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.
21 articles · Flatware & Tableware
Antique sterling flatware sets attract collectors for their craftsmanship and long-term decorative appeal. A well-chosen set can serve a table, complete a collection, or preserve the work of an important silversmith.
Read article →Silverware is one of the most appealing entry points into antique collecting because it offers beauty, function, and long-term value in a single category. For beginners, the market can seem crowded with unfamiliar names, shifting prices, and pieces that look similar at first glance.
Read article →Vintage silverware brings craftsmanship and history to the table, but it also needs steady care. You can keep it bright and usable for decades when you clean it correctly, limit tarnish, and store it with intention.
Read article →If you love the elegance of cocktail culture or the history hidden within traditional pieces, collecting antique barware can become a cherished hobby. Each item represents a specific era of artisanship and social customs.
Read article →Antique silver spoons are charming pieces among collectibles. The craftsmanship, history, and artistry make them conversation-worthy treasures.
Read article →Antique silver serveware holds a place of distinction on dining tables, often eliciting admiration due to its artistry and timeless appeal. Whether inherited from family or purchased as a collector’s piece, these items carry history, elegance, and functionality.
Read article →Antique punch bowls fascinate collectors, as these captivating pieces offer a glimpse into past social gatherings and represent the cultural trends of their time. Whether you love Georgian designs or Victorian styles, you can connect with past eras through punch bowls.
Read article →Sterling silver’s appeal transcends generations. The timeless material looks exquisite and enhances the coffee and tea experience in unique ways.
Read article →Antique flatware enriches dining experiences with historic charm and timeless elegance. These pieces transcend functionality, telling stories through their intricate designs and fine materials.
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 →A table set with sterling silver evokes tradition and fine craftsmanship that few other materials can match. Whether you’re an avid collector or antique admirer, there are five things to know about sterling silver flatware.
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 →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 →Using Grandma’s sterling silver tableware during a dinner party is a surefire way to impress your guests. However, if you’re unfamiliar with sterling silver holloware care, you could accidentally serve a particular food on a platter that could harm the silver.
Read article →There are so many beautiful sterling silver flatware patterns available that it can be challenging to decipher which ones are worth the price. Below, you’ll discover the most sought-after designs.
Read article →How Much Is a Silver Tray Worth? Value, Identify & Sell Guide How Much Is a Silver Tray Worth? How to Identify, Value, and Sell Silver Trays & Platters TL;DR How much silver trays are worth The difference between sterling and silver plate The biggest value factors Where to sell When to seek an appraisal.
Read article →Silver salvers are rich in history. These products have been around for centuries, and they were even used by royalty at some point.
Read article →Every host knows how important it is to have hollowware on the dinner table. Unlike flatware, hollowware is not cutlery, meaning people don’t use it to cut or transport food to their mouths.
Read article →Not all metal is the same. To the naked eye, a piece of sterling silver can look just like a silver-plated piece sitting right next to it.
Read article →A great dinner party starts with a spectacular table. The table setting sets the tone for the entire soiree.
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