The Journal
The Silver Antiquities Journal explores the history, craftsmanship and everyday enjoyment of antique silver. Discover guides to hallmarks and authenticity, celebrated makers, collecting flatware and hollowware, and caring for treasured pieces. Articles also cover selling and valuation, thoughtful gifts and heirlooms, and bringing antique silver into your home.
The journal draws on the experience of Steve Nelson, co-founder of Nelson & Nelson Antiques, and the gallery’s more than fifty years of advising collectors in New York. Steve and his staff inspect and authenticate every item before purchasing it for the gallery, bringing firsthand knowledge of silver’s makers, materials and condition to their work. Whether you are choosing your first piece or deepening a lifelong collection, these articles offer a seasoned dealer’s perspective on what makes antique silver worth understanding and preserving.
42 articles · Care & Cleaning
Vintage collecting is an endeavor of passion, a pursuit that connects us to the artisans and epochs of the past. Beyond the thrill of discovery and the satisfaction of owning a piece of history, collectors assume a vital position as stewards of our shared cultural heritage.
Read article →Silver antiques possess an undeniable allure that captivates collectors and enthusiasts alike. These exquisite pieces carry stories from bygone eras, their surfaces bearing witness to decades or even centuries of history.
Read article →Silver’s radiant glow and timeless beauty make it a treasured choice for antique collectors. However, as stunning as silver is, exposure to the elements dulls its sparkle, leading to discoloration and eventual darkening.
Read article →Candlesticks illuminate dark corners and grace dining tables. Beyond their practical use in holding candles, they stand as stunning testaments to craftsmanship. Vintage candlesticks, in particular, carry rich stories from the past while blending into modern aesthetics.
Read article →Silver antiques have a timeless beauty, carrying history and artisanship in every piece. Whether caring for a family heirloom or adding to a growing collection, proper storage is the key to keeping your silver looking its best.
Read article →Silver antiques have a timeless charm that adds elegance to any collection. But, like all precious items, they require proper care and maintenance to retain their luster.
Read article →Silver antiques have a timeless charm that adds elegance to any collection. But, like all precious items, they require proper care and maintenance to retain their luster.
Read article →Antique sterling silver flatware is a beautiful addition to any home, offering a touch of history to your dining experience. However, maintaining the shine and luster of these precious pieces requires proper care and cleaning.
Read article →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.
Read article →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?
Read article →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.
Read article →The timeless appeal of antique pieces draws us to them, and we want to keep them looking as pristine as possible. Therefore, we should protect them from factors that can easily cause damage.
Read article →Antique stores constantly seek unique and valuable items that grab the attention of collectors and enthusiasts. While many assume antique jewelry is the most desirable commodity, other highly sought-after items exist.
Read article →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.
Read article →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.
Read article →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.
Read article →Since 1851, Tiffany and Co. has been a silver industry paragon. Their high-quality pieces and standard .925 sterling silver are well deserving of their illustrious reputation.
Read article →Part of caring for your antiques properly includes storing them in a safe environment. This ensures they will not be damaged by sun, water, or temperature changes.
Read article →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?
Read article →It’s a question that’s been around for many years. Many people will inherit a sterling silver flatware collection and will not know how to care for the items. Can you place the items into the dishwasher? Will it ruin the silver?
Read article →If you’re a sterling silver collector, you know that sometimes you have to pack up your pieces for storage. Whether you’re moving or making room for new silver, there is an adequate way to store them.
Read article →You’ll find many collectors of sterling silver antiques across the globe. Since these gorgeous items are at risk of losing their luster, it’s crucial to care for them properly.
Read article →Caring for and owning antiques can be rewarding and satisfying. Cleaning them can be challenging and may require professional help.
Read article →Caring for sterling silver comes with plenty of rules. It’s a delicate metal that needs gentle handling when being cleaned or polished.
Read article →No matter how you came to own the silver antiques, we all want to care for the collectibles in the best way possible. Tarnish is something antique silver owners are familiar with and want to prevent.
Read article →Cleaning and caring for silver can be tricky. The overlay is fragile, and you want to keep it looking as pristine as the day you bought it.
Read article →The most critical piece of information to remember about cleaning your sterling silver antiques at home is “easy does it.” You must proceed with caution, be extremely gentle with your antiques, and keep the cleaning to a minimum.
Read article →Sterling silver is a highly collectible precious metal. You want to keep your antiques pristine for your collection.
Read article →Many people erroneously believe that tarnish is a sign that an antique piece of silver is ruined. In truth, tarnish is a natural process that occurs over time as silver is exposed to normal amounts of moisture and oxygen.
Read article →Silver is perhaps the most beautiful material that important everyday items and decorations are made from. However, if it’s not cared for properly, silver has a unique quality that causes unpleasant-looking smudges to appear.
Read article →Family heirlooms help form intergenerational bonds. For example, grandchildren may feel more connected to their grandparents if they receive an antique picture frame from them.
Read article →Silver accessories make a statement. Dinner guests are immediately impressed when they see silver hollowware on the dining room table.
Read article →Antique Tiffany items have become common in many households today. Apart from sterling silver jewelry, silver-plated household items can add elegance to our day-to-day lives.
Read article →Silver has been valuable to humans for a long time, in fact, the earliest evidence of silver mining ever found by archaeologists dates back as many as 3,000 years ago in what are now modern day Turkey and Greece.
Read article →Silver has been valuable to humans for a long time, in fact, the earliest evidence of silver mining ever found by archaeologists dates back as many as 3,000 years ago in what are now modern day Turkey and Greece. We've been using silver as a form of currency for thousands of years.
Read article →Silver has been valuable to humans for a long time, in fact, the earliest evidence of silver mining ever found by archaeologists dates back as many as 3,000 years ago in what are now modern day Turkey and Greece.
Read article →Silver has been valuable to humans for a long time, in fact, the earliest evidence of silver mining ever found by archaeologists dates back as many as 3,000 years ago in what are now modern day Turkey and Greece.
Read article →Silver has been valuable to humans for a long time, in fact, the earliest evidence of silver mining ever found by archaeologists dates back as many as 3,000 years ago in what are now modern day Turkey and Greece. We've been using silver as a form of currency for thousands of years.
Read article →Silver has been valuable to humans for a long time, in fact, the earliest evidence of silver mining ever found by archaeologists dates back as many as 3,000 years ago in what are now modern day Turkey and Greece. We've been using silver as a form of currency for thousands of years.
Read article →Silver has been valuable to humans for a long time, in fact, the earliest evidence of silver mining ever found by archaeologists dates back as many as 3,000 years ago in what are now modern day Turkey and Greece. We've been using silver as a form of currency for thousands of years.
Read article →Silver mining has existed since 3000 BC, and since then, people have had a love affair with this lustrous metal. Silver heirlooms and antique silver products are delightful to own, wear, and display, and with the right care, they can continue to be a bright spot in your home.
Read article →Antique silver is a gift, one that is beautiful to look at, receive, and show off. No matter what form it's in, from sterling candelabra to candlesticks and a sterling silver tea set, it requires diligence when taking care of it.
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