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Sterling Silver Buyers Offering Cash, Trade, and Collateral Options
As established silver buyers in Quincy, we offer more than basic scrap evaluations. Customers can sell sterling silver for cash, trade items for other precious metals, or use qualifying pieces as collateral for pawn loans. This approach offers flexibility for individuals managing estates, downsizing household items, or seeking short-term access to money without permanently giving up ownership.
Each service begins with an in-person or online appraisal that considers metal purity, hallmark markings, brand or silversmith origin, and overall condition. This service-driven approach supports customer satisfaction and allows clients to choose the option that fits their situation.
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Selling and Pawning Your Sterling Silver Jewelry
Many customers come into our Quincy, MA jewelry store and gold ownership location looking to sell or pawn their gold and diamonds, but what many people don’t realize is that the old sterling silver jewelry they have in their home drawers may also be valuable.
Sterling silver flatware that has not been used since Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year’s, or other special occasions is another common category. Many families intend to pass down their tableware, yet changing lifestyles mean these pieces are often stored away. While sterling silver does not carry the same price level as gold, it can still be worth money when sold, pawned, or exchanged. Over time, household habits change, and selling unused silverware has become a practical choice for many customers.
If you also have a sterling silver necklace, bracelet, or hollowware stored alongside tableware, bring those items in as well. We can separate sterling from plated metal and explain how purity and weight affect value.
Appraisals for Antique Silverware, Estate Pieces, and Tea Sets
If you are researching where to sell antique silverware, the appraisal is the most important step. Antique silver items may carry value tied to a specific silversmith, brand, or hallmark rather than the metal’s weight alone. Tea sets, hollowware, and estate tableware are reviewed individually with attention to age, origin, and craftsmanship.
International pieces are also common. Items from the United Kingdom and other regions may follow different silver standards, and our team is experienced in identifying these marks. This detailed appraisal process helps determine fair market value before any payment is offered.
How Much Is the Current Sterling Silver Rate?
You can even use this convenient sterling silver market rate to determine just how much your sterling silver pieces may be worth. Try not to make jewelry or valuable purchases while traveling, as pricing and authenticity can vary. Some tourist markets charge premiums that exceed the actual metal value.
Selling Sterling Silver Flatware for Cash
Many people come to our Quincy, MA, pawn shop looking to sell their silverware for cash. Whether you want to sell scrap silver or sterling silver flatware, we can help you convert these pieces into cash or exchange them for other items. Options include selling outright or using your silver as collateral.
Sterling silver pieces require ongoing care and polishing. Many households choose to sell items that are no longer practical for daily use rather than storing them indefinitely. Selling allows customers to access money while reducing clutter.
To get cash for your sterling silver jewelry or flatware, you need to confirm that your pieces are genuine sterling silver. Since many items lack stamps or come from regions without marking requirements, we offer free authenticity evaluations.
While we will take virtually any piece made of genuine sterling silver, here are some of the most common items we see:
- Candelabras
- Sterling silver forks
- Sterling silver spoons
- Sterling silver knives
- Sterling silver salt and pepper shakers
- Sterling silver serving trays
- Sterling silver plates
- Sterling silver platters
- Sterling teapots
- Sterling silver straws
- Sterling silver tongs
- Sterling silver souvenir spoons
Don’t see your sterling silver valuables on our list? You can still bring them in! Stop by our Quincy, MA, pawn shop or submit photos online for a free estimate. If you proceed, items can be shipped securely for an in-person appraisal.
Looking at Silver Plate Marks for Your Sterling Silver Items
We do not purchase silver-plated items. The best way to identify sterling silver is by looking for silver hallmarks. Common plate marks include American Silver Plate, Silver on Copper, Quadruple Plate, Triple Plate, Fine Silver Plate, E.P, S.P, E.P.N.S, and Special Metal.
True sterling silver is typically marked Sterling, 925, or 925/1000. Items marked 900 or 800 indicate coin silver, which contains less silver content.
