Nelson & Nelson Antiques

Is Your Antique Sterling Silver Real? How to Tell

April 5, 2019 6:43 pm

There are few things more beautiful than antique sterling silver pieces. But if you're considering selling an antique silver piece from your collection, it's important that you determine whether it's pure sterling or if it's been plated with silver.

Are you ready to learn a few expert tips on differentiating between real sterling and silver plating? Keep reading for a quick education.

Why is telling the difference important?

Before we get into how to tell the difference between sterling silver and imitations, it's necessary to discuss why this is important. While sterling silver is not as expensive as other precious metals like gold, imitations can be found all over the place. Silver plated pieces are typically the most common source for this. And while silver plating looks passable as real sterling silver, it deteriorates much more quickly. This is due to a very small amount of actual silver content. As such, buying or selling a silver plated piece could be an issue if you're looking for true antique silver. It's especially an issue if you're paying a pretty penny for it without knowing it's simply plating..

How can I tell the difference?

Fortunately, there are a number of tests you can run to see whether the item you're interested in buying or selling is truly antique sterling or not. While polished silver reflects 95% of the visible light spectrum, the following tests may be a bit more useful in your determination:

Magnetic Testing - True silver is not magnetic. So if you hold a magnet up to the piece you're examining and it's attracted to it, you're likely looking at a silver overlay. Either that or it's been made with less than 92.5% silver.

Weight Testing - If you own an antique silver item of similar size, compare its weight to that of the piece you're testing. If they weigh about the same, it's likely that you're working with real silver.

925 Silver Testing - This is the simplest way to identify true sterling silver. A 925 imprint means the piece is composed of 92.5% pure silver. In that case, you're dealing with the genuine article.

Whether you're dealing with a sterling trophy or a silver tea set, understanding your metals can make all the difference when it comes to silver. Are you prepared to put your antique sterling to the test?

How to Buy and Sell Antiques Like a Pro

April 1, 2019 10:18 am

"Everything old is new again" could be the unofficial mantra of antique collectors and sellers. After all, antique store revenue represents 13% of all U.S. resale industry revenue, a sector that brings in an estimated $17.5 billion every year. But if you're looking to add to your growing collection or to unload some historic pieces, how can you be sure you're paying or fetching a fair price? In today's post, we'll provide a few tips for when you want to sell or buy antiques. Follow these tips and you'll be able to sell your valuables or accumulate some older pieces like a pro.

Tips for Antique Buyers

Always Inspect and Inquire: When you buy antiques, you should be prepared to physically inspect and handle an item. This can provide you with valuable information pertaining to the condition of the piece or signs of its legitimacy. You should also make it a habit to ask the seller about any damage or signs of restoration. If you don't spot it or ask about it, the seller probably isn't obligated to be upfront about it. Gathering as much information as possible can allow you to avoid overpaying.

Ask For a Receipt: Whether you pay with cash or with a check, you should always obtain a receipt from your purchase. The receipt should list the condition of the item, its era or age, the material(s), any restoration or damage, and its value. This can provide you with a chain of custody if you ever decide to resell the item or you want to have it professionally appraised later on.

Buy From Reputable Sellers: This is especially important when you buy antiques online, but it can certainly apply when you go to flea markets or antique fairs, as well. You should buy antiques from sellers who have a good reputation in the community, who have positive ratings from previous buyers, and who can provide ample information about the item in question. If something seems "off" or the seller doesn't seem to know much about the piece, you may want to hold off and conduct your own research. It's possible that by taking the urgency out of the equation that you might avoid getting scammed when you buy antique jewelry or decor items.

Tips for Antique Sellers

Perform Some Research: If you plan on selling silver or other antique products, you'll need to conduct thorough research into the origins of the piece and how much similar items are typically worth. You may actually want to get the item appraised prior to selling it, as this can give you a clearer idea of its value. Whether you sell your antiques on your own or go through a third party, you'll want to know how much you can expect to make from this sale, given the current market conditions and the condition of the piece.

