Old Silverware Hidden in Your Drawers Could Be Worth More Than You Think — What to Check
For holidays or special occasions, we like to bring out the silverware and premium cutlery. But how can we tell if they truly hold value? To answer this question, we draw on the insights of Millon, a specialist in silverware.
Silverware: An Easy Way to Elevate Your Meals
The trend for more than a year has been vintage collectible items that endure over time and remain timeless in their aesthetic. Silverware naturally fits into this category. Often given to married couples or for major occasions, these beautiful utensils are symbols of beauty, durability, and elegance.
People typically choose to use fine silverware for important occasions—the Christmas feast, New Year’s Eve, birthdays, or large gatherings with friends. But some also opt for silver cutlery on a daily basis, because these utensils are among the most durable.
How to Estimate the Value of Your Silverware?
As is often the case, not all silverware is created equal. It depends on several factors. You should consider the maker, the era, the design, and the style. Not to mention the material used: plated silver or solid silver. One clue you can determine by carefully inspecting your silverware.
To do this, you need to check the hallmarks. If you notice a square or rectangle, your cutlery is very likely plated silver. By contrast, if you see the designation “sterling,” “900” or “800”, you are looking at a Minerva hallmark, equivalent to solid silver (at least 80% purity).
Keep in mind, however, that only an expert can truly assess your cutlery
Nevertheless, without being yourself an expert in the world of silverware, you will have difficulty clearly identifying the value of your silverware and, in fact, the amount you could obtain if you consider selling them. Identifying and pricing antique art objects remains a difficult task to determine without expertise.
Indeed, other factors come into play in valuing silver pieces. Think of weight, magnetic properties, wear on the piece, its color, the oxidation of the silver, and even machining marks. So take all necessary precautions before carrying out any sale.
