Free appraisal of silver and gold objects

Goldsmithing and silverware are art forms with a long history, and have always been appreciated for their beauty, quality and value. These pieces are often made from precious metals such as gold, silver and bronze, and are often adorned with precious stones, intricate designs and fine engravings.

Due to their different manufactures, goldsmiths and hallmarks, goldsmiths' pieces must be presented to an approved auctioneer.

History of silversmithing and silverware

Silversmithing and silverware have a long history dating back to antiquity. Craftsmen of the time often produced pieces for temples, palaces and wealthy landowners. In the Middle Ages, the production of gold and silverware became more commonplace, and these pieces were often used for religious ceremonies, banquets and important social events.

In the 18th century, gold and silverware enjoyed a golden age with renowned manufactures such as the Sèvres manufactory in France and the Meissen manufactory in Germany. These manufactures produced famous pieces such as dinner services, vases and figurines. In the 19th century, silversmithing and silverware continued to be produced in significant quantities, with manufactures such as Tiffany & Co. in the USA producing high-quality pieces.

How do you authenticate goldsmiths' hallmarks?

Smith's hallmarks are marks affixed to pieces of silverware to indicate their origin, date of manufacture, the quality of silver or gold used, and the goldsmith or manufacture that produced them. These marks are very important for the authentication and appraisal of silver or jewelry pieces.

To recognize a goldsmith's hallmark, it is important to refer to a hallmark guide, which lists the various symbols and marks used by goldsmiths and manufactures throughout history. This guide can be consulted online, in specialized books or from goldsmiths' experts, such as auctioneers.

Goldsmiths' hallmarks are generally made up of several elements, such as letters, numbers, symbols and state marks. They are often inscribed on discreet parts of the pieces, such as the bottom of a dish, the inside of a lid, or on the bezel of a piece of jewelry.

It's important to note that hallmarks can vary depending on the region, period and style of the piece. It is therefore important to take all these elements into account when determining the origin and value of a piece of silverware.

Finally, it is advisable to call on a silver expert or auctioneer to authenticate and appraise a piece of silverware or jewelry, taking into account the various elements, such as hallmarks, quality of materials and style of the piece.

Greatest silversmiths who made history

Silversmithing is an age-old art that has seen many masters over the centuries. Among the most famous is Jean Deprès, a French silversmith who left his mark on the history of Art Deco. He created bold, modern jewelry and objets d'art, with clean, geometric designs. His works are highly prized by collectors, and can fetch high prices at auction. For example, a pair of gold and diamond earrings created by Deprès in the 1930s sold for almost €40,000 in 2017.

J.J. Kirstein is an American silversmith who produced sophisticated and elegant silverware. He worked for many wealthy clients of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, such as the Vanderbilt family. His pieces are highly prized by art and antique collectors, and can fetch high prices at auction. For example, a set of sterling silver flatware created by Kirstein in 1895, sold for over $7,000 in 2019.

Jean-Frédéric BRUCKMANN was an 18th-century German silversmith, known for his rococo and baroque silver pieces. His works are very rare and highly sought-after by collectors, and can fetch very high prices at auction. For example, a silver dish by Bruckmann, dating from 1737, sold for over 31,000 euros in 2014.

Thomas Germain was an 18th-century French silversmith who produced elegant and decorative silverware. His works are highly prized by collectors, and can fetch high prices at auction. For example, a pair of silver candelabras created by Germain in 1759, sold for over 180,000 euros in 2012.

Martin Guillaume Biennais was an early 19th-century French silversmith, known for his Empire silver pieces. He worked for Napoleon Bonaparte and other members of the French imperial family, creating elegant and sophisticated silver pieces. His works are highly sought-after by collectors, and can fetch high prices at auction. For example, a silver tray by Biennais, dating from 1806, sold for almost 80,000 euros in 2016.

Jacques Roettiers is an 18th-century French silversmith who created rococo and baroque silverware. His works are very rare and highly sought-after by collectors, and can fetch very high prices at auction.

At what price can gold and silver pieces sell?

The prices of gold and silver pieces can vary considerably depending on several factors, such as rarity, age, silver quality, size, brand or manufacturer, and state of preservation. Some very rare or historic coins can fetch very high prices, ranging from tens of thousands of euros to several million euros at auction. However, most pieces are more affordable, and can be found at prices ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand euros. It is important to have a piece of silverware appraised by an expert before selling.

Some examples of top auction results

1. An 88-piece solid silver dinner service, created by the French manufacture Puiforcat, sold for over 120,000 euros in 2018.
2. A pair of Baccarat silver and crystal candlesticks, created by the French firm Christofle, sold for nearly 50,000 euros in 2019.
3. A solid silver tray by the German firm Bruckmann, dating from 1737, sold for over 31,000 euros in 2014.
4. A solid silver vase by the English house of Paul Storr, created in 1812, sold for over 50,000 euros in 2019.
5. A solid silver centerpiece by the French house of Odiot, created in 1908, sold for over 10,000 euros in 2017.
6. A pair of solid silver candelabras by the French house Germain, dating from 1759, sold for over 180,000 euros in 2012.
7. A solid silver tea and coffee service by the American house Tiffany & Co.., sold for over $70,000 in 2017.
8. A gold and diamond ring by the Italian house Bulgari, sold for nearly 20,000 euros in 2019.
9. A solid silver tray by the French house Biennais, dating from 1806, sold for nearly 80,000 euros in 2016.
10. A gold and emerald brooch by the French house Van Cleef & Arpels, sold for over 60,000 euros in 2018.