Selling the Family Silver: Beware of Smelters Who Can Smelt Your Treasure into Trash

Posted on February 8, 2024March 21, 2024 by AntiqueSilver

When you start looking for antique buyers for your silver, you’re likely to come across some people who offer to purchase your items sight unseen. If pushed, they may admit to buying silver by the ounce simply to melt it down. These companies often advertise that they buy gold, silver, and other specialty metals to recycle them. They will buy your family silver flatware along with silver coins, jewelry, and much more. They don’t really care what state it’s in, they simply want to melt it down and sell it as silver.

That might seem like a great deal. After all, you don’t have to do any research on the items. You just take in the family silver and walk out with a nice amount of money. But there are some reasons why these smelters may not be the best deal for you. In fact, they may turn your family treasures into trash.

They Don’t Care About the Pieces

If you’re selling to antique silver collectors, they’re going to value the age and rarity of the pieces. You’re likely to get more money for older items, especially if they’re items that the collectors have been looking for or that complete their sets. With smelters, that’s not the case. They don’t care if something is hundreds of years old or if it was made yesterday. If you’re offering them something that’s sterling silver (at least 92.5% pure silver), that’s all they care about. They pay the same no matter how old or how rare the item is.

They Don’t Look at History

That can be disastrous if you’ve got a rare piece that’s worth much more than the silver it’s made from. You could get a lot of money from the right collector. There’s also the fact that you may have a piece of history that is quite rare. In some cases, a museum may pay a nice amount for your silver. It’s always best that you do some research and learn about the history of the pieces you have before selling to smelters. Otherwise, you could not only accidentally lose a good amount of money, but you could also help destroy something that’s priceless.

They Don’t Pay Well

If you search for the best place to sell antiques, you won’t find smelters on the list. That’s because they don’t pay that well. That’s because they will likely resell any silver they buy from you after the melt it down. This means they have to have some room in the price to make a profit. If you’re looking to get top dollar for your silver, smelters and anyone else who plans on reselling the silver later is not the place to go.

If you know the silver items you have aren’t worth very much, smelters may offer you the best price you’re going to find. However, make certain that you’ve done some research on the items and even had them appraised by a silver expert first. The last thing you want to do is sell valuable silver items to a smelter for next to nothing.

How to Spot the Most Valuable Christofle Silver Marks?

Posted on February 6, 2024March 21, 2024 by AntiqueSilver

We all know that silver is one of the sophisticated and expensive metals. Owing to the craftsmanship and beautiful designs, silver items hold a special place in people’s residences. Silver not only holds a great value, but also it has a touch of sophistication. In the earlier days, people used to collect antique silver pieces to elevate the appearance of their homes. In the present days, it has been a trend of using silverwares for daily use and in special occasions as well. Are you fond of using silver items? Do you use Christofle silver items?

The Christofle silver items mark a touch of elegance. It is one of the pricey silverwares which you might have saved it for special occasions. Do the Christofle silver items have Christofle sterling silver marks? Christofle introduced high-quality silver items which will exude luxury and will also be affordable to you. Before you use the Christofle silverwares and other silver accessories for your home, you should be ascertaining that you are using authentic Christofle silver pieces. We are the trusted dealer of antique silver items in Florida. We will help you know how to spot the authentic Christofle silver with the help of Christofle silver marks.

Identify the Silver Pieces by Way of Christofle sterling silver marks

Christofle is one of the prominent silver designers who has designed innovative silver flatware pieces, crystal vases, silver picture frames, hollowware and porcelain dinnerware. The silver items of Christofle have been highly appreciated worldwide. How will the buyers know that they are using silver items of Christofle? In order to mark authenticity in the silver pieces, Christofle silver marks have been used. You will come to know you are using original silver pieces of Christofle when you will see the Christofle sterling silver marks in the silver pieces. In the following lines, you will get an idea on how to read silver hallmarks.

How to Read Silver Hallmarks?

