - with 990 BIS Hallmark, Silver Baby Dinner Set - 990 Bis Hallmarked - 7" size dinner set, Flower Designed Silver Coffee Mug - 925 BIS Hallmark, Silver Dinner Set for Baby - 990 Bis Hallmarked, Silver Dinner Set - Nakshi - Asha Pattern -990 Bis hallmarked, 10" size - 999 Pure Silver Dinner Set / Thali Set - Ashapura Pattern With BIS Hallmark, Silver Dinner set with Gold flower in Centre - Ashapura pattern-990 Bis Hallmarked, Silver Baby Dinner Set - 990 Bis Hallmarked - 8" size baby dinner set. https://www.silverqueen.com/Product-list/STERLING/REPOUSSE. Scroll handle with scallop shell terminal and entwined tendrils flowing into large and ovoid ball with open scrollwork; sides striated with tubular openwork and rim serrated.
Sterlingsilver is 92.5% silverwith a 7.5% additive, usually copper. (Note from the Silver Queen: The newer silverware is being made with glue that will withstand the heat. Made by Allan Adler in Los Angeles. In automatic dishwashing, a reaction can occur between water droplets and the small portion of copper at the surface to cause brown spots on some pieces. The "rinse and hold" cycle on an automatic dishwasher is particularly hard on cutlery because the pieces are warm and wet for an extended period of time. Why did my stainless steel knife blades pit? Dimensions: H 9 x W 5 1/4 in. It is also made of 95% pure silver instead of sterling silver which is .925 fine. Most of the time you will want to use a gentle rub or silver polish to keep your sterling shiny. There are only a handful of American patterns made with this size available, with Grande Baroque by Wallace being the primary one.When set on the table most people would never notice that some forks and knives might be a hare longer or shorter and many of our customers freely mix their luncheon, place and dinner pieces when entertaining. Choose from a variety of gorgeous antique sterling silver cutlery that enhances the dinner experience for you and your guests. It is used to improve the appearance of materials, for protection against corrosion, and to make plates for printing. Eight knives have William Theobalds makers stamp and 1833 date letter. We need to constantly buy flatware for our silver matching business and can usually pay a premium on better flatware patterns. It is not. Fully marked including Whiting makers stamp and no. This measures usually 9.5" for the knife and 7.75" for a fork. After the silverware has been washed several times, the copper on the surface is gone and the surface is pure silver. They prefer to have some invested in something tangible. These pieces can be handed down from generation to generation. Regency Classicism for a special dinner party. ): 7 7/8 in. Some of our customers have both place and dinner size for really extravagant dining. Dimensions: H 13 x W 3 3/4 x D 1/4 in. New sterling silverware sometimes gets brown spots after washing in the dishwasher. In New Zealand, you can study for internationally-recognised qualifications at a wide range of educational institutions. There is no return except for damage. })(window,document,'script','//www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js','ga'); Lunch Size Pictured above: Regular proportions of handle and blade.
This set comprises 12 forks and 12 knives. When they are made obsolete the dies or molds are destroyed & the pattern is never made again. Most Silver plate will last approximately 20 years or less depending on use with the proper care. Fully marked. When we order from them, it is a contract that we cannot break.
Our recommendation is instead of "Made to Order",you wait until a preowned piece shows up or you select another pattern that contrasts with your pattern. Since 1972, we have purchased millions of pieces of sterling flatware paying top dollar. https://www.silverqueen.com/store/Sterling-Servers-Store. An early piece by this maker. Each: Tapering and chamfered rectilinear handle in mottled and granulated agate in different colors. This set comprises 168 pieces: Forks: 12 dinner forks (8 5/8), 12 luncheon forks (7 1/2), 12 fish forks (7), 12 dessert forks (6 7/8), and 12 seafood forks (6); Spoons: 12 tablespoons (8 1/2), 12 cream soup spoons (6 3/4), 12 dessert spoons (6 7/8), 12 teaspoons (6 1/4), 12 five oclock spoons (5 1/8), and 12 demitasse spoons (4); Knives: 12 dinner knives (9 3/4), 12 luncheon knives (8 3/8), and Click for details. Made by John & Henry Lias in London in 1838. These pieces are now highly desired and collectible and fetch the highest prices in the silver market place typically between $150 to $600 per ounce depending on the aesthetics of the item. worth the refining costs to try to redeem the silver. Scallop shell bowl with open flutes inset with open scrolls and diaper. However, in the box the shorter and longer forks will not stack on top of each other as nicely and that in is problem for many people.
