Jessie Taylor
Weighted candlesticks are candlesticks that are filled with non-precious materials, such as plaster or cement, and wrapped in a thin layer of sterling silver. The weight of the filling material makes up most of the item's gross weight, while the silver content is usually very small. For example, in one experiment, a candle holder marked as Sterling Weighted was found to contain only 17.22 grams of sterling silver, with the rest being filling material. Despite the low silver content, rare and antique weighted silver pieces from renowned silversmiths can still be valuable.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | "Weighted" stands for non-precious filling materials that make up most of a silver-weighted item's gross weight. |
| Silver Content | The silver amount is usually very small. |
| Value | The value of weighted candlesticks is not based on the amount of silver used. |
| Weight | A small weighted candlestick can weigh around 25 grams. |
| Price | A small weighted candlestick can cost around $4. |
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What You'll Learn
- Weighted candle sticks are often marked as Sterling Weighted
- They are usually filled with non-precious materials
- The silver content in weighted candle sticks is usually very small
- Antique weighted candle sticks from famous silversmiths can be valuable
- Weighted candle sticks can be sold as scrap for a higher price
Weighted candle sticks are often marked as Sterling Weighted
Weighted candlesticks are often marked as "Sterling Weighted". This indicates that the candlestick is made of sterling silver, but the term "weighted" reveals that the item also contains non-precious filling materials that make up most of its gross weight. In other words, there is usually only a small amount of sterling silver in these items.
The term "weighted silver" is common in the US, but it can be a mystery for many people, including dealers. The silver amount in weighted silver items is usually very small, and the evaluated price is often dramatically lower than expected. For example, an experiment found that a candle holder marked as "Sterling Weighted" contained only 17.22 grams of sterling silver, with a market value of $19.56 and a selling value of $13.53. This is because the remaining weight of the item comes from cheap filling materials, such as wax, plaster, copper, or lead, which are covered with a thin layer of sterling silver.
Some weighted candlesticks in the US are not marked as weighted, especially older pieces. However, the word "sterling" is regulated and cannot be used for silver-plated pieces. Manufacturers of weighted items are required by law to label them as "Weighted Sterling Silver" to ensure consumers are not misled into believing the items are made solely of sterling silver, as solid sterling objects have value by weight.
It is worth noting that there are rare exceptions where weighted silver pieces can be valuable. Antique weighted silver items from famous silversmiths or important provenances can be worth thousands of dollars, regardless of the small amount of silver used for crafting.
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They are usually filled with non-precious materials
Weighted candlesticks are often filled with non-precious materials. The value of these items is not based on the amount of silver used for crafting. In fact, the amount of silver in these items is usually very small. For example, one sterling-silver candle holder was found to contain only 17.22 grams of sterling silver, with the rest of the weight coming from non-precious filling materials. This small amount of silver has a market value of $19.56 and a selling value of $13.53.
The term "weighted silver" refers to items that are filled with non-precious materials and have a very thin layer of silver. The silver skin is often only about 0.24 millimeters thick and is very soft. Because of this, it is easy to remove the silver skin and reveal the filling materials underneath. This process creates a mess, as the silver skin breaks into little pieces, leaving behind dust and dirt.
People who are unaware of this fact may assume that the total weight of the piece represents its value. However, the actual value of weighted silver items is often dramatically lower than expected. There are rare exceptions for antique pieces from famous silversmiths or important provenances. But in general, weighted silver contains only a small amount of low-value silver.
Some people choose to break down weighted silver items and melt them down to create something new. This process can be profitable, as the silver can be sold as scrap. For example, one person bought a small weighted sterling candle stick for $4 and sold it for $13 as scrap silver. Another person bought two weighted sterling candlestick holders for $4.49 and sold them for $42 on eBay.
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The silver content in weighted candle sticks is usually very small
The silver content in weighted candlesticks is typically minimal, and there are good reasons for this. Firstly, candlesticks with weights are designed with a specific purpose: to provide stability and balance to the candlestick, ensuring it remains upright and secure. The weight is a functional feature, added to the base to lower the centre of gravity, making the candlestick less prone to toppling over. While silver is a suitable material for this purpose due to its high density, only a small amount is necessary to achieve the desired effect. A thin layer of silver is often applied through silver plating, which involves coating a base metal, such as brass or copper, with a thin layer of silver. This process results in a cost-effective way to add weight while also providing an attractive, lustrous finish.
The use of silver plating in candlesticks became popular during the 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in Europe and the United States. Silver-plated candlesticks were often considered more elegant and luxurious than those made from plain base metals. The silver content in these plated candlesticks is relatively low, as the plating is merely a superficial coating. Even in cases where solid silver is used for the weights, the amount of silver is still relatively small compared to the overall size and weight of the candlestick. This is because the primary purpose of the weight is functional rather than decorative.
