Oxidize Sterling Silver

How to maintain and protect your oxidized silver jewelry

If you’re a fan of oxidized silver earrings, also known as patinated or blackened sterling silver, you’re likely captivated by their unique and charming appeal. This specific process that gives silver its distinctive appearance also makes it prone to tarnishing over time, potentially diminishing its allure. Therefore, it’s crucial to learn how to properly maintain and preserve your oxidized silver earrings, ensuring they retain their unique charm for years to come.

Oxidize Sterling Silver

Oxidized silver is made from sterling silver, which is 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. The intentional treatment it undergoes darkens the surface, creating a contrast with the polished silver beneath and giving the piece an antique or vintage aesthetic. Unlike fine silver, which does not tarnish due to its purity, sterling silver develops a patina over time because of exposure to air and environmental factors. It’s important to note that tarnish and patina are not the same. Tarnish is a dull, dark layer that forms on the surface of silver, while patina is a thin layer that forms over time, giving the silver a unique, aged look. Tarnish can be removed, but patina is a natural part of the aging process of silver and is often desired for its aesthetic value.

If you want to maintain the exquisite beauty of your oxidized silver jewelry and slow down the tarnishing process, here are some tips to follow:

#1. Storage and Protection: To prevent accelerated tarnishing, keep your oxidized silver jewelry in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Store each piece of jewelry in a soft cloth pouch or box made from cotton, velvet, or microfiber to prevent scratches.

#2. Avoid Chemical Exposure: Chemicals found in everyday items such as perfumes, lotions, hairsprays, and makeup can speed up tarnishing. Try putting on your jewelry after applying these products to minimize exposure. Remove jewelry before swimming or using household cleaning agents such as bleach, ammonia, or vinegar, which can be harsh on oxidized silver.

#3. Regular Cleaning: Regular cleaning of your oxidized silver jewelry is a vital step in maintaining its exquisite beauty and slowing down the tarnishing process. This process not only removes oils, dirt, and other residues that can contribute to tarnishing but also helps to preserve the unique patina that gives your jewelry its character. Use a soft or silver polishing cloth to gently wipe the surface, avoiding harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can remove the patina. Please note that cleaning oxidized silver can be a delicate process, and there is a risk of removing the patina or damaging the piece if not done correctly. Your regular cleaning efforts will ensure the longevity of your oxidized silver.

#4. Avoid Moisture: Moisture can contribute to tarnishing. To prevent the formation of tarnish, store oxidized silver with anti-tarnish strips, which are small strips of paper or fabric that contain chemicals that absorb moisture and other airborne pollutants. Alternatively, you can use silica gel packets to absorb excess moisture.

#5. Gentle Cleaning Methods: Use mild soap and lukewarm water to clean oxidized silver. To prevent the patina from being removed, use a soft brush or cloth when gently scrubbing. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a smooth, lint-free cloth.

Professional cleaning and maintenance are highly recommended for intricate or valuable pieces. A jeweler experienced with oxidized silver can guide you on proper care techniques, such as deep cleaning to remove stubborn tarnish, reapplication of the oxidized finish, or repair any damage. This option is particularly beneficial for heirloom pieces or those with sentimental value, ensuring their longevity and preserving their unique charm.

It’s important to note that the patina on oxidized silver is not a sign of deterioration but part of its unique charm. Unlike tarnish, a dull, grayish layer that forms on the surface of metals, patina is a thin layer that forms on the surface of oxidized silver, enhancing its beauty and character. Embrace the natural evolution of your jewelry as it develops a beautiful sheen over time. Each piece tells a story through its changing appearance, making it a cherished part of your collection. This natural aging process makes oxidized silver truly special, and it’s a process you can confidently embrace.

