Nelson & Nelson Antiques

What Is the Difference Between Vintage and Antique Items?

January 13, 2023 10:39 am

While some people use the terms “vintage” and “antique” interchangeably, the two have distinct definitions. People often confuse the two—after all, both terms describe an item based on its age. They are easy to mix up.

Read on to learn the difference between antique and vintage items and keep yourself from making this common mistake.

What Are Antiques?

In short, antiques are items that are 100 years old or older. Even fragile items like glassware must hit the 100-year mark to count as antiques. However, if an item is older than 300 years, it is antiquity.

What Are Vintage Items?

The term “vintage” means “of age.” Because of this, the age range of what we deem vintage is a bit less strict. Most commonly, however, vintage items are at least 40 years old or older.

Other Commonly Confused Terms

Collectors use many other terms to date items commonly confused by individuals who are not collectors. Here are a few and their definitions:

Classic: “Classic” often describes items that are 20 years old or older. This terminology is common in conversations regarding cars or music rather than furniture. For example, many people are familiar with “classic rock” or “classic sports cars.”

Retro: “Retro” is common in the fashion industry, though the term also describes furniture, decor items, and even toys. “Retro” describes items not old enough to have the term “vintage” or even to describe newer items. Retro can also describe new items inspired by old trends.

For example, we call a new pair of pants manufactured to emulate 90’s fashion “retro.”

So, now you know the difference between vintage and antique items. Collecting antique and vintage goods is a great hobby for anyone, no matter their age or antiquing knowledge. If you’re looking for a good place to start, check out Nelson and Nelson Antiques. We are reputable antique silver dealers who offer one-of-a-kind pieces and other great vintage options.

What Makes Tiffany Silver Antiques Different?

December 20, 2022 11:37 am

Antiques : Decorative Art : Metals : Silver

When I say the word Tiffany, what comes to mind? Teal boxes, sterling silver, and gorgeous jewelry? These things are all synonymous with the incredible store in New York City.

Antique collectors have been in love with Tiffany pieces for decades. These pieces stand the test of time, but what makes Tiffany silver antiques different from the others? Continue reading to find out.

A Little About Tiffany & Co

Charles Lewis Tiffany and his partner J.B. Young founded Tiffany & Young in 1838. It was a fancy goods store located on Broadway in Manhattan, New York City. The store was quickly successful, and in 1841, Ellis, another partner, joined.

Charles Lewis Tiffany gained sole control in 1853 and renamed the company Tiffany & Co, a name it’s kept ever since. Mr. Tiffany began to develop the identity of Tiffany & Co and soon became the King of Diamonds. The purchase of the Tiffany diamond came in 1878, which was a canary yellow diamond weighing in at a whopping 128.54 carats.

The store stayed relevant and popular throughout the 1900s. It moved to its current location on Fifth Avenue in 1940.

The Tiffany & Co Legacy

Tiffany & Co has always been the undoubted leader in sterling silver. They’ve set the standard for American silver, only offering the finest products, including accessories and home objects. People know they’re receiving a quality piece when they purchase a Tiffany antique.

So, what makes Tiffany silver antiques different? Tiffany & Co silver represents the highest standard of craftsmanship and quality. Top silversmiths crafted these antique pieces, which feature beautiful, intricate designs. Tiffany & Co’s antique sterling silver defines the art of contemporary decorating and entertaining.

Collecting Tiffany & Co Sterling Silver

Collectors love adding sterling silver Tiffany antiques to their collections. For some, these are the only products they want. To ensure you get an authentic Tiffany & Co silver piece, look for the AG925 stamp. This mark symbolizes the silver’s .925 purity.

When you purchase an authentic Tiffany antique, you invest in the highest quality antiques possible. These are the pieces you pass on for generations. They’ll last for decades and continue beautifully decorating dining room tables, entryways, and kitchens, never going out of style.

Nelson & Nelson has a wonderful collection of Tiffany & Co silver. Feel free to stop by our store or shop online to view our selection. When you purchase from Nelson & Nelson, you can trust your antique items are authentic.

When Should You Consider Selling Your Antiques?

December 5, 2022 11:41 am

Archives : Decorative Art : Metals : Silver

Selling antiques is a tricky thing. You want to ensure you get a fair offer, but you don’t know if the demand will change or if the price will increase. So, when should you consider selling your antiques? Below you’ll find advice to help navigate these difficult waters.

Sell During the Hype

If one of your antiques is all over the news right now, it’s time to sell. If you have a baseball card, Wheaties box, or jersey of a retiring player, that’s a great time to sell. The demand for these players’ items increases because fewer will be produced if they’re not out of production already.

Look for news stories surrounding your particular antiques. If the item is trending on social media or in the press, sell them before collectors turn to different objects.

Consider Selling on Consignment

Consignment is a selling process when a shop displays your antique until they sell the item. You’ll receive payment once the shop sells the object. Plus, the consignment shop will take a cut of the earnings.

People use consignment shops because they don’t want to put in the work. It’s easier to hand over the antique and allow them to figure out pricing. You may be unaware of the demand and pricing of your item, and it’s easier than selling it yourself.

Receive an Offer You Can’t Refuse

It’s time to sell your antique when you receive an offer that’s right on the money. When you feel comfortable with the amount, there’s no reason not to sell.

