10 Tips for Spotting Valuable Silver Dinnerware at Thrift Stores

Thrift stores are often full of valuable items that have been discarded by families looking to declutter. It's truly a case of one man's trash being another man's treasure. 

And that's exactly why finding silver in thrift stores, buying it cheap, then turning around and selling it online can be a reliable way to earn extra income.

Here are some insider tricks and tips on how to spot valuable silver dinnerware among the clutter of the thrift store shelves.

When you're looking through a pile of silver at the thrift store, the most important marker of value is whether you're looking at something that is sterling silver or silver-plated.

Authentic sterling silver will have a stamp that either says "925," ".925" or "Sterling" on the back. Only sterling silver has significant value.

It might come as a surprise, but a sterling silver fork is actually more lightweight than a silver-plated fork. This is because the base metal used in silver plating is often heavier than sterling silver.

While the stamp should be your first indication of potential value, the weight is another piece of evidence.

Still not sure if you have silver or silver-plated dinnerware in front of you? Hold a magnet to it. If it's silver, the magnet will repel since silver is not magnetic.

If the magnet sticks to it, it's probably silver-plated—the base metal is causing the magnetic reaction.

While silver has intrinsic value, it has more value when it comes as a set. If you have a single spoon, it's going to be less valuable than a spoon that's part of a group of eight silver place settings.

Sterling silver tarnishes when it's exposed to air due to oxidation. When you rub a cloth against sterling silver, that tarnish should leave behind a mark on the cloth.

This is a good indicator you have sterling silver on your hands.

If the silverware smells like metal, it's probably not silver. Silver shouldn't have a smell.

On the other hand, the base metals in silver-plated platters and dinnerware will give them a metallic odor.

Silver patterns are serious business for collectors, and some patterns are more valuable than others, like Grand Baroque by Wallace or Francis 1st by Reed & Barton. This is where Google Lens can help you out. Snap a photo, then search for the pattern that's in front of you.

It should be simple to find out if this is a sought-after pattern that you should pick up.

While silver has a long lifespan, it can deteriorate over time if not cared for properly. From warping to pitting, signs of wear and tear can impact the value of the silver.

Tarnish can be polished, but structural damage will lessen the value, so make sure you take that into account before checking out.

Valuable silver will often have a maker's mark, date, or commemorative mark that indicates when and where it was made. As with all things, some makers are more sought after than others. Look for Reed & Barton, Steiff Silver, Tiffany, and Towle.

Research the common maker's marks, and you'll easily be able to spot treasures in the wild.

Think you have a valuable sterling silver treasure on your hands? Before you sell it, ask an expert to evaluate the piece and determine the actual value.

An accurate appraisal will consider maker, date, condition, and other factors that could influence whether you have a gold (silver) mine on your hands or just a nice piece to pull out of the drawer on occasion.

Learning the ins and outs of thrifting valuable items can be a great way to make extra money online, particularly if you develop an eye for items like silver or crystal. Families often send these items to the donation pile when an older relative passes, but, for those in the know, they can bring in a pretty penny.

Whether you set up an eBay store, sell via an Instagram account, or take to Facebook marketplace, this can be an income stream for those who want flexible ways to make money and don't mind the hunt.