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.