You can hire appraisers to discover the correct price for your antique item. It’s important to note that factors affect the object’s price point. Is this item in demand? What condition is the antique in? Ensure you hire an appraiser you trust, and you can turn to multiple appraisers. You’ll have a good idea of what different professionals believe your item is worth.

Knowing when to sell your antiques can be a tricky process. If you don’t want to sell the item at all, don’t fold to the pressure. Antique items are also great to pass down from generation to generation.

If you’re wondering where to sell antique silver, turn to Nelson & Nelson Antiques. We have decades of experience buying and selling antiques. You may find something to catch your eye.

Best Practices for Restoring Your Sterling Silver Antiques

November 30, 2022 12:03 pm

Antiques : Decorative Art : Metals : Silver : Sterling

Are you struggling with finding a way to clean your sterling silver items? Do you want to show off your antiques, but they lack the shine that impresses your guests? Don’t worry! Keep reading for best practices for restoring your sterling silver antiques.

Cleaning Your Sterling Silver Antiques

There are several options for naturally cleaning your sterling silver antiques. Natural ingredients will help prevent damage to your items.

Vinegar and Baking Soda

Create a solution using half a cup of vinegar and two tablespoons of baking soda. Soak your silverware or silver pieces to bring back the shine.

Cornstarch and Water

Mixing water and cornstarch will make a paste that you can rub onto your silver antiques. Let the paste dry, then rub it away with a damp cloth. Voila! Your sterling silver will shine like new again!

Dishwashing Soap

Line your sink with towels to avoid scratching your silver items, and fill the sink with warm water. Add a few drops of dishwashing liquid to the water. Ensure the soap you’re using is phosphate-free and not lemon-scented. Wash up your antique items and dry them off completely. Don’t allow them to air dry because water left on the silver can cause spotting or tarnishing.

Enlist a Silversmith To Restore Your Silver

Silversmiths know the best ways to restore your sterling silver. Their entire job focuses on this precious metal. If you’re nervous about polishing your pieces or harming your silver, hiring a silversmith will ensure proper care.

They have the necessary tools to make your silver shiny and new without causing damage. They’ll clean around all the intricate details that make polishing silver so challenging.

Storing Your Sterling Silver Antiques

If you’re going to store your silver items, there are proper ways to put them away. Otherwise, you could damage your antiques. For cutlery, invest in a cutlery chest lined with anti-tarnish cloths. Purchase silver cloth bags to store your larger antique items. Wrap them in archival tissue paper to combat tarnish.

Keep rubber bands, newspaper, or felt away from your sterling silver antiques. These products contain chemicals that create black marks and are almost impossible to remove. Avoid using plastic wrap on your items. The plastic can break down and produce condensation that will harm your silver.

Many people love collecting vintage sterling silver. Correctly caring for and restoring your sterling silver antiques means you can continue passing down the pieces to your children or grandchildren. Follow these best practices to keep your items looking their best.

5 Reasons You Should Consider Buying Antiques

November 2, 2022 10:29 am

Antiques

You may be skeptical about beginning an antique collection. Maybe you’re unsure how to care for the pieces or display them. Or perhaps you don’t know which vintage pieces are valuable.

There is more than one reason why you should consider buying antiques. Explore five reasons below and begin your antique adventure.

You Can Make Money

Many people enjoy collecting antiques because they can make money off of them. Once you gain knowledge and expertise, you can make a decent living by buying and selling antiques.

Learn which items are worth dropping a decent penny on and when you’re getting a deal of a lifetime. The value of antiques changes often. Stay current on the changing prices to know when it’s the best time to sell and buy.

It’s the Eco-Friendly Choice

Purchasing antique furniture or pieces is more sustainable than buying new ones. Fast furniture and fashion are harmful to the environment. Many Americans throw away furniture instead of repurposing it, which is a waste of money and materials.

Do your part and buy antiques. You’re reducing your carbon footprint when you invest in them.

Nostalgia Reasons

Have you ever walked into a space, and the smell reminded you of a specific memory? People purchase certain antique pieces because it reminds them of someone or something special. Clothing, furniture, accessories, collectibles, and toys are all examples of nostalgic pieces.

You can use the nostalgic effect to sell antiques if you decide to go that route. If you ever walk through an antique store and spot an item your grandparents owned, you may want to purchase it for nostalgia.

A Fun Process

Science proves that buying and collecting antiques fuels our pleasure centers. It’s a satisfying and fulfilling experience. The joy of finding an item you’ve been searching for and discovering the history of the piece feeds the desire to find more.

It allows you to build a community and find friends who enjoy collecting. They’ll understand the thrill of finding something valuable. Many collectors enjoy the fact that vintage items connect them to something bigger than themselves.

Use Antiques To Decorate

Another reason to consider purchasing antiques is for decor purposes. Antiques make the best decor for homes, especially when you have a Victorian or art-deco house design. Use antique vases to display gorgeous floral bouquets. Set your dining room table with your beautiful sterling silver tableware.

When you’re ready to begin your antique collection, start at Nelson & Nelson Antiques. We’re the premier antique silver dealers in New York City. Our knowledge and expertise in the industry will help you find the right pieces.

Showing 6 - 10 of 103
|<< < 1 2 3 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 21 > >>|