With demand for quality silver refining at an all-time high across both industrial and jewelry sectors, choosing the right silver refining company has never been more important. Unlike many companies, Mid-States handles every stage of the process in-house from induction melting and certified fire assay analysis to final settlement, delivering accuracy and transparency that national and regional competitors simply cannot match. The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC) has specific chain of custody requirements for metal used to manufacture jewelry on a global scale. Therefore, the jewelry industry insists on using recycled gold and silver to manufacture new jewelry.
Recycling secondary scrap silver is essential to help buffer the supply constraints for metal produced from primary geological sources like mining, which requires the use of large amounts of water and has a stressful impact on the land. Regulatory, corporate, and consumer pressures are also shaping the rise in demand for recycled silver. Companies that require silver as an essential component of their manufacturing or finished products are forcing firms to seek traceability and lower carbon intensity in their supply chains.
Specifically, silver demand in jewelry has seen steady growth as the price of fine gold jewelry becomes less affordable. Demand on the commercial and industrial side (like mirror manufacturing) uses silver in electrical contacts, silver plating in circuitry, and silver coatings to improve conductivity or shield against electromagnetic and radio-frequency interference. However, the largest growth in industrial use of silver now is in the manufacturing of electric solar photovoltaic cells, where it’s anticipated that there will be no slowing down.
Our Silver Refining Capabilities: Full-Spectrum Scrap Silver Refiners
As leading scrap silver refiners, Mid-States is one of the few companies with the capacity to handle the entire spectrum of silver processing intake from small batches of scrap sterling to 1,000-pound industrial lots. We refine everything from small batches of scrap sterling silver (like jewelry, flatware, and holloware) from the industry (jewelers, pawnshops, collectors, antique dealers, and estate buyers) to 1,000-pound lot sizes of silver and silver-plated materials (electronic scrap, sludges, and residues recovered from photographic sources).
| Silver Type | Typical Client |
|---|---|
| Sterling Silver Flatware, Holloware and Jewelry Scrap | Jewelers, Pawnbrokers, Estate and Collectable Buyers |
| Scrap Silver Contact Points, Brazing Alloys, Silver circuitry and Scrap Metal Stampings | Industrial & Electronic Generators of Precious Metal scrap |
| Silver Coinage & Hallmarked Bullion | Coin and Numismatic Dealers, Wholesalers, Retailers |
| Electrolytic Photo Silver Flake, Concentrated Plating Residues, Filters and Coated Film | Photofinishers, Film Processors and Plating Operations |
We’ve seen a large increase in the amount of sterling silver flatware and holloware liquidated through wholesale and retail estate and antique dealers; this is primarily due to the younger generations inheriting these collectables and no longer using them for formal entertaining and dining like their parents did. Additionally, as electronics evolve with newer digital solid-state technology, the older switchgear and hard-wired circuitry is being recycled for its intrinsic metal value.
Our Silver Refining Process: Melting, Sampling & Assay
Wondering how to refine silver at a commercial scale? Here is exactly how our silver refining process works step by step, from initial receipt through to final settlement. Most scrap silver lots we receive will need to be shipped to Des Plaines, IL, for processing because refining lots tend to be larger in size. Following our standard receiving procedures, your material is inspected, weighed, photographed, and logged in to our database with its unique refining lot number for further processing. All final weights are witnessed and verified by two people, again ensuring the accuracy of all weights and documentation.
Once received by our melting staff, the original received weight is verified once again. Then, based on the size of the lot, it will be assigned to one of our three larger capacity induction melting furnaces. As the metal is processed, our melting technicians carefully watch to make sure any solid pieces of undesirable material are removed or “skimmed off” from the melt. Examples include large pieces of iron, tungsten, and (most often) stainless steel knife blades from sterling silver flatware.
We draw “pin samples" from the melt either before or during the process of pouring the metal into the graphite molds. If, for any reason, we have difficulty taking the pin sample before pouring the metal, we can take proper samples for the laboratory by drilling out metal coring’s from one or more of the cooled ingots. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International actually recommends proper sampling procedures for the precious metal industry.