By following these maintenance tips, you are not just maintaining your oxidized silver jewelry, but you are also playing a crucial role in preserving its stunning appearance for generations. Your care ensures that these timeless pieces continue to captivate with their allure and distinctive character, adding elegance to every occasion. Whether you’re a collector or someone who appreciates its unique look, your knowledge of how to care for your pieces empowers you to help them retain their beauty and value, allowing you to enjoy the unique charm and beauty of oxidized silver in all its forms for years to come.

a piece of white gold jewelry next to a piece of silver jewelry

What is the Difference Between Silver and White Gold?

How to tell the difference between white gold and silver?

Although sterling silver may look just like white gold, the truth of the matter is that there is a crucial and distinct difference between the two precious metals. If you were wondering why white gold is sold for more than silver—even though they look pretty much the same—read on.

White gold behaves differently than silver does

For one thing, silver tends to be harder than white gold. This means that, while they may look the same, the silver is more difficult to use when a jeweler is making precision engravings. Frequently rings, brooches, and other items of jewelry are crafted with names or messages engraved inside them. It is difficult for jewelers to pull this off with silver, so they turn to white gold.

a piece of white gold jewelry next to a piece of silver jewelry

In addition, silver, as you know, can tarnish over time. If you look at a piece made from antique sterling silver, you can easily see the need for polishing to remove the tarnish. On the other hand, gold does not tarnish. So, for a piece of jewelry that will never need to be polished, white gold is the metal of choice.

White gold and silver are composed of different elements

While this might seem so obvious as to not even need noting, the fact of the matter is that white gold is composed primarily of, well, gold. Gold is inherently more costly than silver.

What we call white gold is actually a mixture of gold and other metals. Because the core element is gold, by extension it makes sense that white gold would be more costly than silver.

White gold is very easy on the skin. Some people tend to have a reaction when wearing jewelry made out of anything other than gold. While white gold is not pure gold, it is composed of a large enough percentage of gold to make it usable by people such as this. Further, while some people may experience some skin discoloration from silver (or other) jewelry, white gold will leave no such discoloration. Because of this, white gold is ideal for use by people with sensitive skin or allergies to some other types of metals.

Should you choose silver or white gold?

So then, which one is better? The answer is that it depends. Silver does have some applications where it would be preferred. Remember, silver tends to be harder than gold, so it holds up better to the wear and tear of everyday use. On the other hand, because white gold is composed of gold, it is more costly and has the positive attributes of regular gold.

If you are in the market to purchase jewelry, the determination of whether you want silver or white gold will really depend on your personal needs. If you tend to have sensitive skin, it’s a no-brainer that you would choose white gold. Likewise, if you are not very thrilled about having to polish your jewelry, it’s best to steer clear of silver.

Antique Silver Flatware

Antique Silverware Appraisal Near Me: Know What’s the Current price of Silver Flatware

If you’ve inherited a set of sterling silver flatware, you may be interested in knowing what its current market value is. While prices do vary from set to set and region to region, there is some basic information you can use to determine how much your silver flatware is worth. Remember, though, that there is a difference between the actual market value of a set of flatware and what someone is willing to pay for it. In some cases, you may be able to get more money for a set of flatware, but in other cases, you may have to take less if you want to quickly sell it.
Antique Silverware Appraisal Near Me

Sentimental Verses Actual Value

Sadly, antique silver flatware patterns are only worth sentimental value. This means that the silver isn’t sterling, nor is it plated. Instead, the silver layer is incredibly thin and not really worth much of anything. That’s why it’s important to look over all of the silver pieces you have for marks that indicate how pure the silver is. You want to find numbers indicating that your silver is at least 92.5% pure, which is the minimum amount required for it to be classified as silver. You also want to make sure it’s not silver plated. Modern silver pieces use very thin layers of silver, so they aren’t actually worth that much.

Determining the Price of Your Collection

In order to determine what your pieces would be worth to silver flatware collectors, you can do a few different things. The first is to try to determine what silver pattern you have and when your silver was made. Silver flatware was first made during the 12th century in England. If you can find silver marks that indicate your flatware was made during this time, you definitely have something special. In this case, collectors and even museums may be interested in purchasing your collection.

