Nelson & Nelson Antiques

How To Tell the Difference Between Silver and Silver-Plate

February 17, 2021 12:27 pm

How To Tell the Difference Between Silver and Silver-Plate

Many people have started collecting silver since the pandemic began. The hobby is time-consuming yet fun because there’s nothing like finding a piece you’ve been searching for forever. However, novice collectors must be aware of a few things that trip beginners up. For example, they should know how to tell the difference between silver and silver-plated objects, so their collection is as authentic as possible.

The Overall Look

Pure silver looks shinier and more refined than silver-plated items—the reason being is that silver-plated objects have another metal underneath. Silver-plated means that a layer of silver has been placed on another metal. For this reason, the other metal (mainly copper) will shine through when the piece beings to tarnish. It won’t look as refined as real silver.

What’s More Valuable?

Real or sterling silver is more valuable than silver-plated objects because the percentage of silver is higher in these items. Sterling silver items often have markings on them, saying 92.5. 92.5 means that the piece is 92.5% silver and 7.5% another metal alloy. Silver-plated items, on the other hand, are almost completely another metal alloy altogether. Consequently, they aren’t worth as much as the real deal.

This article has explained how to tell the difference between silver and silver-plated collectibles. If you’re still unsure about the quality of the objects in your possession, bring them to Nelson and Nelson Antiques today. Not only will we be able to tell you what your items are worth, but we also sell antique silver that you can add to your collection. We have items such as beautiful hollowware and silver overlay that’ll catch peoples’ eyes any time they want to take a look at your collectibles. Remember—keep the objects in mint condition so that they’re worth a pretty penny if you decide to sell in the future.

What Is Silver Overlay: Everything You Need To Know

January 26, 2021 11:56 am

Antiques

What Is Silver Overlay: Everything You Need To Know

All silver is beautiful. However, the quality of a silver piece can change depending on how the item was made. For example, one type of silver is silver overlay. This article answers the question, “What is silver overlay?” and describes everything you need to know about it. This type of silver is beautiful and will make a great addition to any collection.

What Is Silver Overlay?

Silver overlay is electroplated silver that’s been placed on another material, such as glass. From there, artisans paint over the silver to further outline the piece’s details. Now, the quality of the silver will determine how bold the colors appear. For example, sterling silver overlay won’t look as bright as pure silver since it’s only 92.5 percent silver. Fine silver, on the other hand, will be vibrant in color.

Why Choose Silver Overlay?

One of the primary reasons people invest in silver overlay items is that they show more details than traditional silver. Since the process involves thickening the metal, more intricacies show up on the artifacts. American artisans tend to use brighter paint colors such as red and green on their pieces. Other areas of the world prefer more opaque colorings that might blend in with other pieces in your collection.

Silver overlay is also a good investment. One reason why these products are so valuable is because of their uniqueness. Not many silver antiques are as vibrant in color as silver overlay. As a result, these items tend to be worth a pretty penny.

Anyone in the market for these types of artifacts should check out Nelson and Nelson Antiques today. We have perfume bottles and vases from the nineteenth century. These objects are unique because, unlike other items, colors shine from underneath the silver. So, they’ll stand out from any other piece in your china cabinet.

What To Add To Your Antique Silver Collection

January 10, 2021 7:00 pm

Antiques

What To Add To Your Antique Silver Collection

Antique silver collections are something to behold. If you have one, then you know how it feels when people marvel at your artifacts. This article will discuss what to add to your antique silver collection. Perhaps there’s a beautiful object at a dealer that you may have missed.

Hollowware

A previous blog post examined the differences between flatware and hollowware. Essentially, flatware is cutlery—or the items you use to cut your food and feed yourself. Hollowware, on the other hand, describes the objects that belong on the dinner table. Here are a few examples of popular hollowware that you should add to your antique silver collection:

Gravy boat
Silver serving tray
Teapot
Pitcher

Boxes

Tiffany sterling silver boxes are another excellent addition to an antique collection. Whether it’s a cigar box or a place you can keep mementos, you can admire these objects for years to come. At Nelson and Nelson Antiques, we have gift boxes and cigar boxes from the 20^th century. These items are incredibly detailed and are a great investment if you take care of them.

