Antique Silver – the Bright Stars of Your Collection
Tuesday, July 28th, 2009
Antique silver is in great demand amongst people who have an interest towards collecting unique items. Antique silver can include silver ring, earrings, watch, coin, silver flatware, tableware and many more things.
Historically, sterling flatware and silverware was regarded as a symbol of status and prosperity in all over Europe, England and America. With the introduction of electroplating technology, the collection and use of different silverware became common and accessible to the community. In modern times, antique silver forms to be a much more common find for all antique lovers and collectors.
For the new collector, starting in Antique Silver can be a daunting prospect. Because of the sheer amount of silver items available, it is very important to be able to judge the true collectibles from amongst the lot. While this requires experience in the field in most cases, looking out for stamps and signs on the silverware can guide you in the right direction as well.
Fortunately, when it comes to Antique Silver, signs are commonly prevalent. Basically, when you look out for old silverware, you are not looking at modern electroplated silver but sterling silver objects. Since such objects generally come with the maker’s name embossed, they are much easier to locate if you are looking for such antiques.
Are you wondering about how to distinguish antique silver from the usual ones? Well you can opt for an acid test by your jeweler that will cost you a small amount. In addition, there are certain tips to test silver. First of all do not use a touchstone, test the silver piece yourself. Scuff or lightly scratch a minute spot underneath and then you should apply Nitric Acid on that spot. If the color changes to cloudy grey then it is a sterling silver and if it turns to black then it is Coin silver. If it turns to green it indicates that the item is plated.
Antique silver boasts of certain characteristic traits. Their antiquity is what matters and raises its value in the market. If you are a collector, you would be proud to own such a beautiful piece as well as reap the dividends of such an asset. It can be of much use to you, especially at the time of inflation or devaluation.
Antique Silver jewelry is also abundant and has been a regular favorite of collectors over time. Such jewelry may include many items such as a ring, a pair of earrings or something as exclusive as a silver watch. Silver bracelets have also been very popular as jewelry items. In fact, in the olden days, the concept of a “Lucky Charm Bracelet” made of silver was also very popular, especially in the upper strata of society. Such bracelets were usually encrusted with gems and form a wonderful collector’s item today.
Antique Silver coins hold a special place among silver collectibles. Almost all nations at some point or the other have issued silver coins. Be it coins from the Roman Era, Chinese old coins or even commemorative and old American coins, silver coins are found everywhere, including some truly rare pieces. For a collector, the ideal way to get his hands on Antique Silver coins is through auctions that take place from time to time.
Just acquiring an antique silver piece for your collection is not sufficient. You need to take adequate care of them. Preserve them in a different place as they are vulnerable to corrosion, scratches and dents. It is necessary that you clean antique silver with a soft cloth to ensure prolonged use.
