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So You Want to Collect Antique Silver: Tips to Help You Get Started

August 30, 2018 9:46 am

selling antique silverIf you have an affinity for tracking down rare items or want to fill your home with unique valuables, you might want to consider starting an antique sterling silver collection. But before you run out and spend a lot on pieces that might not retain their worth, you'll need to do some research. The tips in today's post should help you get started on your antique silver collection.
 

Understand Your Options

Before you start collecting, you need to decide what to collect. While your collection doesn't have to be limited to just one type of item -- like sterling trays or sterling candlesticks -- it's typically good to zero in on a main focus. In order to do that, you'll want to delve into the possibilities that are out there. You may already know that pieces for serving and dining are popular, as are decorative objects. But you could also collect personal care items or accessories, as well as jewelry, coins, or household items. You can certainly mix and match these items as they suit your needs and preferences, but knowing what's available can help you choose what really captivates you.
 

Choose Your Era, Style, or Maker

Now that you understand what kinds of items you'll likely look for, you can determine the direction in which you want to take your own collection. You might be naturally drawn to Art Deco pieces or love pieces from even earlier centuries. Or you might want something a bit more practical that you can actually use on a daily basis if you want to. You'll want to find out more information pertaining to popular manufacturers, antique silver styles, or certain motifs. Find pieces that speak to your personal aesthetic and delve deeper into the era they're from or the maker responsible for them. By becoming more familiar with these components, you'll be able to spot those rare finds when you come into contact with someone selling antique silver.
 

Know What Can Impact Value

Once you know exactly the types of pieces you want to look for, you can determine whether a given piece fits your criteria. Part of that is having a good understanding of what kinds of factors impact a piece's value. Silver dealers will tell you that signs of use don't always detract from the value of a given object; even slight damage on a sought-after item may not decrease its value that much. In general, however, it's important to be aware of how scratches, dents, breaks, corrosion, and tarnishing can affect the value. Learning how to properly inspect items and assess how much it might affect the price can allow you to score a deal from someone selling antique silver or know when it's time to walk away.
 

Learn to Spot Fakes and Frankensteins

While you may not be an expert, it's imperative that you have some knowledge of what's authentic and what's not. Authenticity typically impacts value; while you may not mind owning a piece that has a component that was not original, it's important that you at least know this information to avoid overpaying. Some collectors are vehemently against pieces that have updated components, while others won't even consider owning a piece that's been modified to seem rarer than it is. Sometimes, people will fuse together two different silver pieces to replicate a sought-after item. It's important to learn how to spot these inconsistencies and inaccuracies, whether you decide they're deal-breakers or not. And while the internet has made more pieces available to the average person, it's also made those who are purportedly selling antique silver to attempt to swindle you. Since you won't be able to conduct an up-close visual assessment or chemical test until you receive the item, it's not always possible to tell whether something is sterling silver (an alloy of 7.5% copper and 92.5% silver) or merely silver-plated. But if you shop with discretion from the start, you'll always have peace of mind.

When buying and selling antique silver, it's always best to work with the experts. That way, you'll know the price is fair and the authenticity is sound. To start your collection or sell your antique silver, contact us today.



So You Want to Collect Antique Silver: Tips to Help You Get Started

August 30, 2018 9:46 am

selling antique silverIf you have an affinity for tracking down rare items or want to fill your home with unique valuables, you might want to consider starting an antique sterling silver collection. But before you run out and spend a lot on pieces that might not retain their worth, you'll need to do some research. The tips in today's post should help you get started on your antique silver collection.
 

Understand Your Options

Before you start collecting, you need to decide what to collect. While your collection doesn't have to be limited to just one type of item -- like sterling trays or sterling candlesticks -- it's typically good to zero in on a main focus. In order to do that, you'll want to delve into the possibilities that are out there. You may already know that pieces for serving and dining are popular, as are decorative objects. But you could also collect personal care items or accessories, as well as jewelry, coins, or household items. You can certainly mix and match these items as they suit your needs and preferences, but knowing what's available can help you choose what really captivates you.
 

Choose Your Era, Style, or Maker

Now that you understand what kinds of items you'll likely look for, you can determine the direction in which you want to take your own collection. You might be naturally drawn to Art Deco pieces or love pieces from even earlier centuries. Or you might want something a bit more practical that you can actually use on a daily basis if you want to. You'll want to find out more information pertaining to popular manufacturers, antique silver styles, or certain motifs. Find pieces that speak to your personal aesthetic and delve deeper into the era they're from or the maker responsible for them. By becoming more familiar with these components, you'll be able to spot those rare finds when you come into contact with someone selling antique silver.
 

Know What Can Impact Value

Once you know exactly the types of pieces you want to look for, you can determine whether a given piece fits your criteria. Part of that is having a good understanding of what kinds of factors impact a piece's value. Silver dealers will tell you that signs of use don't always detract from the value of a given object; even slight damage on a sought-after item may not decrease its value that much. In general, however, it's important to be aware of how scratches, dents, breaks, corrosion, and tarnishing can affect the value. Learning how to properly inspect items and assess how much it might affect the price can allow you to score a deal from someone selling antique silver or know when it's time to walk away.
 

Learn to Spot Fakes and Frankensteins

While you may not be an expert, it's imperative that you have some knowledge of what's authentic and what's not. Authenticity typically impacts value; while you may not mind owning a piece that has a component that was not original, it's important that you at least know this information to avoid overpaying. Some collectors are vehemently against pieces that have updated components, while others won't even consider owning a piece that's been modified to seem rarer than it is. Sometimes, people will fuse together two different silver pieces to replicate a sought-after item. It's important to learn how to spot these inconsistencies and inaccuracies, whether you decide they're deal-breakers or not. And while the internet has made more pieces available to the average person, it's also made those who are purportedly selling antique silver to attempt to swindle you. Since you won't be able to conduct an up-close visual assessment or chemical test until you receive the item, it's not always possible to tell whether something is sterling silver (an alloy of 7.5% copper and 92.5% silver) or merely silver-plated. But if you shop with discretion from the start, you'll always have peace of mind.