It is important to note that the term "weighted" in "weighted candlesticks" does not refer to the weight or mass of the entire candlestick but specifically to the added weight in the base. This distinction further emphasizes that only a small amount of silver is necessary to achieve the desired stability. The use of silver in candlesticks also reflects a historical preference for this particular metal. Silver has a long association with fine craftsmanship and luxury goods, and even a small amount of silver can elevate the perceived value and desirability of an object.
In addition to silver, other materials have been used for weighting candlesticks. Lead is one alternative, although it is less commonly used due to its toxicity. Other dense materials, such as steel or bronze, could also be utilized, but they may not offer the same aesthetic appeal as silver. Ultimately, the choice of material depends on factors such as cost, availability, and the desired appearance of the final product. Nevertheless, regardless of the material used for weighting, the primary purpose of these candlesticks remains the same: to provide stability and balance while also offering an attractive and functional design.
When considering the value of weighted candlesticks, it is essential to understand that the silver content alone does not dictate their worth. The craftsmanship, design, and overall condition of the candlesticks are also crucial factors in determining their value. Even with a small silver content, a well-made and unique pair of weighted candlesticks can still be highly prized by collectors or enthusiasts of antique silverware or decorative arts. Therefore, while the silver content may be modest, the historical significance, aesthetic appeal, and functional design of weighted candlesticks contribute to their enduring appeal and value.
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Antique weighted candle sticks from famous silversmiths can be valuable
Weighted candlesticks are candlesticks made with a non-precious filling material that makes up most of the item's gross weight. The silver content in these candlesticks is usually very small, and as such, weighted silver items are generally worth little money. However, there are exceptions for antique weighted silver candlesticks made by famous silversmiths, which can be valuable.
The value of antique weighted silver candlesticks from famous silversmiths is not based on the amount of silver used but rather on the reputation of the silversmith and the rarity of the piece. Silversmiths such as Paul de Lamerie and James and William Gould are renowned for their specialist knowledge and craftsmanship in creating candlesticks, and their pieces command a premium. The weight of the candlesticks can also indicate the quality of the silver used, with heavier candlesticks potentially indicating a higher silver content.
The age of antique weighted silver candlesticks is another crucial factor in determining their value. Older and rarer candlesticks are often more valuable due to their historical and cultural significance, making them highly sought-after by collectors. Additionally, the condition of the candlesticks plays a significant role in their appraisal. Dents, bruises, and splits can negatively impact the value, while a piece in perfect condition has a better chance of fetching a higher price.
The place of manufacturing and the craftsmanship involved can also affect the value of antique weighted silver candlesticks. Pieces made by big brands or crafted for elite previous owners may be worth significantly more. For example, a pair of rare Reed & Barton candelabras with a weighted base could be worth thousands of dollars. Therefore, it is beneficial to consult an antique silver appraiser or adviser to determine the true value of such pieces.
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Weighted candle sticks can be sold as scrap for a higher price
Weighted candlesticks are often made with a thin layer of sterling silver that covers non-precious filling materials, such as plaster or cement, which give the candlesticks their weight. While the weight of these candlesticks may suggest a higher value, the amount of silver present is usually very small, resulting in a lower evaluated price when sold.
However, it is important to note that the value of weighted candlesticks is not solely based on the amount of silver they contain. Rare candlesticks, such as antique pieces from renowned silversmiths or those with unique designs, can command a higher price despite having a small quantity of silver. Therefore, it is advisable to research the potential collector's value of weighted candlesticks before selling them.
That being said, if the weighted candlesticks do not possess any notable collector's value, they can indeed be sold as scrap for a higher price. By breaking down the candlesticks, the silver content can be extracted and sold separately, often resulting in a higher return. This process involves dismantling the candlesticks, carefully removing the silver layer, and weighing the recovered silver pieces.
For example, an individual purchased two weighted sterling candlestick holders for $4.49 and sold them as-is on eBay for $42. However, they estimated that tearing them apart and selling the silver scrap could have resulted in an even higher profit. Another person bought a small weighted sterling candlestick for $4 and, after breaking it down, obtained 25 grams of sterling silver scrap worth around $13, which is significantly more than the original purchase price.
Therefore, it is evident that selling weighted candlesticks as scrap can indeed fetch a higher price, especially if the silver content is extracted and sold separately. However, it is important to consider the time and effort required for the breakdown process, as well as any potential mess or damage caused during dismantling.
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Frequently asked questions
Weighted candlesticks are candlesticks that have a thin layer of sterling silver wrapped around a non-precious filling material, such as plaster or cement, that makes up most of the item's gross weight.
The amount of silver in weighted candle sticks is usually very small. In one experiment, a sterling-weighted candle holder was found to contain only 17.22 grams of sellable sterling silver.
The value of weighted candle sticks is usually not based on the amount of silver used. In the above example, the 17.22 grams of sterling silver had a market value of $19.56 and a selling value of $13.53.
If your candle stick is weighted, it should be noted on the base. You can also try to estimate the volume of the candle stick and compare it to the weight to determine if it is solid or weighted.
You can find weighted candle sticks on websites such as Etsy and eBay.
