Composition and Markings
Stainless steel is a composite of other metals. Flatware manufacturers utilize several different compositions of stainless steel to produce wares of varying quality. The most common numbers you will find on stainless steel flatware are 18/10, 18/8, 18/0 and 13/0.
Chromium
The first number refers to the percentage of chromium in the stainless steel used to make your flatware. Eighteen percent is the industry standard and ensures that your flatware will be resistant to corrosion and pocking. Lower quality flatware contains 13 percent chromium and is marked with 13/0
Nickel
The second number refers to the percentage of nickel contained in the stainless steel composite. It reveals more to you about the quality of your flatware. A higher percentage of nickel is desired, as it means the steel will be more durable and more lustrous over time. There is no difference in 18/10 and 18/8, as both come from the same grade of steel which contains between 8 and 10 percent nickel. The absence of nickel is marked as 18/0 or 13/0.