When buying and selling antique silver, it's always best to work with the experts. That way, you'll know the price is fair and the authenticity is sound. To start your collection or sell your antique silver, contact us today.



Is Your Old Silver Valuable? Here's How to Tell

August 27, 2018 3:37 pm

antique silver buyersIf you've acquired some collections from your parents or enjoy scouring local garage sales for hidden treasures, you might be wondering whether the silver you currently have in your possession has any value. Once you determine whether your silver is sterling, you'll be able to consult with the professionals to determine its value and potentially find out more about selling antique silver. Here are some tips to help get you started.
 

Know the Difference Between Silver and Silver Plate

Firstly, it's important to understand that not all silver is created equal. While items can have sentimental value regardless of their rarity, the fact is that sterling silver and silver-plated items simply do not have the same type of monetary value. Silver-plated items may not be of great value to antique silver buyers. That said, some antique silver-plated products can be sold for somewhat impressive figures. Typically, these items are rather rare and ornate in nature. You may find that there are silver plated tea sets or napkin rings that could be sold for a small profit. On the whole, however, silver-plated items don't tend to retain their resale value like sterling silver does.
 

How To Tell If It's Sterling Silver

Sterling silver items, and particularly antique sterling silver items, are bound to be more valuable because they retain the current market price for this precious metal and have a high level of craftsmanship. Here are a few tips that can help you determine whether you have a sterling tray or an antique sterling silver bowl in your possession.

 

 

  • Clean and Polish: Before you can make a determination about the type of silver you're dealing with, you'll need to properly clean the item in question. This will allow you to more clearly see identifying marks (more on that in a minute). If the item looks like it might be tarnished, wiping the item with a silver polishing cloth can allow you to determine this for certain. If it's pure sterling silver, the black tarnish should rub off on the cloth. Other metals won't tarnish in this same way, so this can give you a better idea of the actual material.
     
  • Look For Identifying Marks: Sterling silver items will typically be marked with distinguishing symbols or words. Items like these from the 19th and 20th centuries will often have the word "sterling" or the number "925" engraved on them. This applies to all sterling silver created after 1850 in the United States. There are other symbols to look for as well, such as lions, shields, monograms, family crests, crowns, or maker's marks. These may indicate that your sterling silver piece originated outside of the United States. Keep in mind that if a piece has no markings, that doesn't necessarily mean it isn't made of sterling. Older silver may not have these markings, which may make it more difficult to assess its value. However, the majority of sterling will likely have some indicator of its purity. You can always check with antique silver buyers or appraisers to be sure.
     
  • Try Magnet or Acid Tests: There's a very quick way to know if an item is not pure silver. Take a small magnet and see whether it's attracted to the item. If it is, it's probably made of steel or another metal. If it isn't attracted to the item, there's a decent possibility that the item is made of sterling silver. There's another test you can also try (but be careful!). You can use a nitric acid test kit to assess the color change. Green and gold color changes indicate poor quality or silver plating, which cream or black may indicate either sterling silver or coin-quality silver. Exercise extreme caution if you take this on yourself, as the acid can burn the skin.
     
  • Consult Appraisers and Antique Silver Buyers: In actuality, the best way to determine the value of these items is to talk to appraisers and antique silver buyers. These experts can determine the origins and the resale value of both silver plated and sterling silver objects. These professionals can also help you to determine the proper insurance value for items like these.

 

To find out more about selling your sterling, please contact us today!



Care Tips for Antique Silver: a Guide

August 15, 2018 3:59 pm

antique silverAntique silver is a gift, one that is beautiful to look at, receive, and show off. No matter what form it's in, from sterling candelabra to candlesticks and a sterling silver tea set, it requires diligence when taking care of it.


Here are some tips on how to properly care for your antique sterling silver. 

 

Cleaning


Silver is meant to be extremely shiny, with polished silver reflecting 95% of the visible light spectrum. However, over time dirt, makeup residue, oils, and other pollutants can build up on your silver causing it to have a dull and dingy appearance. But how much do you need to polish them? Check the rating first. If your silver has a rating of .950, it does need consistent polishing. Anything under that rating doesn't need it as often.


While water won't necessarily hurt your silver, it can leave marks. So to prevent this, only clean your silver with a microfiber cloth or a specific silver cleaning cloth bought at a trusted jewelry store.

 

Storage


Proper storage is just as important as proper cleaning for your antique silver. Too much air exposure can ruin your pieces, so try and do the following:
 


  • Store each piece individually in its own cloth bag, to prevent scratches.

  • Keep your pieces in a cool and dry environment. If you live in a hot climate, an air-conditioned room is your best bet.

  • If you are thinking of storing your piece for an extended timeframe, consider putting them in airtight bags. This will help to protect the silver from humidity and oxidation.



 

Know when to remove your silver


Keep this in mind: dry silver is happier than wet silver. So as a rule of thumb, always take off your jewelry if you may get it wet or ruin its shine. It is advised to remove your jewelry when doing household chores, exercising, showering or bathing, swimming, at the beach, or gardening. It is also important to remove your silver if you are preparing or cooking food that has a lot of sulfur, such as eggs, as this will tarnish the delicate metal.


If you follow this guide and take care of your silver properly, you will be able to enjoy it for years to come.



Test Post July 12

July 12, 2018 4:49 pm

This is a test of the Nelson and Nelson Antiques Blog.



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