Sterling is not the same as gross weight
Sterling silver is commonly marked 925, meaning the alloy is 92.5% silver by mass. If an item is solid sterling and its eligible weight is known, the contained-silver estimate begins with that purity fraction. But the total number on a household scale may include non-silver material, stones, handles, glue, fill or other construction details.
The right first step is classification: solid sterling, coin silver, plated ware, weighted hollowware or a mixed lot. A buyer who treats every shiny object as the same metal exposure is not giving you a usable calculation.
Weighted and plated items need a separate lane
Some candlesticks, knife handles, trophies and decorative pieces are weighted. Their visible silver shell can surround cement, resin, pitch or another fill. Their gross weight cannot be multiplied by a sterling purity number without identifying the eligible metal portion.
Silver plate is different again: it is a thin layer over another base metal and usually does not carry the same recoverable-metal economics as solid sterling. A hallmark, manufacturer mark and physical inspection help determine the right route.
Preserve resale evidence before choosing a melt route
Some patterns, makers, complete sets and well-preserved objects can have a resale market beyond their contained metal. Photograph maker marks, inventory matching pieces and avoid abrasive cleaning before deciding whether a collection belongs with an antiques specialist, a resale channel or a metal buyer.
Keep product value and metal value separate, and compare written calculations rather than headline totals. To discuss your silver with Meridian, email info@meridiangold.ca with a brief description of the items.
Sources & further reading.
Meridian guides are educational. They are not legal, tax or investment advice, and they do not create an offer to buy or sell gold or silver.