Many other silver sets and items were made during the mid-1800s. During this time, the Industrial Revolution was responsible for an economic boom. Many families wanted to show off their fortunate, so they purchased sets of silver. This led to more silver companies producing various beautiful, ornate pieces. However, it wasn’t long after that the Great Depression brought the silver trade to a halt. You’ll find that the antique flatware worth of later sets isn’t as much since it was mostly covered in silver plating so as to be more affordable.

Check Prices and Get an Appraisal

Once you’ve determined when your silver was made, you can look online to see what similar pieces or collections have sold for. This will give you a ballpark idea about what you can get for your set. Some silver sets are sound per piece (indicated by pp by the price), while complete sets may actually be sold as one lot.

Another way of learning the current market value of your pieces is to take them to an appraiser. These experts will be able to give you a good idea of what your personal silver flatware is worth. They will take into account any damage or missing pieces your set may have in order to give you the most accurate estimate.

A Great Way to Sell the Family Silver Flatware for Big Bucks with Some Easy DIY Solutions

A Great Way to Sell the Family Silver Flatware for Big Bucks with Some Easy DIY Solutions

Selling your antique silver flatware can be a source of extra money when you really need it, but you want to make certain that you maximize your profits. If you’re selling sterling silver flatware, you can only sell your flatware once, of course, so you want to be sure you get as much for it as you can. Before you begin the selling process, there are a few DIY solutions you can do to make sure you truly get the most out of your silver.

A Great Way to Sell the Family Silver Flatware for Big Bucks with Some Easy DIY Solutions

Know Its Worth

Before you post your antique silver flatware for sale, it’s a good idea to have a rough estimate of what it’s really worth. That way, you won’t sell it for less than you should. This means doing some research into any markings on the pieces to determine the manufacturer, the year of manufacture, and if the items are sterling (92.5% silver) or simply silver plated. You can find some of this information online, or you can take your items to a silver appraiser. Either way, learn as much as you can about your set as possible since you may also need to answer questions potential buyers will have.

Clean Up Your Silver

Before you start looking for antique silver flatware buyers, you want to make sure your silver items look their best. There are a number of different DIY methods you can use to make your pieces shine. One of the most common recipes used to clean silver without spending a lot of money on expensive silver cleaner involves aluminum foil, water, and baking soda. Simply boil the water, add in a tablespoon of your baking soda, and then place some aluminum foil in the pot. Drop the piece of silver in so that it comes into contact with the aluminum foil. After about ten seconds or so, pull it out using a pair of kitchen tongs. You should see that most of the tarnish is gone!

If you have a piece that has more tarnish on it, you may need to create a paste out of two tablespoons of water and about a fourth of a cup of baking soda. Apply this mixture using a damp sponge. Let it set for a few seconds, then rinse it off and pat the piece dry. Your sterling silver flatware sets should be tarnish-free in no time with these simple DIY cleaners.

A Few Other DIY Polishers

If you want to polish up your silverware before you try to sell it, you can use a few common household items. Toothpaste and hand sanitizer can both help. Add a few drops of either, then use a soft rag to polish up the pieces. Window cleaner also works. Just be sure you don’t scrub too hard, and never use anything abrasive. A cloth is all you should need.

DIY Selling

Some people do take their antique silverware to auction or sell it through a middleman, but you do have to pay a commission on that. If you’re wondering how to sell sterling silver flatware, instead, you can sell it yourself online. There are a number of auction sites dedicated to selling silver, plus you can always turn to sites such as eBay.

paul storr

Exploring the Legacy: Profiles of Three Renowned Antique Silver Smith

Craftsmen specialize in a trade. They work for many years to perfect their skill and develop their own personal style. Throughout history some craftsmen or craftswomen stand out from the crowd and become famous. The most legendary of silver smiths are Paul Storr, Hester Bateman, and Paul de Lamerie. They had set themselves apart; commissioned to create pieces for some of the wealthiest in history. As a result, their works are still some of the most highly sought after for antique silver buyers and collectors. If you have one of their sterling silver pieces, you have a high value item rooted in a rich history.

