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Washing in a Dishwasher
Silverware may be washed in the dishwasher but the patina on fine silver is enhanced by the rubbing that occurs when washing and drying by hand. Hollow handles may be loosened with exposure to heat and detergent in the dishwasher.
 (Note from the Silver Queen:  The newer silverware is being made with glue that will withstand the heat . Also when you use your dishwasher, do not economy dry. Use only your hot dry. Be sure to wait until your dishwasher is cool before removing your fine china and crystal.)

 New sterling silverware sometimes gets brown spots after washing in the dishwasher. Sterling is 92 1/2% silver and 7 1/2% other alloys including copper for greater durability. In automatic dishwashing, a reaction can occur between water droplets and the small portion of copper at the surface to cause brown spots on some pieces. After the silverware has been washed several times, the copper on the surface is gone and the surface is pure silver. Avoid such spotting on new silverware by washing and drying new silverware by hand for the first If you want to use the dishwasher, follow these precautions: Use the automatic rinse dispenser feature of a dishwasher. The rinse agent lowers the surface tension of the rinse water so it sheets off the surfaces and droplets don't form. Or use a rinse agent in solid form that hangs on the dishwasher rack, if your dishwasher does not have an automatic rinse dispenser.
Remove new silverware from the dishwasher immediately after the last rinse cycle and towel dry for the first few times.

Michigan State University Extension

Home Maintenance and Repair - 01500345

10/01/92

From Reed & Barton

Silverplated flatware is made from a base metal - usually an alloy of nickel, copper and zinc - which then is electrostatically plated with pure silver. Silverplate quality is measured by the amount of silver deposited on the base, the weight of the base metal, and the intricacy of the pattern. Care of silverplate is the same as for Sterling.