Is Antique Silver A Good Acquisition? Know from the Antique Silver Experts

Posted on March 7, 2022January 30, 2023 by AntiqueSilver

There are people who love decorating their homes with antique items, and also there are few people who are looking for selling them. Do you like to deck up your home with antique silver items or want to sell them? You want to sell silver tea set, but you do not know the right place to sale.

Put a halt to your search for a while and have a quick glance of our site. We can help you with your items. We are one of the trusted antique silver buyers in Florida & also we offer worthy price of your vintage pieces.

We have been into dealing items of various antique, vintage & estate silver items since last many years. Like all other valuable metals, silver has always been one of the pricey metals whose value never seems to get decreased.

Sellers can expect to get best price when they sell silver items to us. Selling sterling silver flatware & finding silver buyers near me is not hard. When you search for the same, then your eyes will catch of our online site at first.

How to Choose Silver Buyers Near Me In Florida?

People hesitate to sell their precious items from stores or online. The reason of hesitation is that they think they will not get the worthy price for their item & will be fooled by getting less price. We are the trusted collector of silver items in Florida.

We are not only known as one of the reliable antique silver buyers, but also, we are one of the largest sterling silver buyers in Florida.

In the age of internet, selling silverware online is not a tough task. Many trusted dealers are present in online world and are looking for you to sell your precious items.

One of The Eminent Sterling Silver Buyers

If you wish to know your silver flatware value, then you have come to the right place. Get a look into our website and know about our service & much more. A large number of people sell sterling silver pieces to us and are happy with the cashback we have offered them for their ancient precious item.

Buying the finest antique silver items and sterling silver items from one of the well-known sterling silver buyers will turn out to be profitable for you.

We are reckoned as one of the acclaimed sterling silver buyers. Hence, you can be assured of dealing genuine quality silver flatware set from our online store. Also, the collection of each sterling silver item you will find in our store- The Silver Queen will mesmerize you. Here, you can see the collection and choose your favorite and decorate your home or yourself.

Get Fair Price for Your Antique Silver Items

We offer fair price for the exquisite Tiffany silver flatware such as silver tea sets, trays, bowls, other silverware you want sell to us. We offer good price for the marvelous old silvery pieces as compared to other antique silver buyers.

We offer appropriate value for the items, looking on the craftsmanship, age and the quality of the pieces through appraisal session. Get your money’s worth by selling the fascinating antique silver materials to us.

Substitute the premier antique silver items of your home with our one-of-a-kind silver items. Get in touch with one of the professional antique silver buyers in Florida now.

A Brief Look Into The Elegant World Of Antique Silverware Collectibles

Posted on March 4, 2022July 27, 2023 by AntiqueSilver

Last time, we discussed the history and significance of antique silver tea sets. As I previously stated, and as we all know, antique things are exquisitely constructed and designed by skilled artisans. These intricate pieces are the great inspiration of historical artworks, which can never be matched with the modern world.

We’re talking about silverware, which is meticulously engraved to create stunning designs on the surface of silvery tea sets. Let’s take a look at some examples of silvery tea sets that may be purchased or sold.

What is the Best Place to Sell Sterling Silver Flatware for a nice profit?

Antique and modern sterling silver tea sets for sale or flatware’s can be found in a number of ways. For the modern shopper, online auction houses like ebay, Live auctioneers & many more which can be an excellent resource.

At eBay, you can find many trusted dealers who deal with every kind of antique, vintage, and estate sterling silverware. Additionally, you can expect a seamless selling experience and get the expected amount when selling sterling silver flatware online.

If you are looking for a dealer in your area or want to directly contact dealers online, there is also the Silver Queen website, which is the top-most dealer in Florida. Here, you can sell and also buy sterling silver items. I’ve always preferred visiting local antique shops and digging for secret treasures.

What is the current market value of selling or buying silverware?

I’m often asked by my friends, “What should I expect to pay for this or that?” or, “What is the current silver tea set value ?” These questions makes me smile a bit because there are countless things to consider -I’ve outlined some of them here – but I also understand my friends confusion and concerns.

