Silverware and Goldsmithing: Current evaluations and Trends?

Silverware and Goldsmithing are constantly evolving, influenced by the tastes of collectors and art lovers. Many people also inherit these objects and wonder about their value, seeking to understand whether they have a heritage interest or a significant market value.

These pieces, whether utilitarian or decorative, demonstrate exceptional craftsmanship, but how can we distinguish valuable objects and what are the current market trends?

This article sheds light on these essential questions.

1. How to evaluate Silverware and Goldsmithing?

Silverware and Goldsmithing are categories of art and collectible objects that require special expertise to be correctly evaluated. Several criteria come into play:

Material and hallmarks: The presence of hallmarks is essential to determine the silver content. We mainly distinguish:

Solid silver: often hallmarked (example: Minerva in France, Lion passant in the United Kingdom).

Vermeil: solid silver covered with gold.

Silver plated: less valuable, often identified by mentions such as "EPNS".

Goldsmith's mark: A renowned name (ex.: Christofle, Puiforcat, Odiot) can greatly influence the value.

Period and style: 18th century or Art Deco silverware is highly sought after, unlike standard 20th century models.

Rarity and use: Rare pieces (saucers, jugs, complete sets) are better valued.

General condition: The state of wear, deformations or restorations affect the value.

Examples of estimates (indicative values):

• Solid silver cutlery set with 12 place settings signed Christofle (19th century): €3,000 to €6,000.

• Solid silver teapot in the Louis XVI style, Minerva hallmark: €800 to €1,500.

• 20th century silver-plated cutlery (unsigned): €50 to €200 per lot

2. What are the market trends?

The silverware and goldsmith market is constantly evolving, influenced by the tastes of collectors and art lovers. Some pieces are experiencing a resurgence of interest, while others are struggling to find buyers. Here is an overview of the current trends:

Vogue pieces:

Antique and exceptional silverware: 18th and 19th century pieces, particularly from major goldsmith houses (Odiot, Puiforcat, Christofle), are still sought after.

Art Deco and Modernist pieces: The refined design and geometric shapes are finding buyers.

High-quality everyday objects: Solid silver candlesticks, sugar bowls and tobacco boxes.

Pieces losing ground:

Complete silver-plated cutlery sets: Less sought after due to consumer habits.

Religious silver objects: Decrease in demand for chalices, monstrances, except for very beautiful 18th century pieces.

Massive tea services: Their use being less common, demand is decreasing except for exceptional models.

Conclusion

Silverware and goldsmithery retain a strong heritage value, but the market is changing. Signed, antique or Art Deco design pieces are doing well, while certain categories of objects are becoming more difficult to sell.

If you want to know the value of your silverware or goldwork but you don't dare to go see an auctioneer, don't hesitate to use the Antiope application which will provide you with the description, the level of rarity and the current market trend of your object as well as a precise estimate adapted to the current market

Free estimates on the site www.antiope.net and in a few days we will reveal the name of the application that you can use in all circumstances