sorry for some reason, my post didn't have all the information. I'm trying again. True sterling silver will be stamped with mark .925, or will have stamped words such as, "Sterling, Sterling Silver, Silver" or a combination of both. The mark of .925 is the standard, worldwide mark of sterling silver. This is indicative of the amount of pure silver in parts per thousand. Basically this means that 92.5% is silver and the other percent is 7.5% copper.
1. STERLING SILVER .925: The standard worldwide mark of sterling silver. 92.5% silver, 7.5% copper.
WHAT IS NOT CONSIDERED STERLING SILVER:
10. SILVER PLATE: A thin layer of silver applied (electroplated) over a base metal. The amount of silver used is negiliable. 11. STERLING SILVER OR SILVER PLATE: same as above. 12. STERLING SILVER OVERLAY: A thicker layer of silver applied over a base metal. The thick layer of silver allows a piece to be engraved. 13. SILVERTONE: Base metal colored to look silver.