The truth is, a silver tray can range anywhere from $35 to $80,000 & also the market value(shopping) of silver per ounce is $24.49. Apart from these, A silver buyer can readily pay $800 to $1,200 for a standard 32-piece sterling silver flatware set.

It really comes down to a few simple questions: Are you looking for something highly collectible or just something you would enjoy having in your home? And the other question is, how much are you willing to spend? There is really no difficulty in finding these answers if you have proper knowledge of market value of silver and gold items.

Learn about one of the most beautiful historical silverware set- Salver Tray

An Etruscan black pottery tray(Salver tray) from the 7th or 6th century B.C.E. is the earliest example of a tray that we have been able to date (Pre-Roman times). The Etruscan tray may not be the oldest in existence, but it does imply that the existence of a tray is centuries old, having existed millennia before becoming widespread in aristocratic and rich crafting..

Many different styles of design and decoration have emerged over the years, from the simple salver and the handled tray are lined with beautifully crafted brims are the simplicity of the modern era. If you have one and want to sell it, you can easily contact us and get profitable amount also appraisal of the items.

Sell Your Silver Flatware Set to the Trusted Buyers Near You

There are many expert antique dealers in your area who will be more than happy to take the time to walk you through what they have in their collection and, hopefully, have some very interesting stories to tell you about it’s history, condition & worth.

Silver Marking & Symbols : DIY Tips on Deciphering Marks on Silverware

Posted on March 2, 2022March 21, 2024 by AntiqueSilver

Fine silver, both antique and modern, is truly a work of art. Crafted to be durable and beautiful, it is designed by silversmiths to stand the test of time. It has often been handed down through generations of family members. It is used for special occasions and becomes imprinted with the memories of holidays and time with family and friends. Along with sentimental value, it also holds real value that is based on factors such as the quality of the silver and the identity of the silversmith who manufactured the silverware.

If you are in possession of fine silverware, you may be wondering about its value. If you are interested in selling the silverware, the first step is to determine its value. While wondering what the silverware is worth, you may have looked at it and noticed that it has silver marking symbols on it and wondered what they are and what they mean. These silver stamp symbols tell a story and you can learn to read them. In this article. We will give you some DIY tips for deciphering the marks on silverware.

Silver marking symbols: sterling silver quality

The first thing you should know about Sterling silver it is alloy. An alloy is a mixture of different metals. In the case of Sterling silver, it has a base of silver, usually around 92.5% silver. Then the remaining 7.5% of the Sterling silver can be a combination of other metals. Silver marking symbols contain a number that tells you the purity of the silver. Sterling silver is 92.5% silver so the marking will be 925. This will be an indication that it is genuine sterling silver.

Silver hallmark symbols: where the silverware comes from

While knowing the purity of the silver helps determine if it is sterling silver, there are a number of other factors that determine the value of silverware. One of the most important factors is the maker. Silversmiths always place their silver marking symbol on their fine silver as a way show the maker. This means that you can learn to read silver stamp symbols you see on silverware and know who made it.

To begin with, silversmiths and silver companies typically include their names or initials in their silver symbols. For example, one of the most famous silversmiths in history is Paul Revere. He marked some of the silverware he made with his initials- PR. Tiffany & Co is part of the silver hallmark symbols for the famous company. With a name right there, you can do some research and get more information about the silversmith.

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my: unique silver marks

Names are not the only silver stamp symbols that tell you who made your silverware. Silversmiths often engrave symbols to show that they made a piece of flatware. For example, the company Reed & Barton uses a symbol of an eagle over a globe above their name. The German silversmith Berndorf Metalwork Factory (BMF) uses a bear. One very useful tool for identifying a symbol is the Online Encyclopedia of Silver Marks, Hallmarks, and Maker’s Marks, found at www.925-1000.com.

It should also be noted that these silver marks can be indication of when your silverware is made. This also can affect the value of the silverware. Sometime you might find a year and sometimes a symbol might indicate the year a piece was made. For example, Reed & Barton used an hourglass silver mark in 1953. If you see that next to the name then you know the year it was made. If you have silverware that you would like help identifying and selling, contact us today at antiquesilver.org.

