800 silver, also known as Jewelry Silver, is an alloy composed of 80% pure silver and 20% other metals usually copper.
Pure silver is soft and is easily damaged, so other alloys are mixed to strengthen the silver. It is slightly more durable than higher-purity silver alloys making it suitable for items like flatware and coins.
Alloying silver with other metals is a common practice, but knowing how much silver is in a given item is important.
The purity of silver is shown by hallmarks. These are done by independent laboratories and assay offices whose experts test and guarantee their purity.
Different types of silver have different types of hallmarks to identify how much silver content is in the given item, this is done mostly by fineness.
Fineness of 800 Silver
Fineness refers to measuring the purity in parts per 1000. So, 800 silver means 800 pieces of silver out of 1000 and 200 pieces of other metals.
Silver can be made to any fineness, the most common silver fineness is:
| Name | Fineness | Percentage of Pure Silver | Common Name | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 800 silver | 800 | 80.00% | Jewelry Silver | Often used for lower-quality jewelry |
| 900 silver | 900 | 90.00% | Coin Silver | Used for minting coins |
| 925 silver | 925 | 92.50% | Sterling Silver | Widely used for jewelry and decorative items |
| 958 silver | 958 | 95.80% | Britannia Silver | Common in Britain, used for high-quality items |
| 999 silver | 999 | 99.90% | Fine Silver | Used for bullion and investment |
The remaining percentages in these alloys are made up of other metals like copper to increase durability. Fineness is stamped as a hallmark on silver items to indicate their purity and value. Fine silver (999) is used for bullion, while lower finenesses like 925 and 800 are more common for jewelry and silverware.
Why 800 Silver Was Popular?
800 silver has remained a popular choice throughout history due to its unique properties and applications. This silver alloy, which contains 80% pure silver and 20% other metals, is slightly more durable than higher-purity silver pieces. That is why it is a common choice for making items like, jewelry, spoons, knives, and other flatware in earlier times.
While 925 sterling silver is considered a higher quality and more valuable option, 800 silver has continued to be sought after by collectors of antique silver objects and those looking for a more affordable silver option. Its history and versatility have contributed to 800 silver’s enduring popularity over the centuries.
800 silver Marks in UK
800 silver is marked with specific hallmarks to denote its purity. The most common hallmark is the number “800,” indicating that the item is made of 80% pure silver and 20% other metals.
Hallmarking is crucial for confirming the purity of silver items. In the UK, it is legally required for all silver pieces weighing over 7.78 grams (excluding items with a silver coating) to have a hallmark.
Traditional silver hallmarks included a letter indicating the year of manufacture in the United Kingdom, but this is no longer mandatory. Each maker and assay office has unique symbols. The purity of silver is typically shown as numbers within an oval shape, which is the symbol of silver. Other precious metals have different shapes for their purity marks.
Different symbols are used in the UK to indicate silver purity, differing from numerical marks. For example, a lion symbol represents 925 fineness (sterling silver), while a Britannia symbol indicates 958 fineness (Britannia silver). For 800 silver, the hallmark would show “800” within an oval.
While 800 silver is not very common, its presence is increasing due to the global jewelry trade. If an item is made of this silver, it must display the hallmark showing this fineness.
In Italy
Italian silverware often used 800 silver as well, but Italy lacked strict hallmarking regulations at that time. As a result, Italian silver often simply has “800” stamped on it, sometimes in various sizes and shapes, without an official assay.
In Germany
Historically, in 1884, Germany established 800 silver as the minimum standard for silver products. German items made from this silver were marked with a crown, a crescent moon, the maker’s mark, and the “800” fineness mark.
Because it originated in Europe, it is referred to as “continental silver.” This term helps distinguish it from “sterling silver,” which is 925 fine and has been the traditional standard in the UK.
Other countries have their hallmarking requirements, and some do not require hallmarks at all. An international 800 silver stamp typically consists of the number “800” inside a scale symbol. In the United States, silver items only need to carry the maker’s mark; indicating fineness is optional.
