When people think about selling jewelry for cash, gold and diamonds usually steal the spotlight. But what about that heavy box of tarnished silver jewelry or the old silver flatware set sitting in your dining room? Silver might not carry the same per-ounce price tag as gold, but it adds up incredibly fast. If you're wondering whether it's worth the trip to sell silver in NYC, the answer is a resounding yes.
Sterling Silver vs. Silver Plated
The first thing we look for when we buy silver is the hallmark. True sterling silver is an alloy made of 92.5% pure silver, and it is almost always stamped with "925", "Sterling", or "STER".
Silver-plated items, on the other hand, feature a microscopic layer of silver over a base metal like copper or brass. Because the actual silver content is so low, plated items generally don't hold scrap value. If your piece is magnetic, it's likely plated. If it's stamped 925, you've got real value on your hands.
When Silver Becomes Premium: Designer Brands
While unbranded silver is bought and sold based on its weight, designer silver is a completely different ballgame. We pay massive premiums for authenticated designer silver pieces.
- Chrome Hearts: Heavy, gothic silver rings, pendants, and chains from Chrome Hearts are incredibly hot on the resale market right now.
- Tiffany & Co.: Classic Tiffany sterling silver—from chunky bracelets to iconic heart tags—always retains strong secondary market value.
- David Yurman: Cable bracelets and rings from David Yurman are highly sought after, especially pieces that mix sterling silver with 14K gold accents.
Turn Heavy Clutter Into Fast Cash
Because silver is heavier than you might think, a few chunky necklaces or a set of sterling silverware can yield a surprisingly large cash payout. At East Village Buyers, we buy and sell all types of sterling silver. Bring your tarnished, broken, or pristine silver to our Avenue A shop for a free, same-day appraisal.