Using silverware of Christofle is a matter of pride. While purchasing Christofle silverware, you should make sure that you are purchasing original products of Christofle. By reading the silver hallmarks, you will be able to make the difference between authentic and fake silverware. If you are thinking how to read silver hallmarks, then you should glance through the lines mentioned below.

Charles Christofle has used various types of markings on his silverware pieces since the early 1800s. People have come across many types of Christofle silver marks which kept changing with the passage of time. If you had used the silverware of the past years, then you might have noticed ‘GC’or ‘CC’ mark along with a scale in the middle portion. As years passed by, the word ‘Gallia’ was inscribed on the silver pieces. The Christofle sterling silver marks contain a number such as ‘925’ which is embossed on the piece of every silverware. The number implies that 92.5% silver has been used in the Christofle silver items. If you see ‘800’ on a silver piece, then you should know that the silverware is a plated piece instead of sterling silver.

Next time when you purchase Christofle silver items, you will keep the hallmark signs in mind as you know now how to read silver hallmarks. Use the best designed and original silver pieces which have Christofle silver marks from us.

Antique Collectors need to get their collections appraised Before Selling.

Posted on January 30, 2024January 30, 2024 by AntiqueSilver

Antiques are highly valued possessions for many people, whether they collect them for sentimental reasons or as a source of income. If someone wants to sell an antique item, it’s important to determine its fair market value. To do that, it’s crucial to have a precise understanding of the item’s worth and set a price that covers all reasonable costs. An antique collector needs to understand what they have before selling it.

Know About The Different Types of Appraisals.

Knowing its value earlier is essential if you plan to sell antique silverware. It is where appraisals come in handy. More appraisals are available; selecting the right one can make a massive difference in the outcome. Experienced antique silver collectors who have been in the industry for a long time generally know what their collections are worth. However, if you’re a beginner collector, you must be careful when examining for an appraiser or buyer.

Selecting an experienced dealer or appraiser to sell antique silverware is intelligent. They can provide relevant & best information about antique vintage items, making moving forward easier. Moreover, they can help you get the best possible price for your antique silverware.

When thinking of selling your antique silverware, getting an appraisal is essential. An assessment can help you identify the value of your silverware and help you decide how to proceed. An evaluation can also provide you with documentation that can be used for insurance purposes or to prove the value of your silverware in case of disputes.

Why Should You Always Get an Appraisal Before You Sell ?

It is highly recommended to always get a current appraisal before selling any piece of silver. Even if you have had an appraisal done in the past 6 months, the value of your item may have changed based on the current market value.

Antique buyers are usually prepared to conduct appraisals, and you can rely on them to inform you if the value of a silver flatware set has increased. It is important to note that trustworthy buyers do not try to negotiate the appraisal process and provide a smooth appraisal experience to the sellers.

For a hassle-free and prompt appraisal session, you can choose us. We are reputable Silver buyers who conduct appraisals before proceeding with the sale. Suppose you want to sell your silver piece. In that case, getting a current appraisal beforehand can ensure you receive the best possible value for your item.

It’s good to Appraise Your Collection.

It’s important to note that the value of your silver collection can fluctuate over time. The market for antique silverware is constantly changing, and certain pieces or patterns may become more or less desirable to collectors. That’s why it’s crucial to have your collection appraised regularly to stay up-to-date on its value and make informed decisions about buying or selling it.

In addition to demand and rarity, other factors that can affect the value of your silverware include its historical significance, craftsmanship, and provenance. For example, a silver tea set owned by a famous historical figure or created by a renowned silversmith may be more valuable than a similar but anonymous set.

What Affects the Value of Silver?

Regarding condition, collectors generally prefer pieces that are in excellent or near-perfect condition, with minimal damage or wear. However, even slightly damaged or tarnished items may still hold value, especially if they are rare or historically significant.

Age
Condition
Popularity
Rarity

Ultimately, the value of your silver collection is determined by a complex interplay of factors. It’s always a good idea to seek the advice of a professional appraiser or antique dealer if you have any questions or concerns. With the proper knowledge and guidance, you can ensure your collection remains valuable for years.