Who Was Paul Storr?

Paul Storr was a protégé. He began his apprenticeship at age 14. Most apprentices are bound to their masters for years, often until the age of 21. At that time, Storr entered a partnership, but quickly began marking with his own personal stamp using his own initials when he was just 21 years old. He was best known for his commemorative pieces and they were always embellished lavishly.

paul storr

During the late 18th Century until his death in 1844, Paul Storr was an accomplished English silversmith who was commissioned by many of the aristocratic society, even King George III. There are around 500 known works of his still around today and each one of them highly prized. To give you a good idea of what his works are actually worth, an unaltered tureen, which is a pot used for serving soup, can go for $70,000 at auction.

Who Was Hester Bateman?

Hester Bateman was also an English silver smith. Her career was from 1761 to 1790. She inherited the precious metal working business from her deceased gold smith husband, but she had great talent herself. And she successfully kept the family company going strong with the help of her sons, grandsons, and even great-grandsons! Unlike most men who would learn their trade through apprenticeship, Bateman learned by watching her husband. Her skill allowed her to be commissioned by many of the large firms in the area, but given that she was a woman and her reputation was spreading fast, they often stamped over her maker’s mark for many of her early years.

Hester Bateman

The last 10 years of her 30 year career proved her identity as a Master Silver Smith and that no one could keep her simply elegant style covered up. There are an estimated 11,000 pieces that were crafted during her career. Most of them she designed and priced with the middle class in mind, something not many silversmiths were doing during that time.

Who Was Paul de Lamerie?

Another one of the English silversmith greats, de Lamerie had an earlier start. Some say he is the “greatest silversmith of the 18th Century”. He came from the Huguenot family, precious metal workers from France who fled to London where Paul got his start. In 1712, he established his own shop. He is known for his exquisitely lavish attention to detail and a personal, intricate version of the French Rococo style.

Paul de Lamerie

His maker’s mark is probably the most highly sought after in antique silver markings. One of his tureens is priced retail right now at $335,000.

If you have a silver piece, you need to know its value. An antique silver dealer will be able to evaluate your item and most importantly tell you if it is antique silver 925. They are able to provide you with the rich history of your piece(s) and conduct appraisals. Even if your item does not carry one of these three silversmith marks, you may still have a very valuable item.

Preserving a Rich Legacy

The artistry of Paul Storr, Hester Bateman, and Paul de Lamerie has left an indelible mark on the world of silversmithing. Their skillful craftsmanship, dedication to their craft, and ability to capture the essence of their times are evident in every piece they created.

Paul Storr’s Signature Touch

Paul Storr’s journey from apprentice to celebrated silversmith was marked by innovation and creativity. His intricate designs and attention to detail earned him a reputation as a master of his trade. His commemorative pieces, often adorned with lavish embellishments, reflected the grandeur of aristocratic society that commissioned them. These pieces not only showcased his exceptional technical skills but also served as tokens of historical significance. Today, owning a Paul Storr sterling silver piece is like holding a tangible piece of history – a testament to the opulence and elegance of the past.

Hester Bateman’s Legacy of Excellence

Hester Bateman’s story is one of resilience and determination. In an era when female artisans were often overshadowed, she defied expectations and emerged as a prominent figure in the world of silversmithing. Learning her craft by observing her husband’s work, she transformed her inherited business into a flourishing enterprise. Despite challenges and gender biases, her elegant designs and quality craftsmanship earned her recognition among large firms and patrons. Her journey highlights the power of talent and perseverance, and her legacy lives on through the numerous pieces she created, catering to the tastes of the middle class.

