Sterling Silver Refiners Apr 2026

Commercial refineries typically follow a four-stage standard to ensure maximum recovery and purity.

: The pure crystals or powder are melted and cast into granules (shot), coins, or bars ranging from 1 oz to 1,000 oz. Top Recognized Refiners How to refine sterling silver sterling silver refiners

: A precise analysis—often a combination of fire assay and ICP (Inductively Coupled Plasma) —determines the exact fine silver content to ensure accurate payment. Purification Methods : Purification Methods : : For the highest purity (up to 99

: For the highest purity (up to 99.99%), silver anodes are placed in a nitrate-based solution. Under an electric current, pure silver crystals form on the cathode. : Silver is dissolved in nitric acid, then

: Incoming sterling scrap is weighed and melted in induction furnaces to create a uniform alloy, often poured into anodes for electrolysis or sampled as "shot".

: Silver is dissolved in nitric acid, then precipitated as silver chloride (by adding salt) or "cement silver" (by adding copper).