Once the laboratory has completed the assay work, all data related to the refining lot is gathered by our Metal Trading Department. They prepare the settlement report and arrange for final payment. The metal price used for final payment will normally be based on the market price on the official “date of settlement” unless the customer has arranged to “lock” in a price they had previously hedged.
Customers who prefer not to sell their metal at the current price have the option to consign their metal into their in-house “pool” account where it will be held for their decisions on future pricing.
Our Silver Refining Process: From Melted Scrap to Fine Silver
Mid-States operates a fully self-contained silver refining facility in Des Plaines, Illinois, handling all stages of the silver refining process in-house, from initial melt through electrolytic deposition to fine silver bar production. Once the material is paid for and ownership of the metal is assumed by Mid-States, the silver is melted and poured into large plating anodes suspended in a nitric-based electrolyte solution. Using electronic anode/cathode electrolysis, the fine silver is dropped out of the solution as solid fine silver crystal. Once cleaned and dried, we’re able to either sell the fine silver to industrial users in its crystal form, re-melt the material into a fine silver granulate, or pour it into various sizes of fine silver bars.
Insured Shipping & Secure Customer Portal
From your shop to our silver refinery in Des Plaines, Illinois, every package is fully insured and tracked door-to-lab. We arrange shipping through FedEx, UPS, and USPS Registered Mail, making it easy for silver refiners across Chicago and clients nationwide to send their scrap lots safely and confidently. Once you provide us with a description of the contents and value of your shipment, we will email you a specially coded shipping label and can also arrange for your pick up.
Once your shipment is received, you can log in through the customer portal on the Mid-States website and track your refining lot through the entire process – from receiving to final settlement.
You may also view and print all your account activity, including:
Your metal trading activity
Current metal consignment balances
Previously settled refining lots
You can also browse through our complete inventory of available metal and bullion products available for return or purchase.
Why Choose Mid-States - The Trusted Silver Refiner for Scrap Lots Nationwide
When every gram counts, the choice between silver refining companies comes down to accuracy and payout speed. Mid-States has operated as a trusted silver refiner for over 40 years and, unlike many companies that outsource their assay work, we perform every fire assay in-house. Whether you are searching for silver refiners near you or shipping from across the country, Mid-States serves clients nationwide from our Des Plaines, IL facility.
- 40+ Years in Business – Trusted Nationwide:
Longevity alone isn’t enough; what matters is consistency. For over four decades, Mid-States has earned the trust of jewelers, pawnbrokers, estate and antique collectible dealers all across the U.S.
- Onsite Lab for Fire Assay Analysis:
Mid-States performs all assays in-house. Mid-States performs fire-assayed silver analysis validated with less than 0.05% deviation. That level of control means your payout is never based on guesswork or surface scans; it’s backed by the industry’s most accurate method.
- Fast Settlements – Express Payouts Available within 24 Hours:
Clients processing their smaller-sized silver lots can receive payment within 24 hours of receipt by utilizing our silver express refining terms. Those delivering larger-sized lots will benefit more by using our standard refining terms, but they might have to wait up to four weeks to receive their final payment.
- Fully Insured Nationwide Shipping:
From your shop to our refinery, every package is covered. We provide insured shipping options and door-to-lab tracking using trusted carriers like FedEx, UPS, or larger size LTL tractor trailer service. That means peace of mind from pickup to payout.
When you choose Mid-States, you’re choosing a partner who protects your value from shipment to settlement-delivering accuracy, transparency, and payouts you can trust every time.
Our “MSR Express” Service
Many of our customers often find it difficult to accumulate enough volume of silver scrap to benefit from our competitively designed refining terms, making it difficult for them to cover our $250 minimum treatment charge efficiently. We understand that holding inventory of material, especially at the current metal prices, can put a strain on their cashflow requirements and they needed a way to liquidate that inventory as quickly as possible. With that, we developed our “MSR Express” service that credits you at 92% of the assayed content of contained silver with no other charges. Please contact your Mid-States representative for more details and to arrange your express silver refining lot.
