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The Best Gift Ideas for Antique Lovers

May 13, 2020 12:44 pm

The Best Gift Ideas for Antique Lovers

Antiques are not only beautiful but also provide a mirror into the past. People collect antiques because they stir conversation among guests, and they’re incredibly valuable if kept in mint condition. Here are four of the best gift ideas for antique lovers if you’re searching for the perfect present. The recipient of your gift will be touched that you put so much time and effort into making them feel special.

Hollowware

Hollowwaretableware

Hollowware ties the entire dinner table together. Unlike flatware (cutlery that’s used for individual place settings), hollowware refers to all tableware that accompanies cutlery. Sugar bowls, platters, butter plates, and candlesticks are examples of hollowware. The antique lover in your life will appreciate this gift because any piece of antique hollowware will add style to the table. Dinner guests won’t stop raving about the items the next time you host a dinner party. Please take a look at our collection of hollowware at Nelson and Nelson Antiques. We’re one of the most trusted antique dealers in NYC. So you can be sure that you’re getting beautiful artifacts that are also high quality.

Picture Frames

Picture Frames

The best way to make your home inviting is to place picture frames in areas of high visibility. Friends and family love to walk through a house and see your memories. You can elevate the beauty of your photos with an antique picture frame. Search for stunning antique picture frames that you can give to someone special in your life. There are plenty of options made from different materials with unique detailing. The recipient will think of you every time they look at the frame, and its worth may even increase in value one day.

Bar Accessories

Bar Accessories

If you know anyone with a home bar, you should definitely buy them some antique bar accessories. One of the best reasons to have a home bar is that you can show off your merchandise. Nothing will impress partygoers more than a sterling silver and glass cocktail shaker. Guests will also get a kick out of looking at a midcentury ice bucket or a sterling silver flask. Again, we have everything you need to complete your home bar at Nelson and Nelson Antiques. Be careful, though. You’ll undoubtedly be asked to throw every get-together for the foreseeable future.

Beauty-Related Items

Beauty Related Items

Beauty-related items are one of the best gift ideas for antique lovers. There something so special about owning a mirror from the 1920s or an overlay perfume bottle. Everyone will get a glimpse into the past by looking at these pieces. Also, vanity items are excellent heirlooms to pass down to younger generations. Granddaughters would love to receive an antique powder jar from their grandmothers. If you want to start a family tradition, consider buying some beauty-related items for the antique lovers in your life. These pieces are genuinely gorgeous, and they’ll be worth something if they’re properly taken care of.




The Difference Between Antique and Vintage Silver

May 5, 2020 1:03 pm

The Difference Between Antique and Vintage Silver

Not all silver is the same. To the naked eye, it’s easy to think that all silver is equal. Yet trained professionals know there are major differences between certain types of silver. For example, sterling silver is unlike fine silver because it’s an alloy made up of several other components. Also, there are striking variances between antique and vintage silver. This article will overview those differences and explain why it’s important for collectors to understand them.

Age

One of the most significant differences between antique silver and vintage silver is their age. For a piece to be considered antique silver, it must be over 100 years old. Silver items from the nineteenth century and early twentieth would be classified as antiques. Vintage silver, on the other hand, is 50 years old or younger. Typically, antique silver items are worth more money. As with most collectibles, the older the item, the more money it’s worth. Of course, there are stipulations. These pieces must be kept in pristine condition if the owners ever want to make a profit. For example, if you have an antique silver platter in your possession, you must take good care of it if you ever want to sell it down the line.

Practicality

If you’re on the hunt for more practical silver pieces, then vintage silver is the best option for you. Since antique silver is older, people tend not to showcase or flaunt it as much. In fact, many people who own antique silver items keep them in a special case so they don’t get damaged. Antique silver items are better suited for being admired. Conversely, vintage silver is more practical for people who like to show off or use their silver items. While vintage silver is older than modern silver, it’s still less likely to break than antique silver.

Antique silver and vintage silver are both beautiful and have their own advantages. But if you’re hoping to sell the items in the future, antique silver is the best option for you. As long as you keep the items in excellent condition, you’ll make a profit when it comes time to sell. However, if you want to show off your silver pieces to your family and friends, consider buying something vintage. Whatever you decide, just remember to take care of your silver.




Sterling Silver vs Pure Silver Whats the Difference

May 4, 2020 3:05 pm

Sterling Silver vs Pure Silver Whats the Difference

Not all silver was created equally. To the naked eye, it’s impossible to tell sterling silver and pure silver apart. Yet, there are very important differences between the two that everyone should know. This article will examine the differences between sterling silver and pure silver so that you can make the most informed decision possible while shopping.

The Materials

The most significant difference in sterling silver vs. pure silver is its materials. Pure silver is 99.9% silver. On the other hand, sterling silver is silver combined with other metal alloys such as copper, zinc, or nickel. Sterling silver products are 92.5% silver and 7.5% another metal alloy. Pieces made of sterling silver have markings on them to indicate the percentage of silver and the percentage of other alloys. If you have a sterling silver butter plate, inspect it for a trademark that says 92.5 or Sterling.

