What Exactly is Sterling Silver? How to Identify Sterling Silver Quality?

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

Sterling silver is a popular metal alloy used in the making of jewelry. It combines silver with other metals, such as copper, making it more wear and tear-resistant. The metal composition must have at least 92.5% silver to be classified as sterling silver. There are various methods for identifying authentic sterling silver, including the white cloth test, nitric acid test, magnet test, smell test, and hidden marking test. Sterling silver is hypoallergenic, durable, customizable, timeless, and affordable, making it an excellent choice for creating jewelry and other items. Regular cleaning and proper care are necessary to maintain its beauty and value. So, Sterling Silver is an economical and sturdy metal alloy perfect for making jewelry.

The Composition of Sterling Silver

Like gold, silver is delicate and soft in its purest form. Unfortunately, it doesn’t make it a durable material. To make it more useful, pure silver is usually mixed with metal alloys like copper to improve strength and durability. When pure silver is combined with less than 7.5% alloy, it is referred to as sterling silver. Sterling silver will contain at least 92.5% silver.

Identifying Sterling Silver

If you have a piece of silver jewelry or silverware and want to know if it’s made of sterling silver, you can take a few steps to test it.

The white cloth test. Use a soft white cloth to rub down your item gently. If there are black marks on the fabric when you pull it away, this is a good sign that the material is sterling silver.
The nitric acid test. Adding drops of nitric acid to real sterling silver won’t have any effect, but the same can’t be said about non-silver metals. When added to other options, nitric acid will lose color.
The magnet test. It is a fairly straightforward test, as magnets don’t affect silver. Holding a magnet up to the silver piece and finding that the item is attracted to the magnet should be a clear sign that you don’t have a sterling silver object.
The smell test. Take a whiff of the silver item. Does it smell something metallic? That means you’ve got something other than sterling silver, as too much copper is present. Sterling silver should not have a smell.
The hidden marking test. Genuine sterling silver – especially jewelry – will have an unnoticeable marking on it stating “Sterling Silver,” “925,” or “Ster.” If you don’t see any of these markings, you should be careful about whether or not you have the real thing.

Sterling silver doesn’t come cheap and requires a considerable investment, regardless of whether you are buying a silver antique or pendant. Fortunately, it is a worthwhile investment, as the piece’s value will increase with time.

Cleaning Your Sterling Silver

There are many metals out there that are tarnish-resistant, but unfortunately, sterling silver isn’t one of them. If you have a silver piece you don’t wear or use often, a tarnish can build up on the surface. Regular polishing using a silver cleaning is a simple and effective solution, and it is important to clean off the tarnish before it can build. Otherwise, you may end up damaging sterling silver pieces long-term.

You can save time, money, and hassle by purchasing sterling silver jewelry or antiques from a reputable dealer. This way, you can ensure that you are making a sound investment.

The Benefits of Sterling Silver

Sterling silver is a versatile and attractive metal with many benefits, making it an ideal choice for jewelry and other items. Some of the advantages of sterling silver include:

It is hypoallergenic. Unlike other metals that can cause allergic reactions, sterling silver is safe for most people. It does not contain nickel, a common allergen for many people.
It is durable. Sterling silver can last for a long time if properly cared for. It is resistant to wear and tear and can be easily repaired if damaged.
It is easy to customize. Sterling silver can be molded into various shapes and designs, making it perfect for creating unique and personalized pieces. It can also be engraved, stamped, or embellished with gemstones.
It is timeless. Sterling silver has a classic and elegant appeal that never goes out of style. It can complement any outfit and occasion and be mixed and matched with other metals and accessories.
It is affordable. Compared to other precious metals such as gold and platinum, sterling silver is much more affordable and accessible. It offers a high-quality and luxurious look without breaking the bank.

Sterling silver is a beautiful metal that can improve appearance and express personality. Whether you are looking for a simple ring, a statement necklace, or a stunning bracelet, you can find a sterling silver piece that suits your taste and budget.

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, 2023January 15, 2024 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.

Repousse Sterling Silver

Posted on October 17, 2023November 21, 2023 by AntiqueSilver

Have you ever wondered how some antique silver pieces can contain such detailed and extravagant designs? It is through a metal working process known as Repousse /rəˌpo͞oˈsā/. It is a French word that means “pushed back” and it relates to the labor intensive way the metal must be carefully manipulated by a skilled silversmith. It is a combination of skilled technique that dates back for thousands of years, but some of the top master metalsmiths have left a Repousse legacy.

Baltimore Repousse

In fact, repousse is such a large and distinctive aspect of antique sterling silver in American history that it is commonly referred to as Baltimore Repousse. Baltimore, MD became known as a hotbed of aspiring and highly skilled silversmiths that manufacturing firms settled down there. As more and more of the repousse sterling silver patterns emerged from these talented firms, some of the most well-known makers today got their start in Baltimore during the mid-19th century emergence of this praised metal working technique.

Baltimore repousse was an expensive luxury reserved for the rapidly emerging wealthy class. It replaced most of the colonial style 925 silver on the tables of debutante balls and dinner parties, also French traditions. Most repousse sterling silver pieces were hand hammered, embossed and even gently pressed from the reverse side, but some, like flatware, were made using a press mold. However, the antique silver markings would be stamped onto each valuable piece. Identifying those markings today can help an antique silver dealer valuate your piece.