Consider Seasonal Challenges: Although there are many pieces that will retain their value regardless of when you sell, you may want to consider seasonal demand when you sell your antiques. For example, antique holiday decorations probably won't be in demand during the summer months, but you might fetch a higher price for them once customers are starting to plan for the winter season. Certain collectibles will be easier to sell (and will sell for more) when they become available during certain times of the year. Consider the timing before you try to sell.

Work With a Dealer: Selling antiques yourself can be a huge challenge, especially when you have limited experience and very few industry connections. That's why many people opt to sell their antiques to a reputable dealer or someone who specialized in antique sales. This can be a good way to alleviate stress while making sure you get a fair price for these items. Instead of having to sell the item far below market value or simply donating it just to make room in your home, you can sell it to someone who is passionate about antiques and will ensure that it will eventually go to someone who's thrilled to have it as part of their collection.

Whether you want to sell or to buy antiques, we're here to assist you. For more information, please contact us today.

How to Buy and Sell Antiques Like a Pro

April 1, 2019 10:18 am

Tips for Antique Buyers

Always Inspect and Inquire: When you buy antiques, you should be prepared to physically inspect and handle an item. This can provide you with valuable information pertaining to the condition of the piece or signs of its legitimacy. You should also make it a habit to ask the seller about any damage or signs of restoration. If you don't spot it or ask about it, the seller probably isn't obligated to be upfront about it. Gathering as much information as possible can allow you to avoid overpaying.

Ask For a Receipt: Whether you pay with cash or with a check, you should always obtain a receipt from your purchase. The receipt should list the condition of the item, its era or age, the material(s), any restoration or damage, and its value. This can provide you with a chain of custody if you ever decide to resell the item or you want to have it professionally appraised later on.

Buy From Reputable Sellers: This is especially important when you buy antiques online, but it can certainly apply when you go to flea markets or antique fairs, as well. You should buy antiques from sellers who have a good reputation in the community, who have positive ratings from previous buyers, and who can provide ample information about the item in question. If something seems "off" or the seller doesn't seem to know much about the piece, you may want to hold off and conduct your own research. It's possible that by taking the urgency out of the equation that you might avoid getting scammed when you buy antique jewelry or decor items.

Tips for Antique Sellers

Perform Some Research: If you plan on selling silver or other antique products, you'll need to conduct thorough research into the origins of the piece and how much similar items are typically worth. You may actually want to get the item appraised prior to selling it, as this can give you a clearer idea of its value. Whether you sell your antiques on your own or go through a third party, you'll want to know how much you can expect to make from this sale, given the current market conditions and the condition of the piece.

Consider Seasonal Challenges: Although there are many pieces that will retain their value regardless of when you sell, you may want to consider seasonal demand when you sell your antiques. For example, antique holiday decorations probably won't be in demand during the summer months, but you might fetch a higher price for them once customers are starting to plan for the winter season. Certain collectibles will be easier to sell (and will sell for more) when they become available during certain times of the year. Consider the timing before you try to sell.

Work With a Dealer: Selling antiques yourself can be a huge challenge, especially when you have limited experience and very few industry connections. That's why many people opt to sell their antiques to a reputable dealer or someone who specialized in antique sales. This can be a good way to alleviate stress while making sure you get a fair price for these items. Instead of having to sell the item far below market value or simply donating it just to make room in your home, you can sell it to someone who is passionate about antiques and will ensure that it will eventually go to someone who's thrilled to have it as part of their collection.

Whether you want to sell or to buy antiques, we're here to assist you. For more information, please contact us today.

Antique Silver: 3 Unique Gift Ideas

March 12, 2019 8:01 pm

antique sterling According to the Royal Society of Chemistry, we can trace the beginning of silver mining back to ancient Greece and Turkey, in 3000 B.C. Eventually, silver became highly valued all over the world. In fact, in at least 14 languages, the terms for "money" and "silver" are identical.

Pure silver is too soft for use in making jewelry or tableware. Therefore those items are typically made from sterling silver, which is an alloy consisting of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. Sterling silver pieces from the 19th and 20th centuries are generally marked "Sterling" or "925." Overall, the precious metals that are most commonly used to make jewelry are alloys of gold or silver.