Paul de Lamerie’s Masterful Creations

Paul de Lamerie’s intricate and lavish designs have solidified his position as one of the greatest silversmiths of the 18th century. His mastery of the French Rococo style and meticulous attention to detail set his work apart. The Huguenot heritage that he brought to London enriched the city’s silversmithing tradition, and his creations reflected a fusion of influences. The rarity and desirability of his maker’s mark showcase his lasting impact on antique silver collections. Each of his pieces is a window into a world of luxury and refinement, capturing the essence of a bygone era.

Discovering the Worth of Your Treasure

If you are fortunate enough to possess a silver piece attributed to Paul Storr, Hester Bateman, or Paul de Lamerie, you hold a treasure of historical and artistic value. The craftsmanship of these legendary silversmiths has stood the test of time, and their works continue to captivate collectors, historians, and enthusiasts alike. If you wish to unveil the true worth of your silver piece, seeking the expertise of an antique silver dealer is invaluable. These experts can provide not only an appraisal of its monetary value but also insights into its historical context and significance. While pieces bearing the marks of these master silversmiths are especially sought after, even if your item doesn’t carry their marks, it could still hold considerable value based on its craftsmanship, design, and era. Owning a sterling silver piece by Paul Storr, Hester Bateman, or Paul de Lamerie is akin to holding a piece of art and history in your hands. Their legacies continue to shine brightly, and each of their creations is a testament to the enduring appeal of exquisite craftsmanship.

image of baking soda

Cleaning Silver Trays – Basic Guide to Cleaning and Caring for Silver Trays with Stuff from Your Kitchen

Silver trays can look gorgeous. The finely etched pattern makes them the centerpiece of almost any table setting. But what do you do when these silver trays get tarnished? You can either run out and buy expensive silver cleaning products, or you can use a few things you likely already have in your own kitchen. Silver trays dealers around the world use these little DIY tips and tricks to keep their silver looking great without spending a lot of money.

Dish Soap

You may be able to remove some light tarnish simply by dipping the tray into warm (not hot) water combined with standard dish soap. You only need a few drops, so don’t go overboard or you may risk damaging the tray. Make sure that the soap is fully diluted in the water, too. Then dip your tray in, pull it out, and dry it off with a soft cloth.

Aluminum Foil and Baking Soda

One of the easiest methods for cleaning antique silver plated trays involves four basic ingredients from your kitchen. All you need is a tablespoon of baking soda, a tablespoon of salt, a sheet of aluminum foil, and two cups boiling water. Line a pot, baking dish, or even your sink with the aluminum foil. Mix in the baking soda, salt, and hot water. Then add in your silver tray. Let it sit for a minute or two, then carefully pull it out with kitchen tongs. A very large amount, if not all, of the tarnish will have transferred from the tray to the aluminum foil!

image of baking soda

Ketchup

While some people aren’t as fond of this method, others swear by ketchup. Just squirt some of this condiment onto a paper towel and gently rub at the tarnished areas of your antique sterling silver trays. You might be surprised at how much of the tarnish comes off! For trays that are heavily tarnished, you can leave the ketchup on for about 15 minutes. You can also use a soft bristle toothbrush to clean tarnish out of crevices. Rinse the tray off with warm water and dry with a soft cloth once you’ve got the tarnish off.

Cornstarch

Another common kitchen ingredient you can use to clean tarnished silver trays is cornstarch. Mix a little cornstarch with water to create a paste. Then apply that paste to the tarnished area and let it sit until it’s dry. Once it is, rub it off with a towel or cheesecloth. If you don’t have any cornstarch handy, you can use cream of tartar.