What is Sterling Silver? How to Identify Sterling Silver?

Posted on February 11, 2022February 18, 2022 by AntiqueSilver

Sterling silver is among the most beautiful metals. It has a cool metallic sheen and reflective properties that catch the light in a lovely way. It is a small wonder that sterling silver has been used in fine jewelry, precious family silverware, elegant serving trays, vases, and other decorative accents. There many fine examples of antique sterling silver out there, some of which have been passed down in families for generations. Of course, there is also a great number of items out there that pass for sterling silver. If you have recently inherited some silver or are considering purchasing some silver, you may be wondering if it is genuine sterling silver. In this article, we will explore the questions, “what is sterling silver,” and, “how to identify sterling silver”. Determining if an item is genuine sterling silver is key to determining its value.

What is sterling silver?

The first thing you need to know is that sterling silver is different than pure silver. If something is advertised as pure silver that means it has 99% silver in it, as pure as you can get because 100% silver with no impurities doesn’t exist. The thing is, pure silver is extremely soft and malleable. It is too soft and that is where sterling silver comes in. Sterling silver is a silver alloy that is made by mixing pure silver with another metal, usually, copper, thought zinc, and nickel are sometimes used.

Sterling silver is usually 92.5% pure silver with 7.5% of the mixture being copper or another metal. Sterling silver is also sometimes coated with pure silver, but should still be labeled as sterling silver. Also, if something is labeled as sterling silver plated that means that the item is made of another metal such a copper or nickel and simply coated with a layer of sterling silver. This layer wears away over time.

How to Identify Sterling Silver?

The first thing to look for is sterling silver markings. If you are looking at an item and think it is sterling silver check for a mark of the manufacturer or silversmith. It indicates the purity of the silver and sometimes identifies the maker and date of manufacture. International sellers will stamp silver as 925, 900, or 800 to indicate the purity level of the sterling silver. Sterling silver has a purity level of 92.5% or higher.

There are several other tests you can perform to determine if an item is sterling silver. Most precious metals, including silver, are nonmagnetic. If you use a magnet on pure silver it exhibits only weak magnetic effects. Other metals, such as iron, copper, nickel, or zinc, are magnetic. If a magnet is strongly attracted to and sticks to an item then it is not high enough in silver to be sterling. Silver is also odorless. If you smell a scent of sulfur or a distinct metallic scent, then the item is not high in silver.

You can do some surface testing of the item to determine if it is sterling silver. Silver oxidizes and tarnishes. It requires polishing on a regular basis. If you do the polish test and polish the item with a white cloth, it will probably leave a black residue on the cloth if it is sterling silver. Lack of oxidation or rust could indicate the item is made from a different metal than silver. You can also do a scratch test and see if the item has flakes of silver plating that come off and reveal a different metal underneath. Also, if you take flakes of the item and put them in acid, the acid’s color will stay the same if it is silver. Lastly, silver has the highest thermal conductivity of any metal or alloy. If you take an ice cube and place it on the item it will melt faster than normal if the item is sterling silver. Using these techniques will give you high confidence that the item in question is genuine sterling silver.

Sterling Silver or Silver Plated: 3 Simple Tests!

Posted on January 15, 2022December 12, 2023 by AntiqueSilver

Whether you are interested in buying a silver flatware set or looking to sell that old Antique silver tea set you never use, learning how to tell the difference between Sterling Silver or Silver plated items can be a great asset to you from getting the most money for your items to building a fine collection in your home.

Generally speaking, most silver pieces are embossed with a stamp or marker of some kind, but in some cases – such as with silver flatware, where every piece may not be marked – you’ll have to do a little detective work.

Here are a couple tips you can use to identify whether or not you are dealing with a piece of Sterling of Plated silver:

Silver Markings or “Hallmarks”

Surely, the simplest way to determine the grade of your silver is to look for silver markings left by the manufacturer. One of the most common markings is the imprint of the numbers “.925” (900 and 800 are also common). This indicates that your piece is 92.5% pure silver. Silver is often blended with 7.5% copper alloy. This gives the silver more strength than 100% pure, or fine silver.

