The Silver Antiques Insider

Spring Cleaning And Your Antique Silver

Don't over clean silver antiques like this 19th-century soup tureen! 

It's spring cleaning season, and here at Nelson and Nelson we'd like to gently remind you that it is possible to over clean your precious antique silver! This account from the Money Talks blog is a great example of why a sparkly shine is great for mirrors, but not antique sterling silver!

One spring, I had a roommate who had brought an old silver coffee urn from back home. It was big and ornate, but also slightly dented and very tarnished. We kept it on our dining room table and used it for the occasional study group that came over. Mostly, it was decorative. So one spring, I asked my roomie if I could polish it up. She said sure – if I was willing to expend the calories, why not?

I really did a great job. That urn sparkled. It wasn’t until years later I learned from my ex-roommate that I had destroyed its value. When the Antiques Roadshow craze took off, she apparently took it for an appraisal and was told it was from the 19th century. But my cleaning had knocked literally hundreds of dollars off its value – something fans of Pawn Stars know from each week’s episode, when someone brings in an antique gun, painting, or jewelry. People who buy antiques don’t want their history washed away. And silver polish is the worst offender.

“Contrary to popular belief, silver does not need constant cleaning and in fact should not be cleaned more than absolutely necessary,” says the Association of Art and Antique Dealers. “Tarnishing does not actually harm silver.”

Read more about cleaning and storing antique silver and remember: Nelson and Nelson handles every facet of cleaning and repair, as also replates worn silver plate items.

Bring In The Beautiful Outdoors With Antique Silver and Jewelry!

If you've been in New York City lately, you'll know that spring has really sprung! One of our favorite New York institutions is the New York Horticultural Society, and today just happens to be their 189th birthday! At Nelson and Nelson, we're celebrating by showcasing some of our most beautiful flower- and plant-themed antique sterling silver and antique jewelry. Enjoy!


This rare and unusual squat-shaped antique American cranberry glass sterling silver overlay vase is heavily embellished with an intricate overlay design of engraved roses and leaves that is interspersed with scrolled stem detailing. Made by Gorham circa 1890, the vase is fully hallmarked with a beautiful patina. For more information, click here. 



This very fine quality set of 12 antique silver oak leaf dishes was made by Blackinton circa 1920. Featuring excellent detail, they are fully hallmarked on the back with the Blackinton hallmarks, sterling and 498. For more information, click here. 

These gorgeous 18 karat white gold and diamond flower-shaped earclips are set with numerous diamonds totaling approximately 10.50 carats, of approximately G color and VS clarity. Made circa 1980, they are in excellent condition. For more information, click here. 

Antique Tiffany Silver- More Desirable By Two?

In a recent auction in Pennsylvania, a pair of Tiffany sterling candelabra, estimated between $60,000 and $80,000, sold for a whopping $111,600, while a pair of Tiffany silver bowls sold for more than twice their estimate. According to the auction house CEO, "[O]ne candelabrum exactly like those in our auction sold for around $20,000 at one of the big New York auction houses several months ago. They're obviously much more desirable as a pair." 

If you're looking at a smart investment in Tiffany silver, consider these recent auction results and take a look at the lovely Tiffany silver pairings available at Nelson and Nelson. 

This pair of Tiffany & Co. sterling silver vases, circa 1920, is acid-etched in a most unusual flora and fauna design. The tree-like stem of the flower flares with leaves at its base and at two intervals, then blossoms to reveal a multitude of leaves and round daisy-like flowers. This pattern is repeated around the vase in perfect symmetry. Its overall effect is one of a more modern Arts & Crafts execution, and the effect is stunning! This pair of vases is in excellent condition and is fully hallmarked with the Tiffany & Co. Makers stamp, the date mark, the pattern number and the order number. For more information, click here. 

This is a beautiful pair of sterling silver candlesticks by Tiffany & Co. in a timeless neoclassical design based on a Georgian model. Made in 1915, each candlestick stands on a stepped square base and has a tapered column-shaped body and an urn-shaped socket with removable circular wax pan. The base is trimmed with small beaded bands and swaged fabric studded with flowers. These candlesticks are in excellent condition and are fully hallmarked. For more information, click here. 

Designed in the figural style of 18th century Continental spice boxes, this unusual pair of antique American sterling silver salt and pepper shakers was made by Tiffany & Co. circa 1885. They are in excellent condition and fully hallmarked. For more information, click here.