Finding Localized Sterling Silver For A Greater Value

February 8th, 2010 admin Posted in Articles | Comments Off

Most people ask where to start looking for scrap silver. It's as if they know and expect me to say look at the usual spots: thrift stores, junk stores, garage sales, etc. But they really want me to tell them more: the ins and outs. Of course I refer them here to my blog, but it did get me thinking. What can I tell someone to give them an edge over other scrap silver hunters?

It came to me to look for sterling silver items local to the region that are more plentiful in supply, thus reduces the demand value, making the item cheaper to purchase.

I live in southeastern Idaho along what is called "The Beehive Belt" or "The Bible Belt" which stretches from Southern Utah to Southeast Idaho, and it is in reference to the strong residency of the Church Of Latter Day Saints - better known as the Mormons - who make up the 75%-90% of the population in most areas along this route.

Other Christian religions have the WWJD or "What Would Jesus Do?" rings, t-shirts, and merchandise to help its members to keep their beliefs in mind in all aspects of life. The Mormons have a similiar item called CTR or "Choose The Right", and the most important item related to this is rings, which range from free OSFA rings to rings as nice as High School Class Rings. I'm sure where you can see where I am going.

I can go to any thrift store on any given day and find a dozen CTR rings for next to nothing. And many of them are made of sterling silver or better, sometimes even gold. Because of the supply of them, I have got rings worth hundreds of dollars for less than a buck.

To summarize, if you can identify regionalized silver items in your area, such as religious rings, sport event medals, custom watches, etc. that are local to your area, you will be able to find silver scrap values where others won't be looking.