Jessie Taylor
Sterling silver candlesticks are often weighted with non-precious filling materials, such as cement, wax, plaster, and glass, that make up most of the item's gross weight. The silver content in these items is usually very low, and their value is not based on the amount of silver used for crafting. Pawn shops will weigh sterling silver candlesticks to determine their value, but the weight of the silver content alone does not always reflect the true value of the item. Antique sterling silver candlesticks from famous silversmiths or important provenances may be worth more than their silver content.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sterling silver purity in the US | 925 parts per thousand of silver |
| Sterling silver weight | 15-24 grams |
| Sterling silver value | $14.84 |
| Weighted candlestick value | $12 to $28 |
| Sterling rimmed coaster value | $2.50 to $9 |
| Sterling weighted shaker value | $5 to $8 |
| Sterling silver value per gram | $1.50 per Troy ounce |
| Sterling silver value after refining | $13.53 |
| Sterling silver value as scrap | $13 |
| Sterling silver candlestick holder weight | 1152 grams |
| Sterling silver candlestick holder value | $42 |
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What You'll Learn
Sterling silver composition standards
Sterling silver is an alloy composed of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. The minimum millesimal fineness for sterling silver is 925 parts per thousand of silver, with a tolerance of no more than 4 parts per thousand (or 10 parts per thousand for composite pieces that have been soldered). Sterling silver with a millesimal fineness of 925 is also known as ".925 sterling silver".
In the US, sterling silver must contain at least 925 parts per thousand of silver to be considered sterling. The term "sterling" is a standard quality designation for silver in the US and most world markets. Items marked ""sterling weighted" usually have a very small amount of silver and are filled with non-precious materials. The value of these items is usually based on their silver content, rather than any collector's value.
Fine silver, which is 99.9% pure silver, is relatively soft, so silver is often alloyed with copper to increase its hardness and strength. Other metals used in the alloy, such as nickel, zinc, platinum, silicon, and boron, can also reduce tarnishing and improve the colour and luster of the final product.
Older pieces may fall outside of these standards, especially if they were produced during a time when silver standards were unregulated. For example, circulating Canadian coinage from the early to mid-20th century had a millesimal fineness of 800, containing 80% silver and 20% copper. Similarly, the coin silver standard in the United States was 90% silver and 10% copper, though coin silver objects could vary from 75% to 90% silver depending on the origin of the coins used.
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Weighing sterling silver candlesticks
Sterling silver candlesticks are often weighted with non-precious filling materials, such as plaster, wax, glass, and cement. The weight of these filling materials can dramatically affect the overall weight of the candlesticks, making up 90% of their total weight in some cases. Therefore, it is important to determine the weight of the sterling silver itself when assessing the value of the candlesticks.
One method to determine the weight of the sterling silver in candlesticks is to break down the candlesticks and separate the silver from the filling materials. This can be done by cutting through the silver surface with pliers or hitting the candlesticks with a hammer to remove the non-silver parts. Once the silver parts are separated, they can be weighed to determine the actual amount of sterling silver in the candlesticks.
Another approach to estimating the weight of the sterling silver in candlesticks is to measure the volume of the candlesticks and calculate their density. This can be done by measuring the diameter and height of the candlesticks and using a formula to calculate their volume. By dividing the weight of the candlesticks by their volume, one can determine their density. If the density is significantly lower than that of solid silver, it can be assumed that the candlesticks are weighted.
Additionally, some candlesticks may have markings or hallmarks that indicate whether they are weighted or not. These markings are usually found on the base of the candlesticks and can provide information about the manufacturer, date of production, and silver content. However, it is important to note that the absence of markings does not necessarily mean that the candlesticks are solid silver, as some pieces may be unmarked.
When assessing the weight and value of sterling silver candlesticks, it is also essential to consider the thickness of the silver layer. This can be measured using a caliber and can provide valuable information about the overall silver content. Candlesticks with a thicker silver layer may have a higher silver value, while those with a thinner layer may have a lower value.
In conclusion, determining the weight of sterling silver in candlesticks involves a combination of visual inspection, weight measurement, volume estimation, and density calculation. By considering markings, thickness, and the presence of filling materials, one can make a more accurate assessment of the weight and value of sterling silver candlesticks.
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Determining the value of weighted candlesticks
Sterling silver candlesticks are often weighted with non-precious filling materials that make up most of the item's gross weight. The silver content in these items is usually very low. For example, in one experiment, a sterling-weighted candle holder was found to contain only 17.22 grams of .925 sterling silver, with the remaining 90% consisting of worthless filling materials. This small amount of sterling silver has a market value of $19.56 and a selling value of $13.53.
When determining the value of weighted candlesticks, it is important to consider the silver content rather than the total weight of the item. The value of most items marked as "Sterling Weighted" is based on the silver value, and it is unusual for the collector's value to be reflected in the weight. To determine the silver content, one can use pliers to cut through the silver surface and reveal the filling materials inside. A caliber can then be used to measure the thickness of the silver layer.