What does modern blade and french blade mean? Yes, there are many countries that use a lower purity than 92.5% pure. Four knives have Click for details. Sterling Silverware is a form of what is called "Hard Money". But most of all, you are the one that you have to please. A 5 piece setting is comprised of a salad fork, place fork, place knife, place soup spoon and a teaspoon as pictured above going from left to right. When buying either your sterling or silver plated pattern, choose a pattern because you like it. Since the year 1200 all English Silver is 92.5% pure silver. Case lining has gilt stamp for Monte Carlo retailer. We are one of the nation's premier buyers of sterling silver flatware. Prior to 1975 many patterns had what is called a "luncheon size" as the standard to purchase for when brides bought their new silverware. The other marks indicate the city of origin, the maker, and the year of manufacture. Fully marked with London assay stamp. Victorian Georgian sterling silver Shell and Thread fish slice. #BW328.
Table serving spoon; B. If the silver piece is not damaged and has not been initialed, we have it polished to look like new. The Skilled Migrant Category is a points system based on factors such as age, work experience, your qualifications, and an offer of skilled employment. Silver is gilt and mother of pearl is tinted brown. Prolonged soaking, (i.e. New Zealands business migration categories are designed to contribute to economic growth, attracting smart capital and business expertise to New Zealand, and enabling experienced business people to buy or establish businesses in New Zealand. Most Silver plate will last approximately 20 years or less depending on use with the proper care.When buying either your sterling or silver plated pattern, choose a pattern because you like it. https://www.silverqueen.com/items/Polishing-Products. However it is not profitable for the companies to make one piece. #BV350. ga('create', 'UA-25602096-1', 'auto'); Weight: 4 troy ounces. ASP Immigration Services Limited, our firm provides comprehensive immigration representation to clients located throughout New Zealand and the world. Height: 10 1/2 in. We are always honest, fair, competitive and reliable in our quotes and payment method. Rare sterling silver punch ladle. I know the name of my pattern, how do I find out what you have available and the prices? Most of the time you will want to use a gentle rub or silver polish to keep your sterling, For something darker we recommend using Hagerty's Silversmith's Polish item, We don't advise using silver dips as they are. High gloss is youre shiniest. They cancel our contract. overnight)in water must be avoided especially where several pieces may be in close contact during the soaking period. So the choice is yours. Weight: 8.5 troy ounces. Shaped and curved rectilinear blade with ornamental piercing and shell-mount to threaded King-shaped handle with shell terminal and engraved armorial. Made by Hamilton & Inches in Edinburgh in 1876. Weight: 3.3 troy ounces. This set comprises 157 pieces (dimensions in inches): Forks: 12 Dinner forks (7 1/4), 12 luncheon forks (6 7/8), 24 salad forks (6 3/4), 12 pastry forks (5 5/8), 2 seafood forks (6 1/8), and 1 youth fork (5 5/8); Spoons: 12 teaspoons (5 7/8), 12 teaspoons (5 1/2), 8 fruit spoons (5 7/8), 4 gumbo spoons (6 5/8), 2 ice cream spoons (5 5/8), 2 demitasse spoons (4 1/2), and 3 salt spoons (2 5/8); American Edwardian sterling silver grape shears, ca 1910. A great piece for the weekend cottage. Pure silver is usually labeled .999 fine, it can never be guaranteed completely 100% pure. Hand engraving removes metal when cutting, Machine engraving does not remove metal, Bright cutting is another form of engraving which when viewed is very reflective because of its flat, angled cut.
Sterling silver blades (knives) and 3-tined shanks (forks) with scallop shell mount. This set comprises 24 pieces: 12 knives and 12 forks. It may say Sterling. Hagerty 100 will handle your toughest polishing jobs forall metals. We are always honest, fair, competitive and reliable in our quotes and payment method. We take great care to develop a strong client relationship, coupled with efficient communication. You will only find this when it comes to silver bullion bars available for the purposes of trading silver as a commodity. Dimensions: H 6 x W 2 1/4 in. Sterling will last forever if you want to use it and take care of it. Sterling is 92.5% silver and 7.5% other alloys including copper for greater durability. If it does not have this mark then it is likely not sterling, unless it is foreign made (not in the USA) and has other hallmarks that designate its silver content.
What is the difference in sizes of lunch, place, dinner and continental in place settings? High gloss is, Over the years knife styles have varied in the manufacturing process of sterling silverware.