Nelson & Nelson Antiques

4 Things To Consider for First-Time Antique Shoppers

November 6, 2023 9:21 am

Antique shopping is a fascinating experience, especially for those who are looking to add unique pieces to their homes. However, the experience can be overwhelming and intimidating for first-time shoppers. But fear not, as we discuss the four things to consider for first-time antique shoppers in the post below.

Research Before You Shop

Research items before you shop for antiques. Learn about the era, style, and materials that interest you, and look for reputable dealers who specialize in those particular areas. You’ll have background information about pieces and can make better purchasing decisions by doing so. Additionally, research can help you identify valuable or rare items that interest you.

Look for Authenticity

Authenticity is crucial when shopping for antiques. The numerous copies and knockoffs that often flood the market can make it difficult to spot real antiques from reproductions. However, you should always look for signs of age and wear on an item, such as patina, staining, and cracks.

These factors can indicate that the piece is authentic rather than a modern reproduction. Also, check for labels or signatures that tell you who created the piece or when it was made.

Inspect for Quality

Quality is another thing to consider for first-time antique shoppers. Look for well-made details and sturdy construction, such as dovetail joints in furniture, to evaluate an item’s durability. Remember to check for signs of wear and tear that can lend to the item’s authenticity.

Furthermore, assess the craftsmanship and attention to detail in silver pieces. High-quality antique silver pieces are likely to exhibit fine workmanship, intricate designs, and smooth finishes.

Buy From Reputable Sources

It’s crucial to shop from reputable sources and avoid scams to ensure an authentic and reasonably priced purchase. Consider exploring various options such as antique dealers, auction houses, estate sales, and consignment shops when searching for antiques. These reliable avenues offer a treasure trove of unique finds to satisfy any antique shopper!

Nelson and Nelson is a reputable antique dealer online with a physical store in New York City. Browse our exceptional pieces virtually or in-person today! Please contact us if you have any questions. Our friendly team is always happy to help.

3 Factors That Determine an Antique's Value

November 6, 2023 9:20 am

Antiques

Antiques hold immense value for collectors and owners. Several factors come into play when establishing their worth, such as their condition, rarity, and age. To grasp the value of antiques, you should have a comprehensive understanding of these factors. Let’s explore three factors that determine an antique’s value.

Condition

The condition of an antique greatly influences its value. Objects in excellent condition generally hold higher value compared to those with damage or significant wear. However, you should expect minor damage or wear on antiques due to their age.

When collectors assess the condition of a relic, they consider its appearance, functionality, and any damage. They also evaluate factors such as cracks, chips, repairs, discoloration, and stains.

Rarity

The rarity of an antique is another factor that determines its value. Rarity refers to the frequency with which an object appears in the market or in collections. For example, a silver tea set with limited production or one that was produced for a short period is rare, therefore more valuable. The availability of similar items typically determines the rarity of an antique. Its value will likely increase as it becomes scarce.

Age

The age of an antique is often the most significant factor in its value, and the date of production can help you determine an object’s age. In general, the older a relic, the more valuable it is. As time passes, the number of rare or well-preserved antiques decreases, causing the value of those remaining to increase.

Are There Other Factors?

Other factors can indeed influence an object’s value, such as its historical significance. Antiques linked to historical events or important people, such as war artifacts, can command high prices. Furthermore, provenance impacts the value of an antique by reflecting its ownership history. The more prestigious the previous owners, the higher the value of an object because provenance adds authenticity.

When it’s time to increase your antique collection, let Nelson and Nelson be your go-to shop. We offer gorgeous pieces like our Tiffany and Co antiques. Browse online or visit our NYC shop soon! We look forward to serving you.

Antiques That Are the Perfect Accessory in Any Home

November 3, 2023 10:15 am

Antiques

Antiques bring charm and character to homes. However, some pieces stand out more than others. Silver antiques are timeless items that work in a variety of rooms. Discover five antiques that are the perfect accessory in any home if you’re interested in building a collection of multifaceted pieces.

Silver Candlesticks

Silver candlesticks are timeless antiques that can add sophistication to any room. They come in different styles and can fit into various spaces while complementing different décor.

Check the hallmarks for authenticity and ensure the candlesticks are in good condition when searching for these silver pieces. Additionally, you should consider the type of candlestick you want, whether single or double-armed.

Tea Sets

Tea sets are iconic and elicit a sense of history and tradition. Tea sets are available in different styles, including Victorian, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco.

However, many have intricate designs that add complexity to living spaces. Ensure you buy a tea set that includes all the necessary components, such as a teapot, sugar bowl, creamer, cups, saucers, and a tray.

Silver Serving Trays

Silver serving trays are antiques that are the perfect accessory in any home. They give an impression of wealth, power, and elegance. Plus, the trays look good in dining rooms, living rooms, or on bar carts.

Furthermore, antique serving trays can serve multiple purposes. You can serve drinks and food, display decorative items, or use them as a centerpiece for a coffee table or ottoman. The best trays are the ones that can carry a reasonable number of items without sagging.

