Is Russian silver valuable?

Is Russian silver valuable?

Russian silver is one of the most beautiful, valuable, and highly-acclaimed types of silver in the world.

What is Imperial Russian silver?

The standard for Russian silver is measured in zolotniks: the most common fineness is 84, corresponding to 875/1000 standard. Russian Imperial silver is very appreciated for its quality and peculiar style, often sober in design but finely decorated.

What does 84 mean on jewelry?

84 zolotnik Russian silver has the equivalent millesimal fineness of 875. The alloy contains 87.5% pure silver and 12.5% copper or other metals. (See above for description of the zolotnik.) Scandinavian silver has a millesimal fineness of 830.

Why is Russian silver so expensive?

Because precious metals were restricted, he made items in copper and steel – things like copper pots and cigarette cases with the Russian imperial eagle on them. Those pieces fetch high prices right now if you can find one in good condition.

Is antique silver valuable?

Sterling silver holds intrinsic value as a precious metal, but antique silver pieces can be even more valuable than their silver content would indicate. With more and more antique silver pieces being destroyed for their scrap value, the price of pieces that survive will continue to rise.

How do you identify Russian silver?

HALLMARKS OF RUSSIAN SILVERSMITHS

1. The Russian standard for silver was based on ‘ zolotnik ‘. The name comes from ‘zoloto’ meaning gold.
2. Most of silversmith’s touch marks are in cyrillic alphabet.
3. Russian silversmiths used a touch mark with the initial letters of first and last name in Cyrillic.

Is Russian silver sterling?

Russian silver should be treated like sterling silver, though Russian silver is a different alloy than British or American silver, which is on the sterling standard, and as a result, it’s a lot tougher.

Should you polish antique silver?

The patina on a piece is best judged on a piece that has been properly cleaned. Overpolishing can reduce both the patina and its marketability; while mechanical polishing can reduce the value in a collector’s eye. Silver should shine – always.