The History Behind Sterling Silver Hallmarks
Sterling silver hallmarks tell a detailed story in a small space. These marks can reveal factors from silver maker to date of production.
Read article →The Journal
Silver Antiquities 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.
19 articles · Hallmarks & Authenticity
2026
6 articlesJuly
April
Decoding Silver Hallmarks: A Collector’s Guide
Silver hallmarks can reveal more than most collectors expect. A small stamp on the back of a tray, the base of a tea set, the handle of a serving piece, and other silver items can offer details about purity, maker, and age.
Read article →February
Identifying Authentic Antique Tiffany Silver Pieces
The name Tiffany & Co. evokes images of luxury, timeless elegance, and exceptional craftsmanship. However, the high value and desirability of these items have inevitably led to the proliferation of counterfeits in the marketplace.
Read article →How To Identify Non-Authentic Silver in Antiques
Distinguishing genuine antique silver from imitations is essential for protecting your investment and honoring true craftsmanship. While silver plating and alloys like German silver often mimic the look of sterling, they lack its intrinsic value.
Read article →January
Identifying the Difference Between Tarnish and Patina
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 →How Reputable Dealers Authenticate Antique Silver
The allure of antique silver lies not only in its lustrous beauty but in the stories it holds. When you hold a Georgian tea caddy or a Victorian candelabra, you connect with a lineage of craftsmanship that spans centuries.
Read article →2025
4 articlesJune
Original vs. Reproduction Silver: How To Spot the Difference
Silver pieces have a timeless appeal, so distinguishing between original and reproduction pieces requires a little know-how. Whether you’re an antique aficionado or someone who loves high-quality materials, learning to identify authenticity can protect your investment.
Read article →How To Identify the Different Kinds of European Silver
European silver boasts a rich history and offers a diverse range of styles, hallmarks, and artisanship. However, identifying the different types can seem tricky at first.
Read article →March
Determining the Date of an Antique Silver Piece
Antique silver is unique due to its craftsmanship, historical significance, and value. Dating your silver piece helps uncover its story and establishes its worth.
Read article →January
Tips To Gauge the Authenticity of Antiques
Many collectors treasure antiques for their beauty and historical significance. Therefore, authenticity is one of the most important aspects of antique collecting.
Read article →2022
1 articlesJuly
Why Sterling Silver Antiques Are Stamped With 925
Whether you’re new to the world of collecting antique sterling silver or a veteran, you’ve probably already seen the number 925 stamped on the bottom of silver pieces.
Read article →2021
2 articlesJuly
How To Identify Hallmarks on Silver
Collecting antiques is a satisfying hobby for many people around the world. Nothing is quite as admirable as a carefully assembled display of fine pieces.
Read article →February
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.
Read article →2020
5 articlesOctober
Tips for Reading Hallmarks on Silver
Artisans used to leave markings on their silver creations to set themselves apart from others. Now, individuals use these hallmarks to determine the value of a piece of silver.
Read article →September
Real Sterling Silver vs. Silver-Plated Flatware
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 →June
A Quick Guide to Silver Markings
Silver collectors enjoy showing off their beautiful items and collections. Whether you own antique hollowware or silver bar accessories, every piece of silver has a marking on it.
Read article →May
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.
Read article →January
How to Test Sterling Silver for Authenticity
Many people have items made of sterling silver. It’s common for women to have sterling silver necklaces, and some people have sterling silver vases in their homes.
Read article →2019
1 articlesApril
Is Your Antique Sterling Silver Real? How to Tell
There are few things more beautiful than antique sterling silver pieces. But if you're considering selling an antique silver piece from your collection, it's important that you determine whether it's pure sterling or if it's been plated with silver.
Read article →