How to Become a Top Antique Dealer: Few Important Tips

Posted on January 24, 2024February 15, 2024 by AntiqueSilver

Did you know that the antique market in the United States is valued at a whopping $17.6 billion? And it’s only expected to grow. If you’re passionate about the antique world, like me, you might be wondering how you can turn your love into profit. But becoming an antique dealer is not easy – it requires certain skills and traits that you need to master if you want to succeed.

As an antique dealer, you’ll be buying and selling different antique items like furniture, books, coins, sculptures, jewelry, military memorabilia, and paintings. You’ll need to have a deep understanding of these items and be able to determine their authenticity, rarity, and value. You’ll also need to know where to find the best deals and how to negotiate to get the best price.

However, before you venture into this endeavor, remember that being an antique dealer comes with significant responsibilities. To succeed in this fascinating industry, certain traits and skills are crucial. Let’s delve into these aspects to provide insights into a profession that can turn your efforts into profit.

What are antique dealers and what do they do?

Antique dealers are professionals who buy and sell various antique items, including furniture, books, coins, sculptures, jewelry, military memorabilia, and paintings. They are passionate collectors of rare objects and carefully examine the authenticity of antique silver tea sets and other similar findings.

Their responsibilities include determining buying prices, performing necessary repairs, displaying items, setting selling prices, and finalizing deals. Additionally, they may share their knowledge to assist those investing in antiques.

Learn About Buyers and Where They Collect Antique Pieces From

Buyers and sellers of antique goods often search for and purchase items at auction houses, estate auctions, and antique fairs. They may acquire items from other buyers, inheritances, and flea markets. In the US, some of the top places to find antiques include:

Brimfield Antique Show in Massachusetts: This is the largest outdoor antique show in the country, featuring over 5,000 dealers and attracting 130,000 visitors.
Round Top Antiques Fair in Texas: This bi-annual event is held over 25 miles with thousands of vendors nationwide.
Scott Antique Markets in Atlanta, Georgia: This is the world’s largest indoor antique show, boasting over 3,300 booths and 500,000 square feet of space.

What Professionalism Is Expected from Vintage Item Buyers?

Antique/Vintage item buyers are expected to exhibit professionalism when dealing with antique items. They should have extensive knowledge about the condition, history, rarity, and popularity of the items they sell. This is particularly important when accurately identifying defects and fakes and appraising items like Tiffany silver flatware.

Practical communication skills are also a must-have for buyers as they interact with sellers, customers, and other dealers. They should be able to build rapport and trust with clients, handle objections, and conduct post-sale follow-ups to maintain positive relationships.

Find a Platform for Selling and Buying

When entering the dealing industry, choosing a platform for selling sterling silver flatware or building a collection is crucial. Online platforms with both offline and online presence offer several opportunities for selling and buying. Creating a personal website can also attract a targeted audience directly, resulting in converting clicks into customers.

Having your website has several benefits, including showcasing inventory attractively, reaching a global audience, enhancing credibility and reputation, and saving time and money by avoiding fees and commissions.

What Specialty Should Antique Dealers Have to Excel in the Industry?

To excel in the antique dealing industry, professionals should possess the following skills:

The ability to purchase items through auctions, trade shows, individual sellers, and online marketplaces.
The capability to sell antiques to the general public through stores or stalls located at antique centers.
Proficiency in negotiation skills for both purchases and sales.
The ability to study and identify the value of antiques.
Confidence in buying and selling antiques online.
Confidence in performing modest repair work on antiques.

Becoming an antique dealer is a unique journey shaped by individual niche interests. Explore online courses, webinars, magazines, newsletters, and books to further your knowledge.

Resources for Learning More about Antiques:

Many resources are available if you are interested in antiques and want to learn more about them. You can take online courses and webinars from organizations like the International Society of Appraisers, the American Society of Appraisers, and the Appraisers Association of America. There are also several magazines and newsletters that you can read, such as Antique Trader, Antiques and Fine Art, and Kovels on Antiques and Collectibles. Additionally, many books and guides are available, such as Miller’s Antiques Handbook & Price Guide, Warman’s Antiques & Collectibles, and Kovels’ Antiques and Collectibles Price Guide. These resources can help you learn more about antiques’ history, value, and appreciation.