The Who’s Who in Repousse Silver

Some of the most valuable pieces today bear the markings of names like:
Tiffany & Co
Jenkins and Jenkins
Schofield Company
Stieff Silver Company
And Samuel Kirk, the silversmith who is credited the most with bringing repousse sterling silver to Baltimore.

Stieff and Kirk later merged while some of the silver manufacturing firms were handed down to sons and merged with other partners in the 20th century. The Baltimore firms are no longer operational today. Steiff and Kirk were eventually bought up by the famous Walter Scott Lenox of which we know as the American company today; Lenox.

Tiffany Repousse silver is some of the most valuable on the market today. A single spoon can bring hundreds of dollars. Stieff Repousse sterling silver is also highly sought after by collectors. If you have a piece of silver, or a set, hollowware or flatware, it is important to know what you have. Just because it may have an intricate design doesn’t mean it is worth top dollar. Even some of the famous names in silver made silver plated pieces.

Taking your pieces to a professional will allow you to have your crafted piece of history evaluated and assessed. Antique silver buyers will be able to tell you, based on the markings, who made your piece of repousse sterling silver, when it was made, if it is sterling silver or silver plated as well as the town it was assayed in. All of these factors play a vital role in determining the value to you and the value to collectors should you decide to have your piece formally appraised for estate purposes or to sell at auction.

Where can I Look For the Silver Markings to Determine the Value

Posted on October 14, 2023November 21, 2023 by AntiqueSilver

Nowadays, silver’s applications in the world are beyond measure. But silver is not an inexhaustible resource. In recent years, mines have been unable to meet the current demand. To keep pace with the constant fluctuations of the supply and demand of the silver market, ‘old’ silver gets melted down and are used again.

This ‘old’ silver is known as scrap metal but doesn’t necessarily equate to worthless. Markings on antique silver dictate its value. You may be asking where can I look mine up and what do they mean?

Determining your Silver Markings Value

Some antique silver marks make the pieces or sets invaluable to collectors. Some of the most highly sought after markings are rare in nature and can bring thousands to tens of thousands of dollars at an auction. Other markings may be more common, with less of a demand in the collector’s world.

However, the demand for scrap silver may be higher and bring a higher payout. Here are the three main applications of silver in today’s global economy that influences the demand and value of scrap silver pieces:

1. Industry

Silver is used in many ways due to its unique properties of being durable, lustrous and conductor as well as corrosion resistant. It is commonly used in batteries, automobiles, switch panels, elevator buttons, traffic controls on railways, radiography, coins, bars, jewelries and more to improve operations and make human’s living much easier and smoother.

2. Investments

Silver is added to many portfolios as a way to diversify investments and capitalize on its enduring value as a precious metal. It can be invested in many ways, including tangible bullion, medallions and coins you can keep with you or by enrolling in accumulation plans based on stock values or trust accounts. When appraised by an expert will prove to be a valuable asset as an investment.

3. Jewelry and Décor

Jewelries and décor items has been produced with silvery metal and will continue to produce in coming generations. Craftsmanship is elegantly displayed and easy to showcase. It is also used in fine photography, your home’s insulation and even solar panel cells to reduce the carbon footprint of our generation. Jewels and decoration items are also the making of money through markings on silver objects.

As you can see, determining your silver markings value depends on a multitude of factors, not just the value established by a collector. Although that can be the most important one to keep in mind.

Where Can I Find Silver Markings?

Markings are mostly found on the underside or back side of the pieces so as to preserve the aesthetic quality of the craftsmanship. They may be found at the base of sculptures and candelabras or the handles of spoons and the back of platters. Coins may or may not have markings. Some are stamped with marks to denote sterling, but fraudulent markings are common with coins.

What do Silver Markings Mean & How to Know the Meaning?

The truth is that there are over 12,000 different silver markings, they all tell unique historical details. Professional appraisers will be able to tell you what they mean and what value they hold. Having your piece inspected will help you to determine the worth of your silver piece according to the market and what it is worth to you personally.

4 Quick Ways to Identify “Real Silver” v/s “Fake Silver”

Posted on October 4, 2023November 21, 2023 by AntiqueSilver

When you purchase a piece of antique silver, you want to make certain it’s a true antique and that it’s really made out of at least 92.5% silver. Some pieces may look like true silver, but they’re not. They’re simply pieces designed to look great but also be quite affordable. How can you tell if something you’re buying is really silver?

Here are 4 quick ways to identify silver

1. Look for the Mark

Silver should be marked with an assay mark that identifies it as pure silver. “Sterling,” “92.5” or “925” are required for silver made in Europe and other parts of the world. In the U.S., these marks weren’t always required for silver identification, unfortunately.

2. Tap It

Silver makes a ringing sound if it’s tapped. This sound is easily identifiable to those who know what to listen for. You can carefully tap silver plates, bowls, and other items to get a bell-like sound that’s fairly high pitched. To inspect silver coins, tap them with another coin or flick them up in the air. Always be careful, of course, that you don’t damage the silver. Any scratch or dent will decrease the value of antique silver.

3. Does Ice Melt on the Silver?

Another trick antique silver buyers often use is the ice trick. Silver is a great conductor of heat, so if you put ice on it, the ice should instantly start melting. If you put ice cubes of the same size on a ceramic plate and on a silver plate, the cube on the silver should melt much faster. Just remember to dry the plate after you’ve done it.

4. Polish the Piece

When you polish a piece of silver with a soft cloth, you should see some black marks appear on the cloth. That indicates that you’ve rubbed off some of the tarnish. If you don’t see this, it’s a good sign that the piece isn’t silver.