Cutlery

High-quality silver cutlery sets are rare but owning one can be a smart investment. Silver cutlery is elegant and beautiful, and complements various styles. Furthermore, they create a rich and formal atmosphere for dining rooms. Make sure you invest in high-quality pieces that will stand the test of time when buying silver cutlery sets.

Picture Frames

Although picture frames are common household items, antique ones aren’t. However, they’re gorgeous additions to many properties. Silver picture frames create a stunning contrast that highlights the picture they hold. Furthermore, picture frames move with you from home to home, making it a wise investment when searching for antiques.

Antiques garner much appeal and value when it comes to decorating a home. Look no further than Nelson & Nelson if you want to increase (or start) your vintage collection. Nelson & Nelson is an antique silver shop with outstanding pieces. Browse our products today.

Should You Put Your Antique Silverware in the Dishwasher?

March 21, 2023 12:06 pm

Antiques : Decorative Art : Metals : Silver

Antique silverware is precious; no one wants to intentionally ruin their flatware and cutlery. If you’re contemplating putting your antique silverware in the dishwasher, read this post first. We offer insight on this topic!

Is It Safe To Use the Dishwasher?

A common misconception about antique silverware is that it can’t go inside the dishwasher. However, that’s not true. You can put your antique silverware in the dishwasher without causing it harm. The key is to separate metals and make sure nothing touches the flatware while inside the dishwasher. Otherwise, silverware has an electrolytic reaction.

Tarnish and Electrolytic Reaction

The main concern of using a dishwasher to clean silverware is possible tarnishing. However, that’s not the real issue. Tarnish happens when sulfur in the air reacts with silver. It can have a yellow, red-brown, or dull grey appearance.

The color changes you see on silverware that’s been through the dishwasher are not tarnish but an electrolytic reaction. This reaction occurs when silver directly interacts with other types of metal in the dishwashing process. For example, brass, copper, and stainless steel are cookware metals.

If people place certain metal items in the dishwasher along with their silverware, electrolytic reactions will happen without separation. Therefore, the best solution is to separate antique silverware from other metals to maintain the flatware’s appearance.

Helpful Tips to Know

Preserve your antique silverware by following our helpful tips.

Tip One

Only place solid silver pieces in the dishwasher. Meaning no flatware with pearl handles, glue joints, or reinforced items. If you have hollow-handle knives, don’t put them in the dishwasher.

Tip Two

Rinse off all antique silverware immediately after use. Don’t let food sit on flatware, which may cause corrosion or pitting.

Tip Three

Never let the silver pieces touch any other type of metal because it leaves hard-to-remove marks on flatware. You can put silver in the same dishwasher load as other metals, just in different flatware compartments.

Tip Four

When cleaning silverware in the dishwasher, use the normal or delicate cycle. Avoid heavy-duty settings and high-temp sanitizing options. Additionally, only use dishwasher detergent without citrus, lemon, or phosphates.

Nelson and Nelson Antiques offers elegant antique sterling silver flatware. Choose from exquisite cutlery to enhance your dining experience. If you have any questions, give us a call today.

Cleaning Tips for Your Antique Holloware

March 20, 2023 1:43 pm

Antiques

If you are an avid antique collector, you likely have some silver holloware pieces in your collection. Perhaps an older relative passed some of these pieces down to you. However these pieces came to be in your possession, it is important to clean them properly to ensure they stay in the best possible condition. Here are some cleaning tips for your antique holloware.

What Is Silver Holloware?

Silver holloware is any silver item that is not flatware. These items could be teapots, candlesticks, platters, pitchers, and more. Holloware is also sometimes called hollowware or hollow ware.

Most silver holloware items consist of 925 sterling silver. This kind of silver is common because it is durable and has a high purity rating. You will see “925,” “sterling,” “ster,” or a similar marking etched into your holloware if it includes this material.

Cleaning Silver Holloware

Clean your antique holloware with silver polishing cloths if it has a light tarnish. Doing this regularly will keep your silver shiny—this cleaning method is best for any silver pieces you have on display.

When you need to pull out the silver polish, choose an option containing a tarnish-preventative ingredient. Using this product will slow down the tarnishing process.

If your silver has a heavier tarnish, you’ll need to take additional steps to get it clean. Wash your silver pieces with warm water, dish detergent, and a cellulose sponge to remove any lingering grease. Silver polishes cannot cut through grease, so this is an essential step. Scrub the holloware until clean, and dry thoroughly with a cotton towel. Cleaning your holloware this way keeps corrosion at bay.

Preventing Silver from Tarnishing

A few common culprits cause silver to tarnish at an accelerated rate. Most collectors are aware of oxygen and sulfur in the air; however, tap water can also cause your silver to tarnish. This is why you should never leave your silver to soak overnight or store it before it dries. Salt is also corrosive to silver; avoid extensive contact with salty foods.

Ensure your silver is clean and completely dry before preparing it for long-term storage to keep it looking beautiful. Pack it into a clean, tarnish-proof cloth and place it inside a sealable plastic bag or a silver box. Storing your silver this way will slow the tarnishing process considerably.

If you want to add more antique silver holloware to your collection, check out our extensive collection of gorgeous silver here at Nelson and Nelson Antiques.

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