International Sterling Silver Pieces
Customers frequently bring international sterling silver pieces to our Quincy and Milton locations. Different countries follow different purity standards. Reviewing these marks helps accurately identify the origin and metal content.
- .1000- Japan
- .999- Fine silver, accepted by a member of the Hallmarking Convention, which includes: Austria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
- .980- Mexico, a common standard of sterling silver in the 1930s
- .970-Mexico
- .959- Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic
- .958- UK
- .950- France, Japan, U.S. (2nd half of the 19th century), Netherlands (until 1814), Switzerland, Italy, Yugoslavia, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary
- .948- Russia
- .940- Poland, Mexico
- .945- Austria, Germany, and Switzerland
- .934- Netherlands (common sterling silver standard until 1953)
- .930- Netherlands (in the 19th century), Germany, Israel, Palestine
- .925- the U.K., U.S. (sterling silver since 1870), Ireland, Denmark (since 1893), Netherlands, Israel. Today, this is seen as the “worldwide standard” for sterling silver.
- .916- Finland, Poland (after 1963), Portugal (after 1886), Russia, Romania, Spain (before 1934), Latvia
- .915- Spain (after 1934)
- .900- U.S. coin (before 1870), China, Argentina, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia, Japan, Egypt, Hungary, Lebanon, Turkey
- .875- Russia, Baltic States, Finland, Poland, Romania, Switzerland, Latvia
- .844- Denmark and Norway in the 18th century
- .840- Iran
- .835- Germany, Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, Belgium
- .833- Portugal (after 1886), Netherlands (until 195), Denmark (after 1800), Norway in the 18th century
- .830- Norway after 1892, Denmark after 1972, Sweden, Finland, Portugal
- .826- Denmark from 1893-1972, Norway before 1892
- .813- Germany and Finland
- .800- Germany, Italy, France, Japan, Romania, Turkey, Egypt, Lebanon, Netherlands until 1814, Poland, Portugal, Switzerland, Spain, Argentina
- .750- Germany, Italy, Spain, Prussia, Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia, Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania
- .700- Lebanon
- .687- Germany
- .625- Germany
- .600- Egypt
FAQs About Selling Sterling Silver
At Jewelers Coin & Loan Co., we know that many people have questions about selling sterling silver flatware, jewelry, and antiques. In fact, many people don’t even realize that they can sell their sterling silver flatware for cash. As experienced sterling silverware buyers, we have detailed some of the most frequently asked questions about sterling silver and how to pawn, exchange, or get cash for these pieces.
How Do I Get a Sterling Silver Appraisal?
If you are looking for an appraisal of your sterling silver flatware, you can come in to The Jewelers Coin & Loan Co. at our convenient Quincy, MA, location. Text, call, or email us! Don’t live in the Greater Boston area? No problem! We can handle the entire process right online or through our app that can be used across the United States. Just log in and tell us about your sterling silver pieces, and we can help you!
What Are the Average Sterling Silver Flatware Prices?
This all depends on the current spot price of silver in the open market that day. Over the last ten years, the silver spot market price has ranged from $13 per troy oz to almost $50 per troy oz. Typically, full sterling flatware sets or even mismatched sets can go for $100 to $5,000 aor more, depending on the silver spot price, the weight and purity of the silver, and the age and silversmith who made it. Don’t be fooled by reality TV Shows that feature people finding rare silver pieces in every episode! The great thing about sterling silver flatware is that it tends to be quite heavy. The heavier the silver, the more valuable your silver piece will be.
I Want to Sell Old Silverware. How Do I Tell if it Is Sterling Silver?
The best way to tell if a piece is sterling silver is to look for a stamp with the number 925. This is because real sterling silver is made of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, mostly copper. The stamp may also just say that the piece is “real silver” or “fine silver.” However, it is important to note that some sterling silver pieces created in certain countries may not require a stamp. Look for the “Sterling” stamp on silverware.
If the stamp reads 900 or 800, it is only 90% or 80% silver, or “coin silver.” You can also test your piece with a magnet. Real silver will not strongly strike a magnet.
