What is the significance of "800" stamped on silver cutlery?

Answer by  dhuoda (1431)

This is used to signify the fineness of the silver, in this case 800/1000, which means it is accepted as pure enough to count as silver.

Answer by  kungfukid (1241)

Cutlery is not 100% silver, it is an alloy made up of silver with other metals, usually copper. 1000 grams is pure silver. The stamp indicates the pureness of the silver content. When it has 800, it means it has 800 grams of silver, and the other 200 grams are something else. 925 grams is considered sterling silver.