A Guide to Sterling Silver
Sterling silver is one of the most valuable metals on the market today. For many centuries, people have enjoyed collecting stunning pieces of sterling silver. Some prefer flatware or tea sets, but silver serving plates can also be beautiful heirlooms to have as well. Collecting antique silver can be a very rewarding hobby that will allow you to share these wonderful conversation pieces with your friends and family. Theres nothing more enjoyable than having tea with a friend while using your antique silver tea set or serving snacks on your very own sterling silver platter.
While in the past silver was used mainly by those who were more financially well to do, it is now used more commonly by people from all financial brackets. This is mainly because antique silver is a popular item to pass down from generation to generation. The sentimental value of these items may even surpass the true monetary value.
If you were not fortunate enough to inherit a beautiful antique silver piece from your ancestors, you do not have to spend a fortune to own one. Sometimes, if you search closely, you may be able to locate genuine sterling silver pieces at thrift stores or rummage sales. Because many of these businesses are in hopes of selling their current inventory to make room for new, you might even find some antique silver pieces at a bargain price.
Another great aspect of owning antique silver is tracing back to find its date of origin. Many silver pieces date back to the early 1800’s and it can be great fun for the whole family to discover exactly where all in the world that antique silver has traveled. Occasionally, you may even find you have silver that was owned by royalty in your possession. If your silver has been passed down to you from ancestors, it is also interesting to find out how long it has been in your family. You can also estimate the age of your antique silver by the signature on it. If it has the word sterling it was manufactured after 1860. If it has what appears to be the initials of the person who made it, it is most likely American silver and may be even more valuable.