These resources let you stay updated on the latest news and trends in the antique industry, enhancing your expertise and success as an antique dealer.

How To Make Great Deals On Antique Silverware Pieces

Posted on December 18, 2023January 15, 2024 by AntiqueSilver

Antique wares are great value in terms of nostalgia, history and also aesthetics. That is why antique wares are sold for highest price many times over their actual price. It is deemed as a status quotient nowadays to be in possession of ancient items. People scour through the net and physical stores in search of gems like silver tea set and other flatware pieces.

Sterling silver, apart from being highly pure is also mostly used in making of antique pieces. The reason for that is simple, the concept of plating of silver flatware set came much later. Also, the patination (decoration on surface of flatware) made the appearance of pieces more beautiful and attractive which made their dealing price higher.

Apart from these, it is to be noted that the antique wares need thorough appraisal first to ascertain the right price.

How to Examine the silver tea set value

When someone decided for selling their Tiffany silver flatware like bowls, trays or any other antique, they are faced with one question, “For how much price can i sell these sterling silver bowls?” The best judge for that are the professional ancient pieces dealers and appraisers. They possess the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively ascertain the fair price for the silver items.

Some professional dealing service providers offer the best price to their consumers as they have the in-depth knowledge of evaluating silver collectibles. One can seek help from these professional appraisers to know exactly how much they can get for their antique silver tea sets

Where to sell sterling silver Flatware?

Once people are sure about the price they should charge, the next question is where to sell silver bowls? One can do that manually through his or her own contacts or one can seek help from the professional dealers. The judicious way is to go for the dealers. They can connect one with the prospective buyers and also make room for better exposure for their wares. In lieu of a fair fee, one can ensure the best deal to sell antique silver bowls.

Get In Touch With the Most Trusted Buyers in Florida

There might be many reasons for people to sell off their silver wares. The reason can be quick cash or making more space or even upliftment of wares. Antique Silver Buyers never ask personal questions behind the reason of the sale. Whatever the reason is, we tend to provide the best possible service to our customers.

It is also therefore, advisable to do a through take on the silver flatware value before selling off. Also, silver being a metal with steady growth in value tends to be a very good investment for the future. Thus, buyers also need to be aware of the actual value of the flatware before. In the end, selling silverware online would also be the best way to sell your item without making any extra effort.

Finding the Right Buyer: Looking Locally for Sterling Silver Buyers Near You

Posted on December 12, 2023September 1, 2025 by AntiqueSilver

When selling sterling silver to a buyer takes effort and time to get most of it. Everything starts with finding a trusted dealer who can offer you an accurate, honest, and reliable deal. It can be sometimes daunting, especially when you’re a newbie. And for professionals, it’s just like winning the game again & again.

Beginners out there, there’s no need to worry and feel stuck in your thoughts of identifying the right ones. To make your search end right at one place, we’ve created this blog post. It contains helpful information about how to find reputed sterling silver buyers near you…

Let’s complete the reading part as soon as possible, and bring such practices into action in the waking world…

#1. Customer experience matters the most!

When you’re searching digitally or offline about any services, you always check for customer feedback & reviews. It gives a big sign whether the company can be trusted or not. You got to know about its red and green flag. Right? Similarly, when you’re searching for a reliable local silver buyer, you need to do the same. Get clear clarification before you decide to deal with him/her.

#2. Communication reveals deepest facts

When dealing with a silverware buyer, keeping your perks straight is the only way to achieve your aim. When you sell your valuable object online, you don’t need to stop by their shop, you can just make a phone call & directly keep your word. Additionally, you need to talk about everything that increases the chances of the buyer to prove his/her reputation.

#3. Must-have Experience & Certification

The third most important trait of sterling silver flatware shops is their experience in their expertise and whether they are certified or not. Examine their professionalism with years of experience. Check whether the shop is certified A+ from BBB (Better Business Bureau). Such qualities when fulfilled, you are going to deal with the right buyer.

