!#5: Deals For Silver Rings: January 2012

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Collecting Silver Charms - What You Need To Know

!±8± Collecting Silver Charms - What You Need To Know

One single tiny charm can be the seed that starts the finest collection of silver charms. Whether it's a newly-minted, whimsical, themed charm, or an antique piece of Victorian jewelry, knowing the value of your pieces, and what to shop for when you want to add to the collection, is important.

The word "silver" usually refers to sterling silver, which is not pure silver, but a silver alloy with an over-92% pure silver content. Pure silver is too soft for jewelry, especially for charms which keep bouncing into each other. The addition of other metals, most commonly copper, results in a harder and more durable metal.

Sterling silver products made today are required to be properly marked with a quality mark stamp (a "hallmark"), which certifies its high purity. The most common, representing the US standard, is the number 925, but the words sterling, sterling silver or ster (in caps or not) can also be found. British and French hallmarks are more figurative and varied, and in addition to the sterling silver stamp, they can include the maker's mark, or jeweler's stamp. If you are focusing your collection on vintage pieces from around the world, it is definitely worth your time to read up on the different hallmarks, and varying silver standards.

Unique pieces can make a collection, with items like precious charms encrusted with diamonds that are valued at 00 and above. But keep in mind that unique designs that cost much less when first produced can rise in price over time as they become rarer and consequently more desired by collectors. Commemorative charms, produced in limited quantities and only in specific years, will grow in value quickly. Themed collections that are well assembled, well completed, and well planned, can also be highly valued for their entirety rather than for their individual components.

Famous designers such as Tiffany, Trifari, Monet, and Peruzzi create silver charms for almost any budget. James Avery is well-known for his affordable as well as his exclusive lines. Designer collections, while expensive to put together, are easy to assemble and exciting to research. And surprising finds in unexpected places will enhance both the hunt and the collection.

Cute charms from Walt Disney, collections of similar objects or animals, or specific periods (antiques that are over 100 years old or vintage that are 50 years old) can all make great collections. But I always advice people to collect items that they love and feel passionate about. The most important thing is that you like your charms, regardless of whether they are priceless or "just" cute.