Another factor that affects the value of weighted candlesticks is the spot price of silver. The spot price is the current price of silver per troy ounce. Changes in the spot price will impact the value of the silver contained within the candlesticks. For example, when silver is $25 per troy ounce, a standard-sized weighted candlestick should be worth between $12 to $28, depending on its size. A weighted candelabra, on the other hand, should be worth between $31 to $35.
It is worth noting that the value of antique weighted silver pieces from famous silversmiths or important provenances can be higher than expected. However, in general, weighted silver contains only a small amount of silver that is not very valuable. Additionally, the purity of the silver can affect its value. Sterling silver is required to contain at least 925 parts per thousand of silver, but it can sometimes be slightly less pure, which would result in lower values. Scrapers typically sell at a discount, sometimes as low as 60% to 70% of the actual value.
To get an accurate idea of the value of weighted sterling silver candlesticks, it is recommended to take them to a pawn shop or a dealer and see what kind of loan or offer you receive. This will give you a clue as to the item's worth, as the loan amount or offer price will be based on the expected resale value of the item.
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Refining and selling sterling silver
Sterling silver is an alloy that contains 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. In the US, sterling silver must contain "at least" 925 parts per thousand of silver, with a tolerance of no more than 4 parts per thousand (or 10 parts per thousand if it's a composite piece that has been soldered). Sterling silver items are typically stamped with "Sterling", "925", or some other distinctive hallmark.
When refining and selling sterling silver, it is important to choose a reputable refiner with extensive experience. Arch Enterprises, for example, is one of the largest silver refiners in the US and works with many top photographic film companies and developers to refine silver from truckloads of photographic paper each year. They also refine scrap silver like mirror silver powder, sludge from silver plating, wire, etc.
When selling sterling silver, it is important to be aware of the difference between solid sterling silver and weighted sterling silver. "Weighted" sterling silver items contain a small amount of silver and a large amount of non-precious filling material, which makes up most of the item's gross weight. As a result, the value of weighted sterling silver is usually much lower than expected.
To determine whether a sterling silver candlestick is solid or weighted, you can look for markings on the base or estimate its volume. Solid sterling silver candlesticks are very expensive and it is hard to dent them. On the other hand, weighted sterling silver candlesticks will usually have a marking indicating that they are weighted and will be much cheaper.
When selling sterling silver, you can sell to a pawn shop, a silver refiner like Arch Enterprises, or privately. If you sell to a pawn shop, you will typically receive a loan that is only a fraction of the value of the item. If you sell to a silver refiner, you can sell broken, tarnished, or missing pieces, and they will refine the silver and provide you with the refined metal or cash. Privately, you can sell on websites like TreasureNet.com, which provide guides on how much sterling silver is in different items and how much they are worth.
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Buying and selling sterling silver candlesticks
Sterling silver candlesticks can be bought and sold in a variety of places, including pawn shops, auction houses, and online marketplaces. When buying or selling sterling silver candlesticks, it is important to consider the weight of the candlesticks, as this will impact the value.
Weighing Sterling Silver Candlesticks
Sterling silver candlesticks may be sterling weighted, meaning they are filled with non-precious materials that make up most of the item's gross weight. The actual silver content in these pieces is usually very small. When weighing sterling silver candlesticks, it is important to remove any non-sterling materials, such as plaster, wax, and glass, to get an accurate measurement of the silver content.
Buying Sterling Silver Candlesticks
When buying sterling silver candlesticks, it is important to consider the condition of the candlesticks, as any dents or damage can affect their value. It is also important to research the value of the candlesticks as objects before deciding to buy them for their silver content alone. Pawn shops and online marketplaces may offer lower prices than auction houses or private buyers, but it is important to compare prices and get multiple appraisals to ensure you are getting a fair deal.
Selling Sterling Silver Candlesticks
When selling sterling silver candlesticks, it is important to clean them gently, as aggressive cleaning can reduce their value. Researching the value of your candlesticks beforehand can help you get the best price, and selling through a private buyer or specialist adviser may result in a higher profit than selling through an auction house. It is also important to consider the weight of the candlesticks, as the buyer will likely deduct the weight of any non-silver portions from the final price.
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Frequently asked questions
Pawn shops weigh sterling silver candlesticks using a scale. The weight of the candlestick is usually measured in grams.
The weight of a sterling silver candlestick can vary depending on its size and whether it is weighted or unweighted. A standard-sized weighted candlestick can weigh between 0.55 to 1.21 troy ounces, with an average weight of 0.85 troy ounces. Unweighted sterling silver candlesticks can weigh around 581.4 grams for a pair.
Sterling silver candlesticks typically contain between 15 to 24 grams of sterling silver, with some ranging from 17.22 to 19.2 grams. The amount of silver in a sterling silver candlestick can vary depending on the manufacturer, with some containing as little as 10% silver by weight.
