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How to Collect Sterling Silver Napkin Rings

Sterling silver napkin rings are very accessible, and desirable as collectibles. Reasonably priced, in spite of the fact that they are made of a precious metal, most collectors can easily afford them. They come in a wide variety of shapes and styles, and often reflect the characteristics of historical eras in which they are made. Sterling silver napkin rings are practical, too. Unlike many other kinds of antiques, you can use sterling napkin rings at the table with little fear of damage to them or their value.

Things You'll Need

Hallmark reference book
Magnifying glass

Instructions

- 1
  Locate sterling silver napkin rings. Fine auction houses and antique stores are the best sources, as they not only authenticate their wares, but also guarantee them. Online auctions and estate sales usually have better prices, but there are no guarantees, and they often do not accept returns.
- 2
  Acquire sterling silver napkin rings with repoussé decoration. Repoussé is a technique of creating ornamentation in relief, by working the silver on the reverse side with a hammer. Victorian era napkin rings often have the most beautiful, and bountiful ornamentation, making them more valuable.
- 3
  Search for the most desirable designs and themes. Children's napkin rings, with decorations of fairies, or storybook characters, are very rare and highly prized. Other highly sought after designs feature figures of lovely women, or cute cherubs. Animals, especially mythical beasts such as dragons, are also very rare and valuable.
- 4
  Collect sterling silver napkin rings by historical era. Victorian napkin rings are usually very decorative with lots of applied silver work or repoussé. The Arts &Crafts movement featured visible hammered work, showing the imprint of the artisan. Modernist examples have simple, bold geometric shapes with clean lines and little ornamentation.
- 5
  Verify the napkin ring is sterling silver by checking the hallmarks against a reference book. Hallmarks, stamped into the metal, authenticate the maker and the quality of the silver. American silver is marked: Sterling, 925 or 925/1000. Hallmarks vary greatly from country to country, so a reference book on sterling hallmarks is an invaluable tool. It will list known makers, along with pictures of their sterling marks and information about the company.
- 6
  Watch for trends to get the best prices for both buying and selling. Subscribing to antiques trade publications, and watching online auctions, can keep you abreast of current trends. You can sell your French sterling silver napkin rings for a higher price at auction, if that is what is currently trendy, and purchase them at a lower price if they are not.

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