More Durable

If you’re looking for a household accessory that will last for years into the future, then sterling silver is the way to go. People who own pure silver need to take meticulous care of their pieces—oftentimes, they never even take silver items out of their cases. Sterling silver, on the other hand, is much more durable. Yes, you should still take care of your sterling silver and clean it from time to time. However, sterling silver can withstand a little wear and tear without being ruined entirely. Invest in sterling silver hollowware like pitchers or teapots. Your guests will be in awe the next time they come over for a dinner party.

This article has explained the differences in sterling silver vs. pure silver. Sterling silver is a combination of silver and other metal alloys. Since it’s a mixture of materials, sterling silver is better for those with sensitive skin. You can’t go wrong with whatever decision you make regarding sterling or pure silver. Please take a look at our tiffany sterling silver collection at Nelson and Nelson Antiques. You won’t be disappointed with the range of selections available.




The Difference Between Flatware and Hollowware

April 30, 2020 11:11 am

The Difference Between Flatware and Hollowware

A great dinner party starts with a spectacular table. The table setting sets the tone for the entire soiree. That’s why it’s so vital that your table is dressed to the nines. Hosts should never put out any old dinnerware they have in their china cabinet. Instead, you should put out the finest flatware and hollowware you have available. This useful guide will explain the difference between flatware and hollowware, so you can properly set the table the next time you have company at your house.

What Is Flatware?

Flatware is something everyone is familiar with. Flatware refers to the cutlery that you use to eat a meal. This includes forks, knives, and spoons. Flatware sees its fair share of wear and tear. However, flatware can still be beautiful despite its frequent usage. You can purchase sterling silver utensils with intricate designs that’ll undoubtedly add a bit of flair to the table. As long as you maintain the cutlery, it’ll stay in good shape for years to come. You might even be able to pass down the items to younger generations in the family.

Hollowware Explained

Hollowware is tableware that accompanies dishware on a table. Unlike flatware, hollowware doesn’t include cutlery. Hollowware includes vessels such as water pitchers, gravy boats, tureens, teapots, and other metal tableware such as candlesticks and napkin rings. These items are typically given as wedding gifts to couples to outfit their dining tables. Hollowware is incredibly durable and consists of a thicker silver than most other metal items. Some hollowware, such as sterling silver candlesticks, are used for decoration. Elements of hollowware help tie the entire table setting together.

There’s nothing better than gathering around the dinner table with the people you love. Yet if you want to be a welcoming host, you must set the most beautiful table possible. Use the most stunning pieces of flatware and hollowware at your disposal. This article has explained the difference between flatware and hollowware for first-time dinner party hosts who are anxious about planning a special dinner or holiday meal. Now that you know the contrasts between these items, please look at our gorgeous collection of hollowware at Nelson and Nelson Antiques. You’ll be amazed at our range of selections, and you can pass down the items to younger generations of your family in the future.




The Importance of Family Heirlooms

March 5, 2020 11:22 am

The Importance of Family Heirlooms

Now more than ever, people want to learn about their family history. People spend hundreds of dollars buying DNA kits to give them additional information about where they came from. Yes, these kits are impressive, and they’ve provided millions of people with the answers they’re looking for. However, another way to learn about your family history is by studying your family’s heirlooms. This guide will overview the importance of family heirlooms. Soon you’ll be rummaging through your attic to see what treasures you can find.

Create a Legacy

One of the reasons why people collect family heirlooms is because they help create a legacy. We all know that time is fleeting. Parents can’t believe how fast their babies grow up. One way to ensure that your family leaves its mark is to collect family heirlooms. Grandparents want to leave their grandchildren with memorable items before they pass on. Gifting your granddaughter vintage sterling silver is one way to make sure your memory lives on. Family heirlooms make sure that your family’s legacy stands the test of time.

Connect to Past Generations

Family heirlooms are excellent because they can bring past generations into the present. Sadly, younger great-grandchildren may not know who their great-grandmother is. Families can tell stories about a person who has passed on, but giving a younger family member a personal item of their ancestor’s reinforces the emotional component. Family heirlooms connect generations who have never met. These items are also sentimental because they can continue to be passed down through each successive generation. Families are amazed to see an item from the nineteenth century be passed down to someone in 2020.

Interesting Conversation Pieces

Almost everyone finds family heirlooms fascinating. However, people who don’t collect family heirlooms are particularly interested when they meet someone who does. Items that have been passed down over time are great conversation-starters among people. People may ask where you got your grandmother’s necklace from. When they inquire about the heirloom, you get the opportunity to share a piece of your family’s story. Not only will this help keep your family member’s memory alive, but it may also inspire someone else to start collecting heirlooms of their own.

There are so many reasons you should collect family heirlooms. If you don’t have any heirlooms but want to start a collection, please visit Nelson and Nelson Antiques today. We have numerous beautiful pieces that’ll help you start a perfect heirloom collection for your family. Check out our vintage sterling silver collection immediately and start making memories that will last you a lifetime.