In your quest to learn a bit more about the valuables passed down between generations or which types of antiques you'll find when you visit local silver dealers, you may have heard about Georg Jensen sterling. Is this name one that stands out in history and is the brand's antique silver incredibly valuable? We'll find out in today's post.

Who Was Georg Jensen?

Though he began his career as a ceramist, Danish artist Georg Jensen eventually became a silversmith who opened his own storefront selling silver jewelry and holloware during the early 1900s. He was essentially able to combine these two disciplines to create in-demand, unique pieces and expand his business into Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Although Jensen passed away in the 1930s, the brand he established is still synonymous with incredible craftsmanship and classic design.

What's So Special About Georg Jensen Sterling Silver?

If you're buying or selling silver, it's important to know what makes Georg Jensen sterling stand out. For one thing, Jensen's standards for silver differ from what we typically use today. Since pure silver is too soft for products like tableware and jewelry, sterling silver (an allow of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper) is typically used. But under the Danish Hallmarking Act of 1893, the content standard for silver was established as 926 parts out of 1,000 -- a slightly lower standard than what we see with pieces marked with the signature "925" today. The rest is comprised of iron, copper, lead, and other metals. Interestingly, Jensen did not switch to the current sterling standard until 1927, meaning that many of the oldest pieces conform to the older sterling standard.

Georg Jensen sterling is also characterized by an Art Nouveau style, though the brand also created pieces that can be considered Art Deco or modern, too. These pieces tend to be ornamented with distinctive embellishments (such as flowers, fruit, or animal-like features). The Acorn is one of the best-known Jensen patterns, while the Cactus pattern is considered to be quite rare. Georg Jensen pieces are marked with a variety of brand signs, which can help dealers to identify the year it was created and the authenticity of the piece.

Should I Consider Selling Silver By Georg Jensen?

If these pieces have no sentimental value for you and you'd like to find out where to sell silver, we're here to assess their value and may potentially be interested in purchasing them. Some pieces may be extremely valuable, fetching thousands of dollars at auctions or sales. Not every Jensen piece will bring in a small fortune, but this silver is highly sought-after by many. Merely learning about the history of your antiques can be an exciting endeavor -- and if you're able to sell them in the process, that just be the cherry on top.

To find out more about our services or about selling your silver to an antique dealer, please contact us today.