What is considered as antique silver?

You probably know that “antique” means old. However, not all old silver is considered to be “antique.” There is a specific age threshold that must be met in terms of the year of manufacture.

Difference between antique and vintage silver

Antique and vintage silver are both terms that refer to items made of silver that are no longer brand new. However, there are some differences between the two terms.

Antique silver generally refers to items that are at least 100 years old. In order to be considered antique, an item must be at least 100 years old and show some signs of wear and age.

Vintage silver, on the other hand, refers to items that are at least 20 years old but not yet 100 years old. Vintage silver may show some signs of wear, but it is generally not as old or valuable as antique silver.

Is there a market for antique silver?

Yes, there is a booming market for antique silver. Collectors and investors alike are interested in purchasing antique silver items such as silverware, jewelry, coins, and decorative objects.

Antique silver is often highly valued for its age, craftsmanship, and historical significance. There’s never been a better time to start a silver collection!

How to know if old silver is valuable?

You might find yourself in possession of some old silver - perhaps a family inheritance or heirloom, or maybe you came across something in a pawn shop or garage sale - and you wonder how to determine its value.

Most people will rightfully tell you that there are many factors that go into the valuation of antique silver and you should bring it to a professional to get it appraised. This guide is a brief glimpse at a few of the key elements that you’ll need to know in order to determine if any one piece of old silver is truly valuable.

Fake pieces vs real pieces

Fake silver, also known as silver-plated or silver-tone, is not made of pure silver and is generally not as valuable as genuine silver. Silver-plated items are made by coating a base metal, such as copper or brass, with a thin layer of silver. While they may look similar to genuine silver items, they are not as durable and are not worth as much.as they don’t have the same qualities as genuine silver. 

However, some fake silver items may have some value due to their age, design, or historical significance. For example, a vintage silver-plated trinket box from the early 20th century may be of interest to some collectors, even though it is not made of genuine silver.

Overall, fake silver is not as valuable as genuine silver, and is generally not considered a good investment. If you are interested in purchasing silver items, it is important to be aware of the difference between genuine silver and fake silver, and to do your research before making a purchase.

Photo by Deleece Cook

Value Difference Between Silver and Silverplate

The value difference between genuine silver and silver-plated items can be significant. Genuine silver items are often worth much more than silver-plated items, even if they are of similar size or design. 

For example, a genuine silver necklace may be worth hundreds or thousands of dollars, while a similar silver-plated necklace may be worth only a few dollars.

Difference between antique silver and sterling silver

We’re going to throw another term at you! You’ve probably heard of “sterling silver” before. It’s not the same thing as antique silver, but both are valuable. Here are the key differences.

Age: Antique silver refers to items that are at least 100 years old, while sterling silver does not have any specific age requirements.

Purity: Sterling silver is a specific type of silver that must be at least 92.5% pure silver. Antique silver can be made of any type or purity of silver.

Value: Antique silver is often valued for its age, craftsmanship, and historical significance, and can be quite valuable. Sterling silver is also valued, but its value is largely determined by its purity and the craftsmanship of the item.

The gist here is that the value from antique silver is derived from it being antique, whereas the value of sterling silver is derived more from the silversmithing (craft, purity, etc.).

Find the manufacturer of your silver

Identifying the manufacturer helps determine the value of your silver.

Many antique silver items will have a hallmark or maker's mark stamped on them, which can identify the manufacturer or silversmith who made the item. These silver hallmarks can often be found on the bottom or back of the item.

If there is no identifying mark, determining the manufacturer gets a whole lot harder, though not impossible. The style or design of an antique silver item can often give clues about its manufacturer or the time period in which it was made. You can try looking for similar items online or in reference books to see if you can identify a manufacturer or time period.

If that doesn’t work, try consulting an expert, such as an antique dealer, appraiser, or museum curator.

Find the pattern of your silver

Believe it or not, but the pattern on your antique silver may have some impact on its market value. The decorative element, which may signify a certain era or manufacturer, may appeal to some collectors. 

Most investors, however, are far more interested in the other factors such as age, rarity, condition, and maker.

Consider the conditions of your piece

The material condition of your antique silver is one of the greatest contributors to its market value. Check for the following blemishes and imperfections:

  • Look for signs of damage, such as dents, scratches, or repairs. 
  • Silver naturally tarnishes over time, but heavy tarnish can be a sign of neglect or improper storage. Tarnish can generally be removed with proper cleaning, but it is worth noting in the overall assessment of the item's condition.
  • Make sure that all parts of the item are present. Missing pieces can affect the value and functionality of the item.
  • Antique silver items will generally show some signs of wear and tear, but excessive wear can affect the value of the item
  • If the item has been repaired, make note of this. Repairs can affect the value of an antique silver item, especially if they are poorly done or not in keeping with the item's original design.

Conclusion

As always, the value of antique silver can vary significantly depending on the specific piece and the market conditions at the time of sale. To get a more accurate estimate of the value of your antique silver, it is recommended to consult with an appraiser or specialist in antique silver. They will be able to examine the piece in person and consider all of the relevant factors in determining its value. However, with this knowledge, hopefully you have an idea of the differences between various types of silver and the factors that go into how valuable your piece of antique silver might be.