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Things To Consider When Shopping for Antiques

April 11, 2024 8:09 am
Antiques

Whether you're a seasoned collector or a novice enchanted by the timeless allure of antiques, acquiring new pieces is incredibly rewarding. However, navigating the complexities of shopping requires more than an eye for beauty. Review the things to consider when shopping for antiques to ensure you make informed decisions. 

Authenticity

One of the biggest challenges in antique shopping is verifying the authenticity of a piece. Counterfeit and reproduced items are common pitfalls. Consulting with experts or utilizing online resources can offer invaluable insights. Furthermore, shopping at a reputable antique silver store can increase the likelihood of purchasing genuine items. You can also work with professional appraisers who have a keen eye for authentic pieces and can spot discrepancies.

Condition and Restoration

When shopping for antiques, consider the condition of each piece because it heavily influences its value and aesthetics. Carefully inspect each item for signs of damage, such as cracks, chips, or repairs. While some wear is acceptable and can add to the antique's charm, significant damage or poor-quality restorations might diminish its worth. Be sure to ask the seller about any known restorations or alterations.

Provenance

Provenance, or the item's ownership history, can significantly enhance an antique's appeal and value. Pieces with a well-documented history connecting them to notable events, places, or individuals carry an extra layer of intrigue. If an item's provenance is available, verify the information and consider its impact on the piece's overall value.

Price Comparison

Before making a purchase, compare prices from multiple sources. Visit different antique stores, check online marketplaces, and attend auctions to get a sense of what similar items are selling for. This research can prevent you from overpaying and help you identify deals.

Logistics

Consider the logistics of transporting and storing your antique, particularly for sizable furniture or fragile items. Make sure you have the means to transport your antiques safely and allocate a suitable space for displaying or storing them. Additionally, research and invest in appropriate packaging materials that offer adequate protection. For storage, ensure the environment is conducive to preserving the antique's condition, accounting for humidity, temperature, and light exposure.

Beyond Monetary Value

Finally, while antiques can serve as valuable assets, the most rewarding part of collecting is appreciating each piece's unique story and craftsmanship. Value your antiques for the history they carry and the beauty they introduce into your life instead of focusing solely on their potential for monetary gain.

Shopping for antiques is a passion that bridges our connection with the past. By following our advice, you can confidently purchase pieces and build a meaningful collection that you will cherish.



5 Things To Know About Sterling Silver Flatware

March 20, 2024 11:45 am
Antiques : Decorative Art : Metals : Silver : Sterling

A table set with sterling silver evokes tradition and fine craftsmanship that few other materials can match. Whether you’re an avid collector or antique admirer, there are five things to know about sterling silver flatware. This knowledge will help you appreciate the value and significance of these beautiful antiques.

Care and Maintenance

Sterling silver flatware, while durable, requires a certain level of care to maintain its lustrous appearance. Over time, silver can tarnish when exposed to air and sulfur-containing substances. Regular, gentle cleaning with a flatware-safe polish can prevent tarnish and keep your flatware visually pleasing. It's also advisable to store your silver in a dry place, ideally in cloth pouches that prevent scratches and minimize exposure to air. Lastly, hand washing is the best way to keep your pieces pristine.

Identifying Genuine Sterling Silver

Not all silver flatware is the same. Sterling silver has 92.5 percent silver and 7.5 percent other materials (like copper), which makes it robust. To ensure you’re purchasing genuine sterling silver, look for hallmarks or stamps that indicate its authenticity. These usually include the sterling mark ("925" or "Ster"), along with a manufacturer's stamp.

Historical Significance

Historical significance is another important thing to know about sterling silver flatware. People in the 14th century prized sterling silver flatware for its beauty and purity. So it carried a rich history and symbolized wealth and status. People passed down sterling silver flatware from generation to generation as cherished heirlooms. The designs and patterns of flatware reflect their times' artistic and cultural trends, making them not just utensils but also pieces of history.

