> The buyback value of solid silverware is worked out like this: identify the fineness from the hallmark, weigh it counting only the real silver, then multip *Source : https://meilleur-rachat-argent.fr/en/guides/calculate-silverware-value/* --- ● Guide # Calculating your silverware's value: a step-by-step method Published on **22/07/2026** · By **Sébastien Joumel** In brief The buyback value of **solid** silverware is worked out like this: identify the fineness from the hallmark, weigh it counting only the real silver, then multiply the **fine weight by the day's price**. Silver plate, by contrast, has no value by weight. ## Step 1: identify the fineness from the hallmark Before any calculation, you must know whether the piece is **solid silver** and at what fineness. In France, the Minerva hallmark attests solid silver: first standard for 950 thousandths, second standard for 800 thousandths. Other marks exist (boar's head, crab), along with a lozenge mark identifying the silversmith. Conversely, a "silver plate" mention or a square hallmark with no Minerva indicates plating: value by weight is then near zero. This identification governs everything else, since only solid silver is bought at the metal price. A magnifying glass helps to spot and tell these marks apart; they often sit on the back or under the foot of the pieces. ## Step 2: weigh counting only the real silver Once the solid silver is set aside, weigh each piece on an accurate scale, in grams. Beware of cutlery and knife handles: they are often **"loaded"**, meaning weighted with resin or plaster. The handle is therefore not solid silver and the blade is usually stainless steel: you must count only the real silver, not the item's gross weight. Then group the pieces by fineness (950 on one side, 800 on the other), since the fine-weight calculation depends on it. Note the weights obtained: this list will serve as the basis for the estimate and make it easier to compare several [silver buyback](https://meilleur-rachat-argent.fr/en/silver-buyback/) offers. ## Step 3: apply fine weight × price The fine weight is obtained by multiplying the weight by the fineness: for example, 100 g of 950 silver contains 95 g of pure silver. The metal value then equals this **fine weight multiplied by the day's silver price**, which is the same for everyone and quoted per troy ounce (31.1035 g), converted into a per-gram figure. What varies from one buyer to another is not the price but the **margin** applied. To check an offer, compare the price proposed with the fine weight multiplied by the current price. Our guide on [Christofle cutlery and resale value](https://meilleur-rachat-argent.fr/en/guides/christofle-cutlery-value/) covers the specific case of branded silver plate. ## Frequently asked questions How do I calculate my silverware's value? Identify the fineness from the hallmark (Minerva 950 or 800), weigh counting only the real silver, calculate the fine weight (weight × fineness), then multiply it by the day's price. The result is a metal value before the dealer's margin. Why doesn't the displayed weight match the real silver? Many cutlery pieces and knife handles are weighted with resin or plaster, and blades are stainless steel. The gross weight therefore includes materials that are not silver: only the real silver enters the calculation. ## Read also [ Guide 1 kg silver bar: investor format and buyback ](https://meilleur-rachat-argent.fr/en/guides/1kg-silver-bar-value/)[ Guide Christofle cutlery: silver plate and resale value ](https://meilleur-rachat-argent.fr/en/guides/christofle-cutlery-value/)[ Guide Should you clean your silverware before selling it? ](https://meilleur-rachat-argent.fr/en/guides/clean-silverware-before-selling/) ## Sell at the best price near you Compare the silver buyers in your city. [See the rankings](https://meilleur-rachat-argent.fr/en/silver-buyback/)