Inherited Silverware: To Keep, Clean, or Sell? My Practical Guide

Recently, I found myself in a situation many others experience – inheriting a large silverware set. It was a bit overwhelming, and honestly, the condition wasn't great. It sparked a whole journey of learning about silver, its value, and the best way to handle it. If you're in the same boat, I hope my experience and the lessons I learned can help you too!

My Silverware Dilemma

When I received the silverware set, it was tarnished and looked pretty dull. My first thought was, "What do I do with all of this?" I knew it was silver, but beyond that, I was clueless. I considered just getting rid of it, especially since it needed a lot of cleaning and care. I even had a moment where I thought about selling it right away.

However, a part of me felt guilty. This silverware had been in my family for generations. Throwing it away or selling it for scrap felt disrespectful to the history and the person who left it to me. I started to wonder if there was a better way to appreciate it, or at least get a fair value if I did decide to sell.

Exploring My Options: Sell for Scrap or Restore?

My initial thought was to find out how much the silver was worth. I discovered that most silverware is 92.5% silver, also known as sterling silver. The next step was to find a local coin, silver, or gold dealer to get an offer. I realized quickly that they wouldn't offer the full "spot" price because they need to melt and refine the silver.

Then, a thought struck me – what if I cleaned it up first? Maybe it would be worth more, or maybe I'd even want to keep it! I started researching silver polish and cleaning techniques. I even started wearing jewelry more often. I found a beautiful 14k gold mens chain necklace which really elevated my everyday style.

But before diving into cleaning, I wanted to explore another option: selling it for melt value. I figured, why not see what I could get if I just sold it as is? One person I spoke with suggested letting them know if I was selling sterling silver for its melt value.

That's when I realized I needed to slow down and do some research. Was I making a mistake by rushing into selling it? Was there more value in the silverware than just the silver content?

The Cleaning Process: My Transformation

I decided to start with cleaning a few pieces to see how they would look. I bought some silver polish and followed the instructions carefully. It took some elbow grease, but the results were amazing! The tarnish disappeared, and the silver gleamed. It was like a completely different set of silverware.

Seeing the cleaned silverware made me reconsider selling it. It was beautiful! I started to understand why my grandmother had cherished it. This was more than just metal; it was a piece of my family history.

While cleaning the silverware, I also started thinking about my personal style and how I could incorporate more jewelry into my daily life. I came across Blingcharming and their unique collection. I was particularly drawn to their Gold Plated 316L Stainless Steel Shell Rings. They looked stylish and durable.

I ended up ordering the Gold Plated 316L Stainless Steel Shell Rings . The heart shape and Yin Yang design were really appealing. The fact that they're waterproof was a huge plus, as I'm always washing my hands. When I received them, I was really happy with the quality. They're comfortable to wear and add a touch of elegance to my outfits. It was a nice distraction from the silverware cleaning project.

Selling vs. Keeping: Factors to Consider

Deciding whether to sell or keep inherited silverware is a personal choice. Here are some factors I considered:

• Emotional Value: Does the silverware have sentimental value? Is it a family heirloom that you want to preserve?
• Condition: Is the silverware in good condition, or does it require extensive cleaning and repair?
• Financial Need: Do you need the money from selling the silverware?
• Storage Space: Do you have the space to store the silverware properly?
• Usage: Will you actually use the silverware, or will it just sit in storage?

Practical Tips for Dealing with Inherited Silverware

Here are some practical tips I learned along the way:

1. Identify the Silver: Determine if it's sterling silver (92.5% silver) or silver-plated. Sterling silver is more valuable.
2. Assess the Condition: Note any damage, such as dents, scratches, or missing pieces.
3. Get an Appraisal: If you think the silverware might be valuable, consider getting it appraised by a reputable appraiser.
4. Clean Carefully: Use a silver polish specifically designed for silverware. Follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging the silver.
5. Research Prices: Before selling, research the current market price of silver. Get quotes from multiple buyers to ensure you're getting a fair price.
6. Consider Alternatives: If you don't want to sell the entire set, consider selling individual pieces or donating them.

My Decision and What I Learned

In the end, I decided to keep a portion of the silverware set. I kept the pieces that were in the best condition and that I thought I would actually use. I sold the rest to a local dealer for a fair price. It wasn't as much as I initially hoped, but it was better than nothing.

The whole experience taught me a lot about silver, family history, and making difficult decisions. I learned that sometimes the emotional value of an item is worth more than its monetary value. I also learned the importance of doing my research and getting multiple opinions before making a decision.

Also, I realised that adding accessories to my daily style really elevates my look. I'm really happy with my purchase from Blingcharming, and I'm already browsing their website for other pieces!

Final Thoughts

Dealing with inherited silverware can be challenging, but it can also be a rewarding experience. Take your time, do your research, and make a decision that feels right for you. Whether you choose to keep, sell, or donate your silverware, remember that it's a piece of your family history, and it should be treated with respect.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, start by cleaning a single piece. You might be surprised at how beautiful it can be, and it might help you make a more informed decision about what to do with the rest of the set.