However, there are many different types of silver markers from, simply “Sterling” to various emblems or symbols used by specific manufacturers of precious silver items around the world which are helpful in identifying the year, country of origin, and rarity of the piece.

The Magnet Test

This is another fairly common way to test the purity of your silver – although I do not recommend using this method
alone. Silver is a non-ferrous material, meaning that it is not magnetic. For this test, the best tool to use is a rare-earth magnet which is also stronger than most magnets and won’t lose strength over time.

The Acid Test

This is an effective test, however if you are dealing with a piece that you think may be particularly valuable, you may want to try other methods of testing you silver first, as this may damage your silver slightly.

You can purchase a Silver Acid Test on many places online or at a jeweler’s store.

So, if there are no silver markings, it’s time to get down to work. You’ll want to put on a pair of appropriate gloves as this is a corrosive acid test, which can burn skin if you’re not careful.

You’ll need to make a small scratch somewhere inconspicuous with a metal file. This is to get to the underlying metal that is being tested. You’re trying to get beyond any silver plated layer.

Note: Alternatively, to scratching your silver, you can also use a black stone plate (often included with Silver Acid Test kits. You can rub your silver on the plate so that it leaves a thick and fairly large deposit of silver on the stone. About one to one half of an inch thick.

Next apply the acid to the scratched area (or deposit on the plate). Your kit should include a color scale. You want to
identify the color change that occurs. This will determine the purity of the silver that the acid has come into contact with.

Generally speaking, you’re looking for:
Green (500)
Brown (800)
Darker Red (925)
Bright Red (Fine Silver)

Take care not to get acid on the non-scratched portion of your antique silver as this can tarnish the shine! Good luck with your testing! When in doubt, it’s always a great idea to consult a professional.

You can check out this video to know more about The Acid Test for silver markings:

What precisely is sterling silver and how does it differ from real silver?

Posted on January 14, 2022January 30, 2023 by AntiqueSilver

If you’ve seen something marked as sterling silver, you may assume that it’s no different from regular silver. However, that’s not the case. These two terms may sometimes be used interchangeably, but they’re not truly equivalent.

Sterling Silver Vs Silver

There is a difference between sterling silver and standard silver, and if you’re buying a lot of different silver jewelry, you should know exactly what it is you’re purchasing.

Antique Silver Vs Sterling Silver

What is Pure or Fine Silver & How Pure is Sterling Silver

If you’re purchasing something that is advertised as pure silver, that means it has 99.9% silver in it. It’s as pure as you can get there’s no such thing as 100% silver with no impurities. Fine silver is not used in jewelry because it’s simply too soft. The items would be too malleable by hand. That’s why the silver jewelry and other items you purchase will be made from a mixture of silver and another metal (or several metals).

Know What is Sterling Silver?

Sterling silver, on the other hand, is a silver alloy. It’s made when pure silver is mixed with copper. The result is an alloy that is not as soft as pure copper and is much more durable. Sterling silver is generally 92.5% pure. That means only 7.5% of the mixture is another metal. While copper is the most common, zinc and nickel are also often used in making sterling silver.

In many cases, items that are made out of sterling silver are actually coated with pure silver. This thin layer improves the look of the piece by making it shinier. However, these products should never be labeled as pure silver because they aren’t.
You should also look for the term “sterling silver plated” on products. These products are not made of sterling silver. Instead, they’re made out of other metals such as copper or nickel. They’ve just had an outer layer of sterling silver applied to them. Over time, this layer is going to start wearing off, leaving the item looking much less attractive.

What is Coin Silver?

If you’re researching sterling silver vs. pure silver, you may also see the term “coin silver” come up. This is another type of silver alloy. However, it’s less pure. Coin silver is generally no more than 90 percent pure silver, so it’s not used in jewelry that often.

How Do You Tell the Difference?

