Sterling silver and coin silver are two terms that often appear in antique silver, jewelry, and decorative objects. While they are sometimes used interchangeably in casual conversation, they refer to different silver standards with distinct histories and characteristics.
Continental silver is a term commonly encountered when researching antique and European silver. Unlike sterling silver, it does not refer to a single, fixed standard of silver purity. Instead, continental silver describes a broad category of silver made in mainland Europe under a variety of regional systems.
Silver plated flatware is common in households and estates, which often leads to questions about its value. Because it looks similar to solid silver, many people assume it may carry significant worth. In reality, the value of silver plated flatware depends on very different factors than those used to evaluate sterling or coin silver.
Silver plated flatware and sterling silver flatware often look similar at first glance, which can make it difficult to tell them apart. Despite their visual similarities, they differ significantly in composition, value, durability, and long term use.
Grueby Pottery is one of the most recognized names associated with the American Arts and Crafts movement. Its distinctive matte glazes and nature inspired forms have made it highly sought after by collectors, but value can vary widely depending on the specific piece.
Grueby Pottery is widely regarded as one of the most important names in American Arts and Crafts ceramics. Because of its reputation and distinctive appearance, people often assume that all Grueby pieces are highly valuable. In reality, values can vary significantly depending on the specific characteristics of each piece.