Contemporary Uses and Trends

Modern designers blend the timeless appeal of silver with contemporary aesthetics, making them suitable for any setting, from casual brunches to formal dinners. Mixing and matching different patterns can add a unique touch to your table setting, reflecting a more relaxed approach to dining etiquette that’s in line with current trends. Additionally, many people now view sterling silver as an investment in sustainable living, choosing reusable over disposable.

Where To Purchase Antique Flatware

You can buy antique flatware sets from antique stores like Nelson and Nelson. For those interested in newer designs, luxury department stores and specialized retailers offer a range of options from classic to contemporary styles. Additionally, online marketplaces can be a treasure trove for both antique enthusiasts and those seeking modern designs. Regardless of your preference, you should buy from reputable dealers to ensure authenticity.



Sterling Holloware Maintenance Tips You Need To Know

March 13, 2024 11:46 am
Archives : Decorative Art : Metals : Silver : Sterling

Sterling silver holloware adds a touch of elegance and tradition to any collection. Yet, maintaining its pristine condition requires a bit of know-how and effort. Well, we have the best advice to help you! Here are some sterling holloware maintenance tips you need to know to preserve your collection’s beauty and value for generations to come.

Gentle Hand Washing Is Key

Always opt for hand washing your sterling holloware using warm water and a mild liquid detergent. Harsh solutions or abrasive cleaning tools can scratch the surface or damage the silver. Use a soft sponge to wash the items gently, ensuring you get into all the nooks and crannies without being too forceful.

Dry Immediately To Prevent Water Spots

Water spots can detract from your silver’s appearance and contribute to tarnishing over time. So, thoroughly drying each piece is a sterling holloware maintenance tip you need to know. Make sure to use a soft, lint-free cloth for proper drying.

Polish To Preserve the Luster

Polishing your sterling holloware is essential to maintain its shine and prevent tarnish. Use a high-quality silver polish and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Apply the polish with a cloth in a circular motion and avoid over-polishing as doing so can damage the silver over time.

Proper Storage Is Critical

Store your sterling holloware in a tarnish-resistant cloth or a storage chest for silver when you’re not using them. Properly storing your holloware will significantly slow down tarnishing when silver reacts with the air’s sulfur compounds. Ensure each piece is completely dry before storing them to prevent any moisture-related damage.

Handle With Care

Sterling silver is a soft metal, making it susceptible to scratches, dents, and other physical damage. Handle your holloware pieces carefully and avoid stacking or overcrowding them. Soft, padded dividers can prevent scratches and keep your pieces immaculate.

Regular Inspection Is Necessary

Periodically inspect your sterling holloware for any signs of damage, including loose handles or hinges. Early detection can prevent further damage and might save you from costly repairs down the line. Consult a professional silversmith or silver restoration specialist if you’re unsure how to fix a problem.



What Causes Sterling Silver Antiques To Tarnish?

February 26, 2024 1:53 pm
Antiques : Decorative Art : Metals : Silver : Sterling

What Causes Sterling Silver Antiques To Tarnish?

If you own sterling silver antiques, you’ve likely encountered the frustrating experience of your treasures transforming from shiny silver to dull and dark. But what causes sterling silver antiques to tarnish, and, more importantly, what can you do about it? Check out this informative post for more insight.

The Science Behind Tarnishing

The primary culprit of tarnishing is a chemical reaction. When sterling silver encounters the air’s sulfur compounds, silver sulfide forms, appearing as black or dark brown tarnish on the metal’s surface. This reaction can occur at varying speeds, depending on the environmental conditions. Tarnishing due to environmental sulfur is slow, but hydrogen sulfide—which is present in the gases in certain foods—can significantly accelerate the process. In particular, garlic, fruit juices, vinegar, ketchup, salt, butter, and broccoli can cause sterling silver antiques to tarnish due to their sulfur content.

Preventing Sterling Silver Antiques From Tarnishing

Thankfully, you can take steps to prevent and mitigate tarnish on your precious sterling silver antiques, preserving their beauty. First, keep your silver away from air and light. Airtight storage solutions can provide long-term protection.