Lemon-Lime Soda

image of generic lemon lime soda

Another common item you can use to clean your items before showing them to potential silver trays buyers is any type of lemon-lime soda. You can let your trays sit in a bowl of this soda for about an hour. Then remove the tray and rinse it clean. A good amount of the tarnish will rinse right off. Pat the tray dry with a soft cloth and you’re ready to sell it.

reed_and_barton

Reed & Barton – An influential and significant silversmith in the 19th & 20th century

Reed and Barton was a famous silversmith that has had a substantial impact on the silver industry in the 19th and 20th century. The company opened its doors in 1824 when Henry G. Reed and his business partner Charles E. Barton purchased the failing company owned by Isaac Babbitt. This company, Babbitt & Crossman, produced Britannia ware using a material similar to pewter. They later moved into dealing with gold and, eventually, silver. However, their company in Taunton, Massachusetts, was slowly losing money, so the two sold it to Reed and Barton.

reed_and_barton

Early Success in the 1800s

By the end of the 1840s, Reed and Barton silver patterns were fairly popular, and the company had gained a reputation as a plated-silverware business. During the next decade, the company ended up selling a number of unplated items, including trays, bowls, and pitchers, to another company. This company, Rogers Bros., actually put its own hallmark on many of these items. Determining if these items were actually produced by Reed and Barton remains difficult. On the other hand, Reed and Barton actually purchased spoons, forks, and knives from Rogers Bros. around the same time and placed the Reed and Barton silver marks on them, meaning that some Reed and Barton items were only plated by the company.

Reed and Barton supplied the Union soldiers with weapons during the Civil War. Following that, they mainly focused on making silverplated napkin rings. These rings were often shaped like figures. Once sterling silver prices rose during the late 1880s, the company began manufacturing sterling silver pitchers, trays, goblets, flatware, and other items. By the end of the century, the company had used their profits to modernize their factory so they could mass produce their items.

The 1900s

During the 1900s, Reed Barton silver continued to be incredibly popular. The company hired a publicist to assist in promoting their brand. They opened a store in New York City, began making trophies, and took on commissions from the United States Navy. Some notable items Reed and Barton were responsible for include the silver used on the USS Arizona, the metals for the Summer Olympic games held in Atlanta, Georgia, and a number of famous flatware patterns. The 87 silver pieces created for the USS Arizona were actually removed before the ship sunk at Pearl Harbor and can now be seen at the Arizona Capitol Museum.

These flatware patterns are still highly sought after today and have influenced the market. The 1895 Pointed Antique pattern, which was actually based on a unique pattern Paul Revere designed, is still popular. Other popular flatware patterns include Love Disarmed, Francis First, and Georgian Rose Guildhall. Many of these patterns are fairly traditional, but Reed and Barton did release some more modern options such as the 1958 Diamond pattern.

Bankruptcy

The 2000s saw Reed and Barton slowly losing revenue, and in February of 2015, the company filed for bankruptcy. Following an auction in April of that year, most of the assets held by the company were purchased by The Lenox Company, one of Reed and Barton’s competitors.

image of someone looking at a piece of antique silver

Antique Dealers Advice – 5 Must Look Into Considerations when Buying and Selling Antique Silverware

If you’re thinking about buying or selling antique silver, there are some things you should consider before you jump right in. If you’ve never purchased antique silver before, you may not know all of the little tips and tricks there are to making sure you get the best deal. It doesn’t matter if you plan on becoming one of the many full-time antique silver buyers or if you’re simply looking to sell some silverware that you’ve inherited knowing how to get the most out of your silver is important.

Get an Appraisal

You can learn about your silver pieces online and estimate what they’re worth, but having a professional antique silver appraisal is much easier. The professionals who do this will be able to give you an estimate for your specific pieces, taking into account damage and whether or not you have a complete set of silverware. It’s a good idea to get an appraisal even if you have an idea of what your items are worth.

Are You Attached to the Pieces?

Before you decide on if you want to sell your silverware or not, decide if you have any sentimental attachment to it. There’s no reason to sell it if you have any kind of sentimental attachment. Even if you don’t, would someone else in your family want it? Silverware is very durable, and many families do pass down full sets of it. Make sure no one would want your collection before you sell it, especially if you sell it to a smelter who is going to melt it down.

image of someone looking at a piece of antique silver

Is It Sterling?