Reputable silver makers should always stamp their creations. On fine silver pieces, you’ll find a number that shows the amount of silver per hundred parts (or thousands, in some cases). The higher the number, the more silver is in the product. Pure silver should have a high number such as 999 (some items are marked as 99.9 or as .999, but these are all indicative of pure silver). On sterling silver, you should see 925 (or, again, 9.25 or .925). If the number is any lower than that, it shouldn’t be marked as sterling silver in the U.S.

Note that sterling silver sold in other countries may have a purity lower than 925. Not all countries have the same purity requirements that the U.S. has.

Caring For Antique Silver Pieces- How To Clean & Polish Silver Flatware

Posted on January 11, 2022January 11, 2023 by AntiqueSilver

Do you have an impressive collection of historical silver flatware that requires proper care? As we all know, antique silver flatware is among the most popular and sought-after silver pieces in the world.

However, in order to keep its luster and avoid tarnish, it must be kept clean and polished. So, what’s the right way, and which cleaning agent would be best for such precious, sparkling metal? Let’s take an overview and know how to clean the silvery kitchenware like a pro!

How to Clean and care for silver flatware when tarnished and rusted?

A tried and true method to keep the silverware well-maintained for longer duration.

There are a few steps to consider when cleaning such authentic & beautifully-carved pieces, whether it’s silver jewelry or silverware, gentleness is the first key to maintaining its beauty and luster. Let’s see what you’ve got next to learn and remember…

What to avoid:

1. A harsh chemical silver cleaner can damage the beauty and layer of silver flatware.

2. Do not use harsh brushes to brush off the tarnishing, as they may produce deep scratches on your precious pieces.

How to clean and polish:

1. To remove dust, use a soft cloth and wear soft gloves to avoid getting oils on the silverware.

2. Take a container of lukewarm water. Soak your silverware for 20 minutes in water with detergent. Then you can brush it off gently with a brush and wash it with water. Keep it in the open air and let the item dry naturally.

3. Next, you can rub the tarnished area with lemon. Lemons contain citric acid, which makes them easier to clean and restore to their original luster.

4. Baking soda, salt, and warm water—these 3 agents can be taken in proportion to the size of the item and then mixed together to submerge. This is the electromagnetic reaction that cleanses the tarnish easily and effectively.

5. To give your silverware a new shine, brush it with tomato sauce or toothpaste before washing it.

6. Moreover, you can consider using beeswax to keep it safe from rusting.

7. To avoid damages, you can use silver polish, which is the least abrasive, to keep it beautiful & damage-free.

It takes a few minutes to clean everything that is considered to be the best. And, if we’re talking about silverware, it can take around 15 to 20 minutes, including washing and drying it naturally. Furthermore, the depth of the tarnish plays a role; the deeper the mark, the longer it takes to clean antique silverware.

What should you do when your antique flatware is no longer in use?

So, are you thinking of throwing it off? Never think about it. Every problem has a solution, just like you can sell your silver flatware to authorized buyers who can be trusted. But the point is, what will you get in return? Good question… You can get high worth for your item than you ever thought possible. So, consider selling and receiving a great amount for your pre-owned ancient silver plates, bowls, spoons, knives, trays, and other items as well. Thus, this is the best option & decision to take for your unused flatware.

Is Your Antique Silver Solid or Plated? A Guide

Posted on January 6, 2022January 30, 2023 by AntiqueSilver

You have a prized silver antique collection, but do you know if it is solid silver of simply silver plated? Does it really make a difference? It does if you are concerned with the value.

Silver plating was developed as an inexpensive way for people who couldn’t afford sterling (or solid silver) to enjoy the beauty of the metal without the hefty price tag. In fact, some manufacturers got so good at creating silver plated items that it is sometimes difficult to tell the difference between the two. Unfortunately, when it comes to the value of your antiques, whether you have solid or plated silver makes a big difference, so it is important to be able to differentiate between the two.

Look for a Stamp

If your antique silver technique is truly sterling silver and not simply plated, it will be stamped with a telltale hallmark. Typically found on the bottom of the piece, a silver stamp may include:

The words “Sterling Silver’
A numeric value (800, 900, 925, etc.)
A lion hallmark

If you notice a stamp on your antique silver, use a magnifying glass to inspect it closely. International sellers commonly use the numeric values, as they will indicate the percentage of fine silver that is found in the piece. For example, a piece stamped with 925 will indicate that the item is 92.5% silver.

