Are you one of those treasure hunters that scours antique shops, rummage sales, estate sales, auctions, and more for silver-plated tableware or gold-plated flatware?
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If you're into silver, you know that two categories basically exist:
Harder to find, however, is gold-plated flatware. Should you happen across some, you'll know now that it's unusual and valuable. But, when you find it, how do you know its value?
First of all – what does it mean for flatware to be gold-plated? More or less, this means that silver tableware, in order to make it look posher and more elegant, was plated with a gold layer (14 karat gold, usually).
How Much Gold Is in There?
This isn’t necessarily an easy question to answer. If it was made 50 years ago or more, older sets of gold-plated flatware contain more gold than do sets of the newer variety. If it was made around 1950, and you have, say, 40 to 50 pieces of it, your gold-plated flatware might bring a recyclable gold worth of roughly $500 – give or take, depending on current pricing and who you sell it to.
You Want How Much for That Set?
Some people are well aware of what they have or, if the set is less than desirable, think they have more than what they actually do. It's not uncommon to find a gold-plated tableware set that is selling for as much is $15,000. The price may not have anything to do with the gold contained within, however, but more so, if it's crafted by a prestigious maker.
Is That Real Gold?
If you're planning on truly getting into that whole treasure hunting for gold-plated flatware frame of mind, you could benefit from a basic gold testing kit. In it, you will find a rubbing stone and some bottles of testing fluid. Unfortunately, that kit won't tell you the full thickness that's been used for plating. Only a qualified precious metals testing facility can tell you how much gold is truly contained in a set of gold-plated flatware.
Is There Truly Money to Be Made?
You may fare better if you go in search of gold-plated tableware as individual pieces, rather than holding out for the purchase of a complete set. You can sometimes find hidden gems in what someone thought was a batch of silver-plated flatware. As it turns out, the rummage saler, antique store, etc. has gold-plated pieces mixed in. Is this a frequent occurrence? Not particularly. But you could find a piece that's worth a lot more than you pay – say, a fork, a knife, a spoon – as a stray in a bunch of silverware you paid next to nothing for.
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Keep your eyes open. Never turn down an opportunity to at least check. You never know what you might find!
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When it comes to the world of tableware, discerning collectors and savvy investors recognize that not all utensils are created equal. Sterling silver and silver-plated pieces dominate the landscape, but there exists a rare and intriguing category: gold-plated flatware.
Gold-plated flatware is the epitome of elegance. Crafted from silver, it undergoes a transformation, receiving a delicate layer of gold—typically 14k—to elevate its aesthetic appeal. The result? A fusion of opulence and functionality fit for the most upscale users. In years past, you could find this kind of -ultra-luxurious flatware on the tables of some of the wealthiest families.
How much gold does it truly contain? The answer hinges on age. Vintage gold-plated sets, crafted half a century ago or more, harbor a richer gold content than their modern counterparts. Imagine stumbling upon a 1950s ensemble of 40 or 50 pieces—each potentially harboring over $500 worth of recyclable gold. A hidden fortune awaits those with a keen eye.
Prepare for astonishment. Some gold-plated tableware fetches staggering sums—think $10,000, $15,000, or beyond. But why? It’s not solely about the gold content. Prestige plays a pivotal role. If your find bears the mark of a renowned maker, its value transcends mere metal. Collectors covet these pieces, elevating their value.
In the last few decades, so-called gold tableware has been made of silver or stainless steel that is lightly plated with a gold-toned covering that doesn’t contain gold at all. To find the real deal, you need to search in antique stores and estate sales. Trust your eyes and your instincts. If you find an older set of tableware that is gold-toned, it could be the real thing.
Snap some pictures of the flatware you have found, including close-ups of any stamps that appear on it. Then call our precious metal refiners so we can discuss what you have and what it might be worth. Call 800-426-2344 or email our consultants at sales@specialtymetals.com
Yes, in years past some elegant glass plates, wine glasses and tumblers were embossed with a thin patina of gold. If you acquire some of this rare glassware, give us a call too. Although in most cases, these items do not contain enough gold to be worthwhile investments.
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