One of the things many antique buyers are going to want to know up front is if the pieces you’re selling are sterling. Look on the back of the flatware for “sterling” or “ster.” This indicates that the silverware is at least 92.5% silver. It may even have 925 on it to indicate that it’s 925 out of 1,000 parts silver. Anything that’s silver-plated isn’t going to be worth nearly as much. If you see “coin” stamped on your silverware, that means it was created by melting down silver coins. It’s more likely to be about 90% silver. It won’t be worth quite as much as sterling silver.

Are the Pieces Historic?

An antique silver dealer will pay much more for older pieces that are rarely found on the market. Do some research into the pieces you have to make sure they’re not rare or hard to come by. Those that are can be sold for more than most other pieces. You’ll definitely not want to sell these items to smelters since they have some historic value.

image of historic silver

Look Online

Before you buy or sell any silver pieces, go online and see what the items are selling for. You may find that you have a rare replacement piece that someone needs to complete their set or that you have a pattern that is fairly popular. On the other hand, you might find that what you have to sell isn’t really worth that much. Either way, it’s important to know what you have or what you’re thinking about buying before you do so.

Bronze Arts

The Most Notable Bronze Arts by Salvador Dali

When it comes to Salvador Dali artwork, chances are you are most familiar with his surreal pieces. Dali was extremely famous for his dreamlike landscapes, such as is seen in The Persistence of Memory, commonly called “the melting clocks,” or his Ship with Butterfly Sails. His paintings have the ability to transport viewers from an ordinary world to a far more intriguing one usually not seen outside of your subconscious in the dead of night. However, while we all love his paintings, not as many know about his bronze arts. Salvador Dali sculptures are just as magnificent in a whole different light as his work with a brush.

Bronze Arts

Salvador Dali’s Bronze Sculptures are Continuously Sought After

Like many of his paintings, Salvador Dali’s famous sculptures can carry a viewer away. While some of his pieces are more basic, such as his Man with a Butterfly, which depicts a nude man holding a butterfly on the end of what appears to be a stick, they have a much deeper meaning. This piece, for example, carries the deeper message of the man leaving this world to move to a different physical plane in which he can live freely and happily. Others, though, are surrealist arts through and through. For example, there are a wide range of different clocks that appear to be melting, much like we saw within the Persistence of Memory. In fact, there is a sculpture based off the painting with the same name. Other clocks include Persistence of Time and Nobility of Time. Dali went through various phases when working on his bronze sculptures, each with a different name, theme, style, and deeper meaning.

Salvador Dali artwork

Dali’s Art Collections

Dali has a great number of fantastic quality bronze sculptures and they can be divided into two main categories- museum size and monument size. Each collection has 29 pieces and 15 pieces respectively. These were, for the most part, created using the same lost wax method that has transcended through the years as this art style has progressed.

Persistence of Memory

• Museum Size

Museum size sculptures are some of his more famous works. These are exactly what they sound like. These pieces are medium sized pieces that travel to different museums along with different exhibits. They have been viewed by more than 10 million people worldwide and provide a large emotional impact. These pieces are primarily based on items that were prominent throughout Dali’s life, particularly in childhood, and became icons throughout his work. Some of his museum pieces that you may recognize include Adam and Eve, Danilian Dancer, and Dance of Time I, II, and III. Clocks are still prominent, as well as surreal views of people, animals, and landscapes.

• Monument Size

Dali’s monument sized collection also travels the world and has been moving around since 1989. These pieces have been showcased in Rome, Hong Kong, London, Sydney, Singapore, and countless other important or tourist heavy cities. Some of these share names and images with museum sized pieces, such as Dance of Time II and Persistence of Memory. Others, though, are exclusively large-scale outdoor statues, such as Woman Aflame and Saint George and the Dragon. These timeless pieces bring in tourists and business for the companies surrounding the pieces, but also reveal a transcendent emotional value as with any classic art piece.