Antique Sterling Silver from Nelson and Nelson Antiques
Home

Nelson & Nelson Antiques

Classic Wedding Gifts You Cannot Go Wrong With

March 24, 2021 10:29 am

Classic Wedding Gifts You Cannot Go Wrong With

Weddings are a blast. Hopefully, life will return to normal soon so we can all dance and celebrate love together again. As awesome as weddings are, it can be challenging to think of a present to give the couple. Perhaps you should splurge on wedding gifts next year since people had to drastically change their plans. Better yet, give them one of these classic wedding gifts you cannot go wrong with.

Hollowware

Hollowware is different from flatware in that you don’t use hollowware to feed yourself. Hollowware pertains to the other pieces you find on the dining table. For example, you can give the couple a gravy boat they can use at their next dinner party. Another idea is to get them a serving tray they can use when they have guests over. Interesting Fact: Married couples should keep these artifacts in mint condition so they can pass them down to younger generations in the family. Couples will love that you helped start their familial legacy.

Picture Frames

Think about getting the newlyweds an engraved sterling silver picture frame to celebrate their marriage. If you’ve attended a wedding, then you know how many pictures the significant others take that day. However, every couple has at least one shot they adore and want to display in their home. Luckily, you can help them complete this task by giving them a picture frame that’ll remind them of their special day every time they see it.

These are just a few classic wedding gifts you cannot go wrong with. Being a wedding guest gives you a unique opportunity to give the couple something they’ll possess for the rest of their lives. If you need more ideas for presents, check out Nelson and Nelson Antiques’ site today. We have many gift ideas that newlyweds will appreciate and keep in their family’s history for years to come.




Tips for Selling Sterling Silver

February 25, 2021 10:45 am
Antiques

Tips for Selling Sterling Silver

People sell collectibles all the time to make money. However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind while doing so. Follow these tips for selling sterling silver if you want to make a huge profit on your investment.

Who Made Them?

One thing to keep in mind when selling antique sterling silver is if a famous person created the piece(s). A previous blog post discussed silver-makers that were known for their crafts. Depending on the person who made a silver piece, it may be worth something huge. Pro Tip: the items may be worth even more money if artisans put a special marking on their materials to commemorate their work.

Work With a Reputable Dealer

You’ll only get cash for antiques if you work with a reputable dealer. There are tons of people out there looking to rip you off. So, do your research before you sell. Make sure the dealer has decent reviews and has never tried to scam people.

Negotiate

Another tip for selling sterling silver is to negotiate. Remember, keeping the products will go a long way when it comes to selling. The more you care for your silver, the more they’ll be worth in the end. Always carry around a microfiber towel to get rid of any smudges on them.

Nelson and Nelson Antiques will never try to do you wrong. We’re transparent with all of our clients because we want to get one-of-a-kind products. We also sell sterling silver for anyone in the market for new collectibles. You can never have too many items to beautify your home.




The History of Silver Salver Trays

February 17, 2021 12:32 pm
Antiques

The History of Silver Salver Trays

Silver salvers are rich in history. These products have been around for centuries, and they were even used by royalty at some point. Read more about the history of silver salver trays to determine if there’s a hidden treasure in your family’s legacy.

16th & 17th Centuries

People used silver salvers during the 16th century to keep royals from being poisoned. Yes, you read that right. Helpers would place food and drinks on a regular tray and taste them. If they weren’t poisoned, they would then place these items on a silver salver, meaning that royalty could digest them. Isn’t it crazy to think that some workers lost their lives testing out certain items?

18th & 19th Centuries

In the 18th and 19th centuries, salvers were used to indicate people’s wealth. The more intricate the designs were, the more money a person had. The same sentiment is still true today. As long as these items are still in mint condition, they could be worth a pretty penny. It’s also worth noting that certain sports tournaments used silver salvers as a trophy. For example, during the 19th century, tennis began awarding silver salvers to those who won championships. More recently, the second-place winner of the Masters Tournament receives a silver salver.

20th & 21st Centuries

Nowadays, silver salvers are still used to point out a person’s wealth. However, during recent times, these items have also been used to cement a family’s legacy. Some people pass them down as heirlooms between generations, using them as a way to form intergenerational bonds. Anyone thinking of selling a silver salver needs to think about putting their family’s legacy at risk before doing so.

No one should underestimate the history of silver salver trays. Here at Nelson and Nelson Antiques, we have solid silver salvers for sale. So, anyone who wants to create a family legacy should check out our collection today. Our items are intricate and will catch everyone’s eyes the minute they see them.




What To Consider Before Selling Antique Silver

February 17, 2021 12:30 pm
Antiques

What To Consider Before Selling Antique Silver

Not every heirloom you inherit is worth keeping. Sometimes, the collection just gets so big you have to get rid of some things. Luckily, you can sell antique silver for a pretty penny. However, you need to think about a few factors before you do so. Here’s what to consider before selling antique silver so that you don’t make any silly mistakes.

What Condition Is It in?

Perhaps the most important thing to keep in mind when selling antique silver is the condition it’s in. You must take care of the items in your possession if you want them to be worth anything. Here are a few tips to follow when caring for your antique silver:

  • Never use harsh chemicals that may tarnish the items, as this could decrease their value.
  • Only use paste polish and gentle microfiber towels when cleaning the items to avoid any scratches or markings.
  • Store the objects in a safe space away from other items that could damage them.

Any Markings?

If you’re wondering what to consider before selling antique silver, you should know about silver markings. A previous blog post discussed these markings. Artisans used these special markings on their creations to differentiate them from others on the market. Some of these markings would commemorate nationalism or the date the object was created. Depending on how unique the marking is, your antique silver may be worth more money.

Of course, you need to do your research before selling your silver. Only sell it to reputable dealers that will give you the money you deserve. For example, we buy sterling silver at Nelson and Nelson Antiques. We understand that it may be hard to let go of your family heirloom. We’ll be transparent with you throughout the entire process so that it’s a beneficial interaction for you. The next time you want to sell an antique silver item in your collection, contact us.




How To Tell the Difference Between Silver and Silver-Plate

February 17, 2021 12:27 pm
Antiques

How To Tell the Difference Between Silver and Silver-Plate

Many people have started collecting silver since the pandemic began. The hobby is time-consuming yet fun because there’s nothing like finding a piece you’ve been searching for forever. However, novice collectors must be aware of a few things that trip beginners up. For example, they should know how to tell the difference between silver and silver-plated objects, so their collection is as authentic as possible.

The Overall Look

Pure silver looks shinier and more refined than silver-plated items—the reason being is that silver-plated objects have another metal underneath. Silver-plated means that a layer of silver has been placed on another metal. For this reason, the other metal (mainly copper) will shine through when the piece beings to tarnish. It won’t look as refined as real silver.

What’s More Valuable?

Real or sterling silver is more valuable than silver-plated objects because the percentage of silver is higher in these items. Sterling silver items often have markings on them, saying 92.5. 92.5 means that the piece is 92.5% silver and 7.5% another metal alloy. Silver-plated items, on the other hand, are almost completely another metal alloy altogether. Consequently, they aren’t worth as much as the real deal.

This article has explained how to tell the difference between silver and silver-plated collectibles. If you’re still unsure about the quality of the objects in your possession, bring them to Nelson and Nelson Antiques today. Not only will we be able to tell you what your items are worth, but we also sell antique silver that you can add to your collection. We have items such as beautiful hollowware and silver overlay that’ll catch peoples’ eyes any time they want to take a look at your collectibles. Remember—keep the objects in mint condition so that they’re worth a pretty penny if you decide to sell in the future.