Have you ever seen the numbers 18/0, 18/8, or 18/10 listed to describe stainless steel flatware?  A common misperception is that these numbers refer to the weight of stainless flatware.  These numbers have nothing to do with weight.  These number are common in the industry and refer to the percentage of chromium and nickel that is used in the manufacture of the stainless steel alloy used to make the flatware.  The first number is the percent of chromium in the alloy.  Chromium content is what give stainless it's strength.  The second number is the percent of nickel.  Nickel is what gives stainless it's shine and rust-resistance.     

18/10 and 18/8 are the optimal amounts of chromium and nickel for stainless steel flatware and are regarded as the highest level of quality.   Some people think that 18/10 is better than 18/8 but in reality there is no difference and both are the highest level of quality.   On the other hand, 18/0 is different and most of the cheaper stainless steel is 18/0.  If numbers are not offered, many times it is because it is 18/0 or the lower level of quality.  Most of the time if stainless is 18/8 or 18/10 the seller will let you know that since it is a selling point if flatware is 18/8 or 18/10. 

To see a full array of 18/8 and 18/10 stainless steel flatware please see our Ebay store - Cherry Creek Trading Company

http://stores.ebay.com/Cherry-Creek-Trading-Company_W0QQssPageNameZviQ3asibQ3astoreviewQQtZkm