My Sterling Silver Candlesticks Are Very Heavy. How Much Cash Can I Get?
The value depends on the actual net-weight of your sterling silver candlesticks, not the gross weight. If you have sterling silver candlesticks to sell, we will take the time to weigh each candlestick and compare it to the current market price of sterling silver so you can get the most cash possible for your pawn or sale. Oftentimes, sterling silver candlesticks are weighted with clay or sand, and may even say “weighted.” This may also occur with sterling silver candelabras and sterling silver salt and pepper shakers that contain glass or clay. Think, for example, of peeling a tuna can or soup can open and how thin the metal on the top is. This is similar to the thickness of the sterling on these weighted pieces.
My Sterling Silver Knives Are Old and Tarnished Like Silver. They Must Be Real, Right?
Not necessarily. Just because your silverware looks like sterling silver, it doesn’t necessarily mean that your knives and flatware are made of real sterling silver. Real silver is supposed to tarnish, but other metals can tarnish or give the appearance of tarnishing. The best way to tell if your flatware is real sterling silver is to look for a stamp. The stamp should say .925 on it to indicate that the piece is 92.5 percent silver and 7.5 percent other metals. If, for some reason, you can’t find the stamp, bring your piece into our Greater Boston pawn store, and we can help identify your piece for you.
Sterling silver butter knives, dinner knives, and can openers are very well-made and strong. In sterling knives, there are actually steel blades on the inside of the handles where the clay is glued, so that the thin silver is surrounded by clay. The steel rod connects to the stainless-steel cutting blade. Sterling knives have a silver handle, a stainless-steel rod, and a stainless-steel cutting blade.
Why Does My Silver Tarnish? It Must Be Real!
Sterling silver pieces tarnish because, in its pure form, silver is too soft for jewelry, cutlery, and other applications, so copper is typically added to make it more durable. This is why real sterling silver is only made of 92.5% silver. Unfortunately, because sterling silver pieces need to be made with copper to withstand consistent use and wear, they will discolor. The copper discolors when it is exposed to certain compounds, the air, and even oils and chemicals on the skin. In fact, this is why even real sterling silver rings can turn your finger a certain color.
Over time, any piece of sterling silver will darken or tarnish. A great way to prevent this from happening is to polish your sterling silver regularly to keep it looking its best
What Are the Most Expensive Sterling Silver Brands?
If you have many silver pieces, there is no need to organize them yourself. We can offer a cash price for your items, or we can sort them for a fee. There are several very famous sterling silver brands. If you want to sell your sterling silver pieces, you can frequently get a lot more money for designer brands. Below are some of the most popular silversmiths on the market today, including some notable brands:
- Alvin
- Amston
- International Century
- Kirk Stieff
- Concord
- Richard Dimes
- Blackinton
- Baker
- Knowles
- Lunt
- Towle
- Gorham Sterling Silver
- Reed & Barton
- International Sterling
- Gorham
- W&D Graff
- Howard
- National
- Mount Vernon
- Mayer
- Mauser
- Manchester
- Roger Brothers
- Wallace Sterling Silver
- Lunt Sterling Silver
- Tiffany Silver
- Whiting
All of these brands have their own unique trademark. You may notice their name and logo on your piece, which indicates that you are dealing with an authentic, name-brand sterling silver item.
If you have these brands, bring them down to our Quincy, MA, jewelry store to see just how much cash you can get for your unwanted items. If you are interested in selling sterling silver flatware, sterling silver tea sets, or any item you think is silver, come to Greater Boston’s sterling silver buyers at the Jewelers Coin & Loan Co. We have extensive experience in identifying sterling silver hallmarks and silversmith manufacturers’ pictorial stamps so that you can get the most for all of your sterling silver pieces.
Get Cash For Your Sterling Silver Pieces
At The Jewelers Coin & Loan Co. of Quincy, we pay cash and offer secure pawn loans for genuine sterling silverware, coin silverware, and hollowware. Visit us for a professional appraisal and learn how much your silver items are worth today.