Furthermore, regular gentle cleaning can remove tarnish before it penetrates the metal too deeply. Avoid harsh chemicals and instead opt for specialized cleaning solutions, polishing cloths, or gentle soaps and water.

You should also limit direct sunlight exposure and avoid placing sterling silver directly on surfaces that might have reactive compounds. For instance, avoid keeping it on wood or in contact with rubber bands, as these can accelerate tarnishing.

Controlling indoor air quality by maintaining moderate humidity levels can also help with tarnish prevention. Consider using air filters and dehumidifiers, especially in storage areas.

Caring for Your Sterling Silver Antiques

Beyond these preventive measures, sterling silver antiques can also benefit from meticulous care. Here are a few steps for ongoing maintenance:

  • Use anti-tarnish cloths: After cleaning them, store your silver antiques in an airtight container with an anti-tarnish cloth. The cloth will absorb any sulfur compounds and prevent the tarnishing process from starting again.
  • Prevent abrasion: Avoid materials or actions that can leave scratches or dents on the surface of your silver, as these can provide more areas for the tarnishing process to occur.
  • Seek professional care: For valuable or delicate antiques, consulting a professional silver restorer for comprehensive care and maintenance advice is wise.

Tarnishing on sterling silver is inevitable, but you can slow down the process and ensure that your antiques remain nice with proper care.

As antique enthusiasts, Nelson and Nelson wants you to enjoy the wonderful world of antiquing. We offer gorgeous pieces such as Tiffany silver trays and flatware. Browse our products today.



5 Things Antique Stores Look for When Buying Silver

February 8, 2024 1:12 pm
Vintage Arts : Decorative Art : Metals : Silver : Coin

Antique stores carefully evaluate various factors when acquiring silver items for their collections. By considering these factors, buyers can curate an exquisite selection of silver treasures that captivate collectors and enthusiasts alike. To understand a buyer’s criteria, review some of the things antique stores look for when buying silver.

Authenticity

To ensure authenticity, antique collectors will examine the piece’s hallmark. A hallmark is a symbol stamped onto silver that identifies the maker, date, origin, and purity. Examining the hallmark can also reveal whether the silver is solid or plated.

Solid silver means the entire piece is pure silver, including its structure and any decorative elements. Buyers highly value solid silver for its purity and intrinsic worth.

On the other hand, plated silver refers to items with a thin layer of silver covering a metal body, such as copper or brass. The base metal provides the structure and support, while the silver coating gives the piece a visually appealing silver appearance.

Condition

The pieces’ condition is another thing antique stores look for when buying silver. Buyers will check the piece’s structural integrity, the surface’s condition, tarnish or any scratches, and repair or damage history. Antique silver in excellent condition or with minimal damage is more valuable than silver with significant damage. However, some buyers may purchase pieces with minor surface irregularities at a reasonable sale price. 

Pattern

The intricate patterns and designs on silver pieces are an essential factor in determining their desirability for collectors and enthusiasts. The most collectible patterns have elaborate designs, making them rare and valuable. Some famous patterns include Chippendale, Charleston, and repoussé.

Rarity

Rarity can mean limited production runs, discontinued patterns, or unique craftsmanship. Rare silverware will fetch a higher sale price due to its unique status. Many antique collectors prefer rare finds, and the uniqueness and exclusivity of an item can cause its price to appreciate over time. Keep in mind that rarity is not enough to warrant a high selling price. The item’s condition still has the biggest influence over its value.

Manufacturer or Maker

Antique shops are always on the lookout for sterling pieces from famous makers. The most desirable makers or manufacturers include Tiffany & Co., Georg Jensen, Gorham, and Reed & Barton. These makers or manufacturers have produced some of the finest silver in history, and their creations continue to captivate collectors.

Do you have antique silver that you want to sell? Nelson & Nelson is a reputable sterling silver buyer based in New York City. Contact us to schedule an appointment to evaluate your antiques. We look forward to hearing from you!



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