If your antique silver doesn’t have a stamp, you should be leery about its silver content. It may have simply been produced in a country that doesn’t stamp its solid silver products, but you should follow up with an additional test.

Perform the Magnet Test

A strong magnet can be a good tool in determining whether your silver antique is solid silver or plated. Silver exhibits weak magnetic effects, so if you hold a magnet up and it sticks to the piece strongly, you can feel pretty confident that the piece isn’t silver. Similarly, if the magnet doesn’t stick, you shouldn’t automatically assume that you’ve got the real deal. There are plenty of materials that resemble silver and are not magnetic.

Use Some Ice

Another great way to test whether or not you own a solid silver piece can be performed with something that is probably already in your freezer – ice cubes. Silver is an excellent conductor, meaning it relays heat and cold quickly. Put some ice on or inside of your silver item, depending on what it is, and wait to see if it gets cold. Sterling silver items should be cold in less than a minute. This is an especially helpful method when you have two items that you can compare, such as a sterling silver spoon and a spoon from a silver plated set.

Get Your Piece Evaluated

If you still aren’t sure about whether or not your antique is solid silver or silver plated, there are a variety of great professionals out there that can give you some insight. An antique dealer, auctioneer, appraiser, or estate sale company should be able to examine your item and tell you about its silver composition.

5 Facts Everyone Should Know about Antique Silver Collections

Posted on January 3, 2022February 18, 2022 by AntiqueSilver

Are you interested in collecting antique silver pieces? Antiquing is an exciting hobby, and it is one that can pay off financially in the long run. If you have an antique silver collection – or if you are thinking about starting one – keep these facts in mind.

Antique Silver Collections Can Consist of 50-100 Pieces or More

An antique silver collection doesn’t mean that you need to have hundreds or thousands of pieces. Even 50 pieces can be a pretty substantial collection, especially when you consider the value of the silver. If you have less than 50 pieces, go ahead and sell them- you can make huge earnings by selling few pieces of silver (being a precious metal).

You Can Collect One Thing or Make All Antique Silver Fair Game

If you are an antique silver enthusiast, you have several options when it comes to your collection. You can focus on obtaining the same type of item – such as silverware, silver flasks, vases, or any other item that interests you – or you can simply focus on finding unique items that are made out of silver. Just don’t be afraid to mix and match different types of patterns, especially if you’ll be using or displaying your silver pieces throughout your home. Different patterns can create a unique and interesting aesthetic within your collection.

Silver Collections Are Easier to Sell than Other Antiques

When it comes to selling antiques, silver collections are one of the easiest items to sell. Silver is a valuable, precious metal, as silver products are typically made from a pure silver alloy with a small proportion of a base metal. Antique dealers are usually excited to get involved in the sale of an antique silver collection, as there is often significant value for everyone involved.

Use the 80/20 Value When Selling Your Collection

The 80/20 rule comes from the Pareto principle of business, and it means that 80% of sales tend to come from 20% of the products. When it comes to antiques, the same can be assumed – about 80% of the monetary value of your collection will be concentrated in 20% of your silver pieces. Not all of your items will have a significant dollar value, so when selling your items, you should try and put most of your effort in the most valuable pieces. An antique dealer can help to identify the most important pieces in your collection.

Auction Houses Love Collections

If you have an antique silver collection and are ready to sell, a local auction house or dealer will likely be excited to get involved. Collections are easier to sell than individual pieces, especially when you consider the value of silver. If you need assistance in selling your collection, you should have no trouble finding assistance just make sure to seek out a couple of estimates to ensure you are getting a good deal.

Collecting antique silver can be a rewarding and valuable pastime, and at Antique Buyers, we can provide you with a market analysis to find out just how much your collection might sell for at an auction. By taking proper steps when caring for and selling your silver items, all of your hard work and years of dedication to your collection will pay off.