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No. It's just steel no silver at all. If it is silver plated it will say so, but that does not mean it contains silver. A plus A nicely made set of stainless steel flatware may not be silver, but you don't have to take it out of it's presentation box once a month to polish it.
Oneida manufactures stainless steel flatware, but ceased making sterling silver pieces in 2005.
Oneida sterling flatware had a mark with a "cube" on the left side of the name. According to my reference, it is "The silver cube. Our silversmiths' mark of excellence," and was used since 1965. The cube is apparently a mark of excellence. (American Sterling Silver Flatware, by Maryanne Dolan.)
Silver usually is stamped with a hallmark - these are odd symbols particular to the jeweller or manufacturer.
If you opt for more elaborate flatware, such as sterling silver, then you should pick out your flatware first. For stainless steel flatware, pick your china first and then buy flatware that compliments the chosen china.
The phrase "pearl silver" was stamped on flatware that was actually nickel silver, that is made of copper, zinc and nickel with no silver content.
Stainless steel
Wallace Flatware makes a variety of high end flatware/cutlery sets and is famous for it's line of sterling silver flatware dating back to the early 1800's. They also manufacture less expensive but high quality flatware sets using stainless steel as well.
There are some brands of flatware that tout themselves as being chemical free. In general, silver and silver plated flatware are considered to be quite safe. Nickle silver, stainless steel and plastic are also frequently used to make flatware. Though each does have very low levels of chemicals, none are considered to pose a significant health hazard to users.
stainless steel do not turn black. anything black in them is removable. After cleaning they are good as new. Stainless steel, as its name implies, does not stain or oxidize. If you have a utensil that is turning black, it might very well be silver or silver plated. Silver does durn black or tarnish as it oxidizes. If you are certain the item is stainless, something is going on that is out of the ordinary.
Reed and Barton make flatware eating utensils. They produce them in stainless steel as well as sterling silver. Usually, these are given as gifts to newlywed couples who have chosen a certain pattern.
This depends on what you want from your flatware. If you are looking for something durable, beautiful and timeless, then you will probably want to invest in sterling silver flatware. However, you should keep in mind that with this investment will come a commitment to polishing and caring for your set of flatware on a regular basis to avoid tarnish and rust. On the other hand, if you are looking for a set of flatware that is durable, low maintenance and does not require a major investment, then you will want to go with the stainless steel. Another factor to consider is the fact that the stainless steel tableware can go in the dishwasher with no risk while the silver table ware should be handwashed.