Vanity Items

Sometimes, you want your vanity items to look as beautiful as you are. Anyone who wants to impress beauty enthusiasts should purchase some of these objects from Nelson and Nelson Antiques. We have compacts and mirrors that can serve as an excellent family heirloom to be passed down between generations.

Bar Accessories

Everyone wishes they could have parties this year. Unfortunately, the pandemic has made this an impossibility. However, you can still get antique bar accessories to make sure that your home’s entertainment room stands out. We have shakers and flasks you can put on display to ensure that people are impressed with every visit.

This article has discussed what to add to your antique silver collection. Without these artifacts, your collection will be incomplete. Make sure to work with a reputable dealer when you go shopping.

Maintaining Your Family Heirlooms

January 8, 2021 12:37 pm

Antiques

Maintaining Your Family Heirlooms

Family heirlooms help form intergenerational bonds. For example, grandchildren may feel more connected to their grandparents if they receive an antique picture frame from them. Not only is the item sentimental, but older adults can share the rich history of the product with younger family members. Since these items carry such significance, you should not underestimate the importance of maintaining your family heirlooms. The more you take care of the pieces, the more people will be able to cherish them in the future.

Storage

The first step in maintaining your family heirlooms is storing them properly. It would be unwise to throw your sterling trays in a drawer with other dishes. Rather, if you want to pass down the item, you must place it in a safe location. Perhaps buy a china cabinet where you can put the piece on display when people come to visit. Correct storage will not only prevent scratches and stains, but a beautiful display will also stir envy amongst guests.

Cleaning

If you want to pass down an heirloom to other generations, you have to clean it. Cleaning silver products is a much more intense process than you may think. You should use a paste polish to clean the objects. You’ll also need warm water to rinse the paste polish out of raised items. Be gentle while handling to ensure that nothing gets damaged during the process.

It is crucial to maintain your heirlooms so they can continue to be passed down. These pieces bring family members together, and they cement a family’s legacy. If you want your family’s name to stand the test of time, take care of the pieces in your possession. How amazing is it to think that your future great-grandchild might use the same sterling tray you have at home right now? If your family does not own any heirlooms, check out Nelson and Nelson Antiques today. We have stunning items that everyone in the family will adore.

The Different Pieces of Hollowware

November 25, 2020 2:10 pm

Antiques

The Different Pieces of Hollowware

Every host knows how important it is to have hollowware on the dinner table. Unlike flatware, hollowware is not cutlery, meaning people don’t use it to cut or transport food to their mouths. Instead, hollowware consists of decorative pieces that add flair to the table. It’s important to note that hollowware can still be practical even though it’s also cosmetic. This article lists the different pieces of hollowware that every distinguished host should have in their china cabinet.

Salvers

Before the host can serve dinner, they must present it on a dazzling tray. That’s why silver salvers are some of the most popular pieces of hollowware. Antique salvers are gorgeous, and they set the tone for the rest of the evening. People can use their salvers anytime they have a dinner party, though they must know the proper maintenance steps to prevent tarnish. You should never use harsh chemicals while cleaning salvers so as not to damage the piece.

Bread-and-Butter Plates

Nothing is more scrumptious than a piece of buttered bread with dinner. Hosts can make their dinner tables more beautiful by purchasing antique bread-and-butter plates. Vintage bread-and-butter plates have intricate designs, showing how skilled craftsmen were in the past. People who want to hear flattery from their guests should think about buying these items.

Candlesticks

People who want to host an elegant dinner might consider buying antique candlesticks. Nelson & Nelson Antiques has beautiful silver candlesticks dating back to the eighteenth century. These items will create a sophisticated ambiance in the room. Moreover, candlesticks may spark conservation between guests.

Teapots

Teapots are another kind of hollowware people can leave out to add glamour to their homes’ décor. After all, nothing’s more relaxing than an afternoon cup of tea. Why shouldn’t someone feel elegant during teatime? Antique teapots are beautiful because artisans put in tremendous effort to make each item unique. The teapots at Nelson & Nelson Antiques have so many details that it’s almost hard for the eyes to focus on just one aspect. People will certainly marvel at these artifacts every time they’re on display.

These are the different pieces of hollowware every dedicated host should have at their home. All of these items add a hint of sophistication to a dining room’s décor. Anyone looking to capture an elegant ambiance at their next dinner party should check out Nelson & Nelson Antique’s selection today.

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