Don't Scrap Your Silver Just Yet

Jewelry Discussion
1

This is Extremely Important…please take the time to read this:

Silver has escalated to its highest price since 1980, and it’s time
to make crucial decisions. To scrap or not to scrap? First and
foremost, are you absolutely certain that the object you want melted
isn’t a rare or important piece crafted by an important silversmith?
If it was made by a silver company, are you positive it isn’t one of
only a few produced? These are questions that you should take into
careful consideration before scrapping. Keep in mind that during the
last rush to the refiners in 1980, tons of important silver that
will never be reproduced was recklessly disposed of. Some of it was
saved from the flames by the hands of knowledgeable silver dealers,
but the majority will never be seen again in this throw-away society.

I suggest giving these objects as gifts, especially if they are
handwrought or contain beautifully hand-engraved monograms or
chasing. These pieces are works of art and should never be melted.
Why not wait for birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays, and surprise
your friends or loved ones? If your silver is damaged or heavily
tarnished, it might be easily restored by a specialist in silver
restoration, making it useful again. If you still intend on selling
your silver, consider a reputable antique dealer who has silver
appraisal experience, or contact an auction house.

I’ve spoken to many individuals who didn’t do their research before
scrapping, finding out soon afterwards that their silver was far
more valuable than its silver content alone. Please give serious
consideration to what you’re looking at before shipping it to a
refiner.

Jeffrey Herman

2

Jeff- Good point. Back in the day when silver was nearly 40 bucks an
ounce I bought a really beautiful container. It was a sterling
coffin shaped cosmetic case with three beautiful cab sapphires. At
the same time while gold was high I bought a lovely hand engraved
antique gold ladies watch. I paid scrap for them. Both were on their
way to the furnace. I still have them.

It was a crime how much really nice stuff got melted then.

jo

3

During the last year as more and more people started bringing gold
and silver into my shop, for sale, they also brought other items as
well just to see if I was interested. I have become the proud owner
of cognac in a Statue of Liberty bottle, bottled in 1972, and Jim
Beam whiskey in a ruby glass decanter from 1972 as well. Both have
the seals unbroken, and came in the original mfg giftbox. I have
found both bottles listed on Ebay, bringing more as empties, than
what I paid for them. Anyway, these may never make it to Ebay, as
they"ll probably end up part of some blowout in my backyard this
summer.

Ed