Antique silver forms many sought after items especially for those who have a fascination for rare artifacts. Antiques are available in a variety of forms and shapes including furniture, books, toys, glass and many other brilliant collectibles but probably the most popular amongst all is antique silver. It includes silver coins, jewelry like rings ,earrings and watches, silver-ware and much more.
The most common source of Antique Silver has to be the royal and noble families of yesteryears. Silverware was a staple in these families and today, exquisite silver articles such as plates, bowls, cutlery etc can be found for sale. Most of these showcase wonderful craftsmanship and are generally stamped with the family crest. Even though with the advent of electroplating technology silverware has become accessible to the common man today, such examples of old silver are still valued for their exclusivity.
Antique silver items are relatively commonplace in the antique market. However, it is important to possess some idea of the style and patterns of the available ones. There are hundreds of distinct style and patterns present in the market. To make a selection amongst them is really difficult. Moreover, authentication of a genuine silver piece is very important. You should make sure to look for the 'hallmark' that can provide you the information regarding the designer and the origin.
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.
To figure out the difference between an ordinary piece of silver and antique silver. You can ask your jeweler for an acid test as it will not cost much. There are some other ways to find out as well. However, you must be careful about not using a touchstone. You can just turn the piece on its reverse side and scratch a small area and drop a bit of nitric acid on it. There will be change in its color; if it turns dark grayish then you can conclude that it is a piece of sterling silver. On other hand if it turns black then it is a piece of coin silver. It is a specimen of plated artifact, if the color turns green.
Antique silver is a very collectible area with an added bonus of being a valuable investment. During periods of inflation or recession a fluctuation in prices can offer good returns.
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.
The most common source of Antique Silver has to be the royal and noble families of yesteryears. Silverware was a staple in these families and today, exquisite silver articles such as plates, bowls, cutlery etc can be found for sale. Most of these showcase wonderful craftsmanship and are generally stamped with the family crest. Even though with the advent of electroplating technology silverware has become accessible to the common man today, such examples of old silver are still valued for their exclusivity.
Antique silver items are relatively commonplace in the antique market. However, it is important to possess some idea of the style and patterns of the available ones. There are hundreds of distinct style and patterns present in the market. To make a selection amongst them is really difficult. Moreover, authentication of a genuine silver piece is very important. You should make sure to look for the 'hallmark' that can provide you the information regarding the designer and the origin.
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.
To figure out the difference between an ordinary piece of silver and antique silver. You can ask your jeweler for an acid test as it will not cost much. There are some other ways to find out as well. However, you must be careful about not using a touchstone. You can just turn the piece on its reverse side and scratch a small area and drop a bit of nitric acid on it. There will be change in its color; if it turns dark grayish then you can conclude that it is a piece of sterling silver. On other hand if it turns black then it is a piece of coin silver. It is a specimen of plated artifact, if the color turns green.
Antique silver is a very collectible area with an added bonus of being a valuable investment. During periods of inflation or recession a fluctuation in prices can offer good returns.
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.
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