Sterling Silver or Silver Plated: 3 Simple Tests!

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

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

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

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

Silver Markings or “Hallmarks”

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

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

The Magnet Test

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

The Acid Test

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sterling Silver Vs Silver

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

Antique Silver Vs Sterling Silver

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

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

Know What is Sterling Silver?

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

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

What is Coin Silver?

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

How Do You Tell the Difference?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to avoid:

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

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

How to clean and polish:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is Your Antique Silver Solid or Plated? A Guide

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

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

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

Look for a Stamp

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

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

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

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

Perform the Magnet Test

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

Use Some Ice

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

Get Your Piece Evaluated

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

5 Facts Everyone Should Know about Antique Silver Collections

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

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

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

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

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

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

Silver Collections Are Easier to Sell than Other Antiques

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

Use the 80/20 Value When Selling Your Collection

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

Auction Houses Love Collections

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

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

Silver Patterns that are a Gold Mine for Collectors and Sellers

Posted on December 22, 2021January 13, 2022 by AntiqueSilver

Have you inherited a set of the most valuable antique silverware and are wondering if it’s worth anything? Perhaps you’ve come across various sets of flatware at estate sales or thrift stores and wondered if you should purchase them to resell to a collector. Knowing some of the most valuable patterns and sets can be helpful if you’re thinking about selling your silver. Here are some of the patterns you might want to look for.

The Wallace Grand Baroque Pattern

One good example of a set of silver that is worth a nice amount of money is the Wallace Grand Baroque pattern. You may find a standard set of four pieces (fork, salad fork, teaspoon, and knife) of this pattern selling for several hundred dollars. Like most silver sets, there are additional pieces available such as soup spoons, butter knives, and cocktail forks. There are a number of different factors that will determine the overall price you can sell a set of this silver for.

Other Patterns to Look For

There are many other patterns you should look for if you want to make a nice profit by reselling silver. Here are a few of them:

Audubon by Tiffany – this pattern was produced during the 1950s. In addition to sterling silver, a gold-plated version of the Audubon pattern is also available.
Reed and Barton St. Frances – Reed and Barton began producing sterling silver sets in the 1800s. Their older sets are highly sought after, especially since the company went bankrupt in 2015.
Rose by Stieff – Stieff, now called Kirk-Stieff, produced a number of patterns. Their most famous is the Maryland or Stieff Rose pattern, a unique print that has been manufactured since 1892.
Cactus by George Jensen – this art Deco pattern was mainly produced during the 1920s and 30s.
Grand Victoria by Wallace – while not the pattern that made Wallace a true name in the silver industry, the Grand Victoria is still very popular among collectors.

What Makes a Set a Gold Mine?

How do you know if you’ve got a truly collectable set of silverware or if you have something that’s best used at your next family gathering? There are a number of things to take into account. A few pieces of Rose by Stieff may sell fairly well to someone who needs to complete their set, but overall, collectors generally want full sets. A set of Audubon by Tiffany that’s polished, unbent, and undamaged will, naturally, fetch a higher price than a set with rust and obvious heavy use.

Uncovering the Real Value of Your Parents’ Antique Kitchenware

Posted on November 5, 2021November 17, 2021 by AntiqueSilver

Hold up just a second before you go ditching that antique silver spoon collection your Mom handed down to you, or scrapping the antique kitchenware, you might want to do a quick search for “silver buyers near me”.

There’s a world of difference between silver buyers of antique silver and scrapping, pawning, or selling silver in a yard sale. Doing some research on the subject of Antique Silverware Buying & Appraisal is worth its weight in gold.

Antique Silver and Silver Tea Set Buyers

A fortune could be hidden in your parent’s (and even grandparent’s) kitchenware. Antique silver potentially has much more value than if you sell it by weight alone. Antique silverware buying and selling is big bucks when there’s a history behind the piece or pieces. Even the decorative artwork on your antique silver can boost the value. It’s best to consult a silver tea set buyer or antique silver buyer when you are in the market to sell.

Finding a Trustworthy Buyer of Antique Silver

Unfortunately, especially with the boom of online silver tea set buyers and antique silver buyers cannot all be trusted. Even selling to a local buyer can be risky. You’ll want to check out any potential buyer you plan to do business with.

Find out if the business is local, or if it’s online, be sure there’s a longstanding internet presence that’s not flighty. Look for verifiable references that aren’t just on the company’s own website or social site. Check for credentials and length of time in business too.

Why Trust Antique Silver Buyers?

