Sterling silver items stamped 925 are worth selling in New Zealand. Value is calculated by weight multiplied by purity: sterling silver is 92.5% pure, so a 500-gram teapot contains 462 grams of pure silver. Multiply that by the current silver spot price per gram to get the theoretical value. Condition and tarnish do not affect the metal price.
How do I know if my silver is sterling or silver plated?
Look for a stamp. Sterling silver is marked 925, 'sterling', or with a lion passant (common on British pieces). Any of these confirm genuine sterling silver with real value.
Silver plated items are typically stamped EPNS (Electroplated Nickel Silver). These have a thin silver coating over base metal and have very little precious metal value - the silver layer is too thin to recover economically.
If you are unsure, bring your items. We test at no charge and can tell you immediately.
How much is sterling silver worth per gram in NZ?
Sterling silver is 92.5% pure, so its value per gram is 92.5% of the current silver spot price in NZD. To calculate your item: weigh it in grams, multiply by 0.925 to get pure silver content, then multiply by the current spot price.
Buyers pay a percentage of spot to cover refining costs - but the calculation above gives you a solid benchmark to evaluate any offer against.
How much is a sterling silver cutlery set worth in NZ?
A full sterling silver cutlery set for six typically weighs between 800 grams and 2 kilograms depending on the pattern and number of pieces. At 92.5% purity, a 1-kilogram set contains 925 grams of pure silver - multiply by the current spot price for the theoretical value.
Even incomplete sets and mixed patterns have value. Each piece is weighed individually, so a partial set is still worth assessing.
Does tarnish or damage affect the value of sterling silver?
No. Tarnish is surface oxidation and does not reduce the silver content. A heavily blackened teapot contains exactly the same silver as a polished one. Dents, scratches, and worn finishes also have no effect on the metal value.
The only exception is pieces with collectible or antique value above their melt value - certain makers or patterns can be worth more sold as pieces than as scrap. We will always point this out if we think it applies.
What sterling silver items are worth selling in NZ?
Any item stamped 925 or sterling is worth assessing. Common items we buy include cutlery sets (even incomplete), teapots and coffee services, trays and serving dishes, candlesticks, napkin rings, picture frames, jewellery, bangles, chains, cufflinks, coins, and hairbrushes and mirrors with silver backs.
Heavier pieces tend to be more valuable because they contain more silver - but even small items add up. There is no minimum and no charge to find out.
How do I sell sterling silver in Tauranga?
Get in touch and we will come to you anywhere in Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty, or you can come to us – whatever works best. We test and weigh each item in front of you, show you the live silver price, and give you a no-obligation quote. If you accept, we pay by bank transfer on the spot.
No minimum amount, no cost, no pressure. Contact us by phone, WhatsApp, or email.
Find Out What Your Items Are Worth
We offer free, no-obligation assessments anywhere in Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty. Same-day bank transfer if you accept.
