Based on the information provided, the term "pure silverware" is something of a misnomer, as flatware and serving pieces are almost never made from pure (99.9%) silver. Pure silver is too soft and malleable for practical, everyday use. Instead, valuable silverware is typically made from sterling silver.
Sterling silver is an alloy composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper, which are added to increase its strength and durability. The value of sterling silverware is determined by two primary factors. The first is its melt value, which is the intrinsic worth of the silver content based on the item's weight and the current market price (spot price) of silver. This represents the base value of any sterling silver piece.
The second factor is its potential collector or numismatic value. Certain patterns, manufacturers, or rare pieces can be worth significantly more than their simple melt value. The desirability of the design, the reputation of the maker, the overall condition of the pieces, and the rarity of the set all contribute to this higher valuation. Therefore, a complete set in excellent condition from a renowned brand will often command a premium among collectors, far exceeding what it would be worth if melted down for its raw silver content. It is also important to distinguish sterling silver from silver-plated items, which have only a thin coating of silver and hold very little intrinsic value.