#4. Best price guaranteed!

You already know that your sterling silverware is actually a valuable object. And, of course you need top price for it. Remember that, look for such buyers who offer great prices for your great valuables. You can ask the dealer what prices they can offer & also take 2-3 silver appraisal to get confirmation about sterling silver flatware accurate value.

Final Verdict!

Make decisions wisely! Afterall, it’s about your precious silverware and money. However, above-mentioned facts need to be fulfilled by buyers out there in order to attract customers. Do your research and never miss a chance to get above your expectations.

Additionally, If searching for “who buys sterling silver near me,” let us introduce ourselves, we are the right silver buyers for you! We are Florida’s largest and most trusted dealers who buy silverware and offer great-great prices. Get in touch with us now!

How to Clean Sterling Silver Naturally?

Posted on December 7, 2023December 12, 2023 by AntiqueSilver

Learn how to naturally clean sterling silver. In the blog post shared, a comprehensive guide provides effective and eco-friendly methods to restore the brilliance of your silver items. Discover homemade solutions and techniques to remove tarnish and dirt from sterling silver without the use of harsh chemicals. From baking soda and lemon juice to vinegar and aluminum foil, we cover a range of natural cleaning methods. Our expert tips and step-by-step instructions ensure safe and efficient cleaning, preserving the beauty of your sterling silver. Visit our website now to explore our guide and keep your silver shining bright the natural way.

Do you have a tarnished sterling silver piece that you are hoping to clean, but don’t want to use any harsh chemicals? If so, you are in luck, as there are several safe and natural ways to clean sterling silver, many of which involve items that you already have in your home.

Cleaning Sterling Silver with Corn Starch

A quick search of your pantry might find you a great solution to clean your sterling silver. A mixture of cornstarch and water in the form of a paste can make your silver look like new again. Apply the paste with a damp cloth, then let it dry and rub it off with a mildly abrasive towel. If you don’t happen to have any cornstarch at home, cream of tartar could be a suitable substitute.

Vinegar

If your sterling silver jewelry or silverware has lost its shine and luster, try soaking it in a solution of ½ cup of white vinegar and 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Allow it to sit for two or three hours, and then remove it and rinse with cold water. Make sure you dry off your piece thoroughly in order to prevent tarnishing.

Lemon Juice

If you want your silver to sparkle, a mixture of one tablespoon lemon juice with1 ½ cups of water and ½ cup of instant dry milk can be a good option. The end result will be silver pieces that shine, all without the use of chemicals or store bought solutions. Not only is it a good option for silver jewelry, but the lemon solution can also be beneficial for rusty knives and other silver pieces.

Tomato-Based Paste

Tomato-based pastes like ketchup are a good way to help restore your silver pieces back to their former glory. Use a small bowl and fill it up with ketchup, and then dunk in your silver piece of jewelry. To scrub the piece, use a toothbrush, as this can help to clean the areas that are hard to reach. You should only leave the ketchup on for a couple of minutes, and then use water to rinse it. A microfiber cloth is a good option for the final polish.

Baking Soda

Sterling silver will react with moisture in order to create a layer of tarnish. Baking soda that is activated by hot water can dislodge this tarnish when aluminum is present, leaving your jewelry shiny and clean once again. To try out this option, boil enough water that your sterling silver piece can be completely submerged, and then add in a tablespoon of baking soda along with a sheet of aluminum foil. Use a plastic or wood utensil to move the item around so that all surfaces will contact the aluminum. Finally, rinse and wipe down the piece of jewelry, and you should be left with a beautiful piece.

If you have sterling silver jewelry or antiques, you don’t have to go out and buy an expensive sterling silver cleaner. By using some common and natural household items, you can get the look that you want without spending a fortune.