Today, we still enjoy the beauty and high-quality craftsmanship of antique silver. A gift of antique sterling silver is truly timeless, and here are three unique gift ideas for weddings, anniversaries, housewarmings, and other special celebrations.

1. Wine Goblets.

If you know a wine aficionado who has a memorable occasion coming up, what could be a lovelier present than a pair of antique sterling silver wine goblets?

2. Silver Overlay Glass.

As explained by the Glass Encyclopedia, silver overlay glass has a pattern of silver that has been electroplated onto the glass. Over time, the silver design becomes tarnished and appears black. Because of this, many people overlook exquisite silver overlay pieces without realizing their true beauty and value. The silver can vary in thickness, and can sometimes be so thick that it may even be engraved. Very thin silver overlay glass is often called deposit glass.

A one-of-a-kind silver overlay piece makes a stunning gift for any antique glass or silver collector.

3. Heirloom.

Few gifts are more sentimental or heartfelt than an antique silver family heirloom, such as your great-grandmother's Tiffany silverware, that has been treasured and passed down through your family for generations. Given on a special occasion, these precious gifts take on even more meaning.

Joyous celebrations are often commemorated with special gifts. The gift of unique antique silver pieces such as wine goblets, overlay glass, or the passing down of a cherished family heirloom stands the test of time and will be enjoyed for many more years to come.

Compelling Reasons to Start Collecting (Or Selling) Antiques

February 28, 2019 10:06 pm

sell your antiques Unless you're completely devoted to minimalism, you probably have lots of different collections in your home. You might have an impressive array of shoes or love the work of a certain artist. You might also fawn over old books or buy antique jewelry whenever you see it at a local shop or yard sale. We all have different items to which we're drawn (and are often unable to resist). But for many of us, antiques win out over all other collectibles. In today's post, we'll discuss a few reasons as to why this might be -- and why you might want to consider selling your own antiques if they aren't bringing you joy.

What Are the Reasons Some People Collect Antiques?

The Sense of History: Whether an antique is passed down from generation to generation or an item finds its way to you through different means, many collectors love to delve into the history of a given object. In fact, that's often what draws them to start collecting certain items in the first place. There may be a sentimental connection, which is often the case with family heirlooms, or there may be a fascination with a given period in history. But no matter what, there's always a story to learn when you inherit or buy antiques.
The Thrill of the Chase: Many collectors specifically go after sought-after articles for the excitement that comes along with the process. They might have alerts set on eBay or scour antique shops all across the country in search of a special piece. It might be a rare or highly valuable item for which they're willing to pay a hefty sum. After all, the words for "silver" and "money" are the same in at least 14 languages, so it makes sense that buying antique sterling and other precious items might cost quite a bit. But these collectors aren't prone to buying just any piece that crosses their path; instead, they'll hunt for their "white whale" until they're able to add it to their inventory.
The Love of an Aesthetic: Most antique lovers have a certain style to which they gravitate. They may collect items from different time periods or pieces made by different artisans, but they'll generally have one major aesthetic that defines their collection. Some collectors might love sterling trays and other practical articles from the early 1900s, while others love the look of ceramics from the 1920s through the 1960s. By sticking to one distinctive look, it's possible to create a collection with a feel that's unique to that individual and that improves the decor of a historic home or even a modern apartment.

If I Have an Antique Collection That I Don't Use, What Should I Do?

Sometimes, people end up amassing impressive collections and later realizing that they aren't being put to good use. Maybe your lifestyle has evolved or you've inherited several pieces that simply aren't a good fit for your personal taste. If these antiques are no longer a match for you, they might still bring a lot of joy to someone else.

In this scenario, it's a good idea to sell your antiques to a dealer. By choosing to sell your valuables to someone who understands their worth, you'll avoid having these pieces sit around in a donations store or end up in the trash. They should find a new home where they'll be loved and cherished for years to come. And when you sell your antiques to dealers, you'll know you'll be fetching a fair price and that these items will be purchased by someone who will see them for the treasures they are.

Ready to sell your antiques that you no longer use? We're here to help. For more information on how to buy or sell your antiques through Nelson and Nelson, please contact us today.

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