FAQs for Silver Refining
The frequently asked questions below will hopefully address our customers' concerns-from lot size, settlement times, proper preparation of the material, and safe and secure shipping.
What is the maximum size silver lot I can send in for processing?
There is no maximum limit for a silver lot. However, our capacity for individual melts is a little over 500 lbs. Lots that exceed that weight are broken down into multiple “sub-lots” for handling.
How long does it take to receive payment on scrap silver lots?
Most of our terms for silver refining require up to 20 business days from the date of receipt to final settlement. These terms are designed to offer the highest percentage payout with the lowest minimum processing charge. Those who prefer to send in smaller lot sizes may benefit from utilizing our express silver refining terms. This option offers payment in 24-48 hours, but is paid at 92% of the contained fine silver content with no processing charges.
Do I have to remove the Stainless-Steel blades from Sterling Silver knives?
No, you do not have to remove the steel blade portion from sterling silver knives or other types of serving pieces. However, you will be charged for that weight in your incoming treatment charge. If you have the ability to remove the steel or any other non-sterling silver metallics from your material, you’ll save from paying additional processing charges.
How much Silver should I expect to recover from a typical Sterling Silver knife?
Most dealers and collectors of sterling silver scrap normally estimate the clean sterling silver weight for a typical dinner knife to be approximately 0.500 troy ounces. With the weighted handle portion from that knife running 92% purity, the fine-silver content might be calculated to be around 0.46 troy ounces.
Do I need to be a business to sell silver for refining?
Yes; you must be a licensed second-hand dealer, industrial or electronic generator of silver scrap, or a proper business enterprise to sell silver for refining to Mid-States. We do not provide refining services to the general public.
Is it safe to ship silver for refining?
Yes, it is safe to ship silver for refining with Mid-States. Every package is fully insured and tracked with carriers like FedEx, UPS, or over-the-road LTL carriers, ensuring secure delivery from your shop to our refineries.
How do I calculate the Troy Ounces weight of my shipment from pounds?
To convert the weight of your shipment from a standard Avoirdupois pound to Troy Ounces, multiply it by 14.583.
Can I track my refining shipment and payout status?
Yes, you can track your refining shipment, processing status, and a myriad of other useful information through the client portal on the Mid-States website.
What silver refining services does Mid-States offer?
Mid-States provides comprehensive silver refining services for the full spectrum of silver-bearing material, from small sterling silver jewelry and flatware lots to 1,000-pound industrial batches of electronic scrap, plating residues, and photographic film. As a licensed silver refining company, we offer express settlements within 24–48 hours for smaller lots and standard terms for larger commercial volumes. All services are available exclusively to licensed commercial clients.
How to refine silver and what is Mid-States' process?
The silver refining process at Mid-States follows four key stages. First, incoming lots are weighed, photographed, and logged with a unique lot number. Second, the material is melted in one of our high-capacity induction furnaces and pin-sampled for laboratory analysis. Third, our on-site lab performs certified fire assay to determine exact fine silver content. Finally, the settled metal is processed through electrolytic deposition to produce fine silver crystals or bars. If you want to understand how to refine silver at a commercial scale, this four-stage approach is the industry standard for accuracy.
What should I look for when comparing silver refining companies?
When comparing silver refining companies, focus on four factors: in-house vs. outsourced assay testing, fire assay vs. XRF-only analysis, chain-of-custody documentation, and settlement speed. Scrap silver refiners who outsource their assay work often introduce delays and reduced accuracy that directly reduce your payout. Mid-States meets all four standards and publishes its full refining schedule openly for direct comparison.
Get a Quote from a Trusted Silver Refining Company
Ready to work with one of the most trusted silver refining companies in the U.S.? Mid-States offers comprehensive services for sterling jewelry, industrial scrap, and photographic residues. Contact us for current silver refining terms and express settlement options.