Antique Silver Buyers is a name you can trust as a silver tea set buyer, antique silverware buyer, and buyer and appraiser of antique silver of most any kind. We’ve been in business for 25 years and have a myriad of happy customers that sing our praises. Many are repeat customers we’ve had for years.

Based in Florida, Antique Silver Buyers is dedicated to doing business face to face. We believe that the appraisal, selling, and buying of antique silver should be a personal encounter that can only be conducted properly when it’s done eye to eye. We want to meet you and make your experience an ultimate one.

When it comes to selling your antique silver, turn to a trusted buyer you can trust. Turn to Antique Silver Buyers.

Tips on How to Care for your Antique and Vintage Silver Flatware Sets

Posted on October 12, 2021November 17, 2021 by AntiqueSilver

Caring for your antique sterling silver flatware isn’t that difficult, but it is something you have to make sure you do. Otherwise, your silver may tarnish or be damaged in other ways. Here are a few tips that will help you keep your silver looking amazing.

Use Your Silver

The first tip for caring for a set of silver flatware is one that surprises some people: use it. If you regularly use your silver, you’ll notice when it needs cleaning. If, on the other hand, you leave it in a drawer and only take it out for a special occasion every now and then, it has a lot of time to tarnish. Silver flatware collectors understand that silver was meant to be used, and they keep some of their sets in the kitchen for regular use.

Do the Dishes Promptly

It’s important that you clean your silver flatware after using it. If you let it sit, especially if it sits in water or has food on it, it can begin to tarnish quickly. Rinse it off using hot water after using it and dry it off before you put it away. To make sure you don’t decrease your antique flatware worth, only use a mild dish detergent and don’t leave it to soak in water.

Be Careful what You Wrap it in

If you’re only using your flatware every now and then instead of daily, make sure you store it in a flannel bag or a box that is lined with flannel. This will help prevent your antique silver flatware patterns from being scratched or damaged. You also want to make sure you never wrap silver in anything that contains a lot of sulfur. It can turn the silver black if you do. You also want to avoid wrapping silver in newspaper or plastic or using rubber bands to hold pieces together.

The Best Way to Clean Silver Jewelry: Tips & Tricks To Eliminate Smudge from Silver

Posted on August 4, 2021August 24, 2021 by AntiqueSilver

Know How to Clean Silver and Save It

Are you tired of seeing smudges all over your antique silver flatware? If so, you probably spend a lot of time with a polishing cloth trying to get those smudges out. But what if there was a better way? There are a number of different old tips and tricks that you can use to get those smudges out of your favourite silver pieces.

Here are a few tips to clean silverware.

Vinegar

Olive Oil

Most people know that they can clean their antique silver using vinegar. It’s one of the time-testing methods that works incredibly well. It will also remove any tarnishing from your silver, leaving it looking brand new and smudge-free.

This technique is great for cleaning items such as antique sterling silver bowls that are going to be passed around a lot. The olive oil will clean all the smudges off, but it does more than that. First, put a bit of olive oil on a soft cleaning cloth. Now rub the cloth against your silver, going with the grain. Then wipe it off using a clean cloth. You’ll remove a good amount of the olive oil, but very trace amounts will remain. These amounts will actually create a protective barrier that prevents future smudges. You’ll need to reapply every now and then, of course.

Use Proper Storage Techniques

If you don’t want to spend time cleaning your silver when you take it out of the cabinet, make sure you’re storing it correctly. All of the silver should be completely dry before you place it in the cabinet. Make sure each item is wrapped in special anti-tarnish paper or in flannel. Then put each piece into an air-tight bag. You can also add some of those small packets of silica gel to the drawer or cabinet. They will help reduce the humidity in the area.

For items such as antique silver trays, you may want to get anti-tarnish cloth to place in between them when stacking. This is especially necessary if you’re not wrapping the entire piece in anti-tarnish paper. Silver scratches easily, so you want to make sure your items are protected.

Other Cleaning Methods

There are a lot of other common household goods you can use to clean the smudges off of your antique silver tea set and other silver items. Many of these techniques will also help you remove tarnish, so you can take care of two tasks at once.

Use warm water and a mild dish soap.
Use soda water and a damp cloth.
Polish the silver with baby oil. Like olive oil, it will help create a protective barrier that prevents future smudging.
Use lemon juice.
Polish your silver with sheepskin.
Use a furniture polish wipe to remove smudges and other spots.
Clean your items with glass cleaner.

Many of these tips will work on all of your silver, but if you’re at all concerned, try the solution on a small, unnoticeable part of one piece of silver first.