Important Tips For Cleaning Your Silver and Antiques

Posted on December 5, 2023December 12, 2023 by AntiqueSilver

Do you have a silver antique that has seen better days and needs to be cleaned? Are you looking for a way to polish your antique silverware to give it a shine that you’ll be proud to show off? There are many safe ways that you can clean your silver and antiques, all at an affordable price. If you are interested in the best way to clean silver plate, follow some of these helpful tips.

Silver Plate Cleaning Methods

There are a ton of ways that you can go about cleaning silver plate naturally, which is one of the best ways to clean your antiques without worrying about damage to your pieces:

Vinegar. If your silverware or silver jewelry has lost its shine, you can soak it in a solution of 2 tbsp. baking soda in ½ cup of white vinegar.
Lemon. For silver that sparkles and shines, mix one tablespoon of lemon juice with ½ cup instant dry milk and 1 ½ cups of water.
Corn starch. A mix of water of cornstarch and water can create a paste that will make your silver antiques look like new again. Allow the paste to dry on the silver, and then rub it off with a mildly-abrasive cloth.
Tomato paste. Dunk small silver pieces into tomato paste and scrub with a toothbrush. You’ll get a thorough cleaning and the silver will sparkle upon completion.

Many of these items are probably already in your pantry, providing you a simple and affordable way to clean your most prized silver possessions.

How to Polish Your Silver

After cleaning your silverware, you may want to give it some extra sheen with a good polish. There are a variety of safe silver polishes available for purchase, including Wright’s Silver Polish, Twinkle Silver Polish, and Goddard’s Long Shine Silver Polish. While these products are safe, others, including all-purpose metal cleaners, are too abrasive and may scratch your silver antiques.

After washing and cleaning your silver thoroughly, follow these tips to polish appropriate:

Apply the polish using the instructions on the container. You should always use a soft and clean cloth and apply the polish with a circular, gentle motion.
Use hot water to rinse off the polish and dry the piece thoroughly.
Using a soft cloth, buff the silver to create a soft luster. Remember that aggressive polishing could rub off the hallmark or damage the silver-plating, significantly altering the value.

Cleaning your silver and antiques doesn’t have to be an expensive process, but you should be sure to take proper precautions. A clean and well-polished antique will look more valuable and is more likely to sell at an auction or estate sale. If you are interested in selling, bring your antiques in to Antique Silver Buyers, where we will provide a market analysis of your collection – the total that they are likely to sell for at auction.

The Great Artistry And Value Of Silver Bowls

Posted on October 20, 2023November 21, 2023 by AntiqueSilver

Antique sterling silver bowls are some of the most valuable pieces of silver collectables – and for some very good reasons:

Unlike silver flatware or tea pots, for example, where other materials are often used to increase strength or and durability ( See this information on weighing your silver.) Sterling Silver Bowls have no technical need for such alterations and can contain quite a high silver weight value. This can make selling silver bowls online or in person a very profitable venture.

As far as we know, antique silver bowls are one of the oldest forms of silver manufacturing going back more than 6000 years. That isn’t to say that you’re holding onto a relic from ancient Ur – you’re probably not – but it is a tradition that has had a long time to develop in style and history which is another pillar for the valuation of precious silver items.In addition to this, since they are predominantly decorative and fairly sturdy, the condition of silver bowls can stand the test of time longer than items like tea pots which tend to be thinner and come into regular contact with boiling water, tea leaves, or hard minerals

But truly one of my favourite things about silver bowl collecting is the sheer creativity and artistry that the form has taken on.

If you wondering where you can sell your silver bowl , I would be remiss if I didn’t recommend that you contact me directly, however you have many options at your disposal. Online auction houses are the one of the easiest and most popular ways of selling Antique Silver, however you may not always fetch the price you’re looking for. Pawn shops fetch a similar scenario in the sense that when you’re not dealing with an expert you may come across someone who will pay you simply for the silver weight value of your items.

Your best bet, whether you intend to sell at an online auction or directly to a buyer, would be to contact an antique dealer directly. They will be able to give you a strong understanding of the value of your item and, if interested, make you an offer.

We all like to get the best price on their silver items, you can visit to my contact page and send me information with photos and I will offer you the best price for any antique silver.