Alternatives of 800 silver
When exploring alternatives to 800 silver, consider other silver alloys with unique properties and uses, suited for applications like jewelry, flatware, and collectibles. Here are two more popular alternatives:
925 Silver (Sterling Silver)
925 silver, commonly known as sterling silver, is one of the most popular alternatives to 800 silver. It consists of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals. This combination gives sterling silver a balance of beauty and durability, making it ideal for jewelry, flatware, and decorative items.
The higher silver content means it has a bright, shiny appearance, while the added metals enhance its strength, helping it resist scratches and dents better than higher-purity silver.
999 Silver (Fine Silver)
999 silver, also known as fine silver, is another alternative to 800 silver, containing 99.9% pure silver. This high purity level gives it a brilliant shine and makes it less prone to tarnishing compared to lower-purity silvers.
However, fine silver is softer and more malleable, which makes it less durable for everyday use, especially in jewelry that is subject to wear and tear. Because of its softness, 999 silver is often used for bullion coins and bars, where the focus is on purity rather than durability.
Uses
800 silver is a little more durable than higher-purity silver, making it suitable for items like spoons, knives, and other flatware. Here are the most common uses:
- Flatware and tableware: It is commonly used to make spoons, knives, forks, and other flatware items, as it is a bit more durable than higher-purity silver. It is a popular alloy for making antique silver objects and collectibles.
- Coinage: 800 silver was also commonly used for coinage in the past. The silver content was lower than pure silver but higher than base metal coins.
- Niello work: This silver alloy is preferred for niello work (a decorative metalworking technique) because it can withstand high firing temperatures better than higher silver content alloys.
- Jewelry: While not as popular as sterling silver (925), it has also been used in jewelry. The lower silver content makes it less expensive than higher-purity alloys
- Antibacterial properties: Silver has natural antibacterial properties, so 800 silver flatware can help inhibit bacterial growth compared to other metals
How to identify if an 800 silver item is genuine?
To identify if an 800 silver item is genuine, you can follow these steps:
Check for Hallmarks
- Look for the Mark: Genuine 800 silver items should have a hallmark that clearly shows the number “800.” This indicates that the item is made of 80% silver.
- Other Hallmarks: In addition to the “800” mark, check for other hallmarks that might indicate the maker or the assay office that tested the silver. In the UK, items should also have a maker’s mark and possibly a date letter.
- Shape of the Mark: In the UK, the fineness is often shown within an oval shape. If you see “800” in an oval, it confirms the silver content.
Conduct Simple Tests
- Ice Cube Test: Place an ice cube on the silver item. If the ice melts quickly, it suggests that the item is real silver because silver has high thermal conductivity.
- Bleach Test: Put a drop of bleach on the silver. Real silver will tarnish and turn black when it comes into contact with bleach. If there is no reaction, the item may not be genuine.
- Weight Test: Silver is denser than many other metals. If the item feels unusually light for its size, it may not be genuine silver.
Factors Affecting the Value of 800 Silver
- Market Demand: The popularity of 800 silver can fluctuate based on current market trends. If more people are interested in buying this silver, its value may increase.
- Age: Older 800 silver pieces are usually worth more, especially if they are very old or antique. This is because they are rare and show good old-fashioned craftsmanship.
- Condition: If silver items are in good condition, without much tarnish or damage, are worth more money.
- Rarity: Unique or rare 800 silver pieces, like limited editions or ones with special designs, can be a lot more valuable.
Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
Here are cleaning and maintenance tips for caring for 800 silver, presented in bullet points:
- Dust Regularly: Use a soft, dry cloth to dust your 800 silver items frequently. This helps remove dirt and prevents tarnish from building up.
- Gentle Cleaning: When cleaning 800 silver, mix mild soap with warm water. Dip a soft cloth into the soapy water, wring it out, and gently wipe the silver. Avoid using harsh cleaners or scrubbers to prevent scratches.
- Remove Tarnish: If your silver tarnishes, use a silver polish specifically made for silver items. Apply a small amount to a soft cloth and rub it gently on the tarnished areas, following the product instructions.
- Wash and Dry: After cleaning, was the silver item with clean water to remove any soap or polish. Dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth to prevent water spots.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Keep your silver away from strong chemicals like bleach or ammonia, as these can damage the metal.
- Handle with Care: Always handle your silver items carefully to avoid scratches and dents, which can affect their appearance and value.
