When Sterling Silver Finds Aren't Purely Silver

When Sterling Silver Finds Aren’t Purely Silver

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

So you found a sterling silver kettle at the thrift store. It's marked silver and everything, but with more research you find the sterling isn't pure silver. D'oh! So what went wrong? If you have read any of our other articles you will know that the first thing we tell you to look for is the "silver", "sterling", or "925" stamp that is common on pure silver items, but if it were only that easy. Sure, probably 90% of these finds will indeed be exactly what they say, but the other 10% can leave you low on cash with something you can't sell for its intended value.

What do you do then? Experience will teach you that you will not always win with your buys. You may overpay on something, find plated silver when you thought it was better, or leave something because you are unsure of its value. The best answer I can give you is EXPERIENCE. With experience you will learn when a find truly is a find. It's no secret you will find bunk silver, and you will find treasure silver for next to nothing.

Just recently, and I am an experienced silver scrap finder, still got tricked into paying $8 for a silver belt buckle that happened to be silver plated. It is basically worthless. Where did I go wrong? I didn't. It said "Silver" on the back, and made in Mexico, which is a good sign for belt buckles. Taking home, further research found that it was plated. On the same day however, I got a similar buckle with the same markings that cost $8 also, but it was pure sterling silver and weighed 3 ounces. I resold it for $45! That made up for the other buckle I bought and became worthless.

In conclusion, your wins will negate your losses, and let the 80-20 rule be your guide -- 20% of your silver finds will make up 80% of your silver wealth.