News & Blog

If you’ve inherited silverware, serving pieces, jewelry, or decorative items, one of the most common questions is: “Is this actually worth anything?” When the item is marked “Sterling”  or “925,”  the short answer is: Yes — sterling silver has real, measurable value. But how much it’s worth — and how it should be handled  — depends on several important factors. What Sterling Silver Actually Is Sterling silver is not plated. It is solid silver alloy . 925   or Sterling  means:

(And Why It Usually Hurts Value) One of the most common questions people ask after inheriting coins or finding an old collection is: “Should I clean these before selling them or having them evaluated?” The honest answer, in most cases, is: No. Cleaning old coins usually hurts their value — sometimes dramatically. Even though it feels natural to want coins to look bright and shiny, cleaning is one of the fastest ways to permanently reduce what they’re worth . Why People Want

One of the most common questions people ask when they inherit coins or find an old jar of change is: “How do I know if any of these coins are actually silver?” This is an important question, because silver coins can be worth many times more than face value , while clad coins are usually only worth what they spend for. The good news is there are several simple ways to tell the difference . First: What Does “Silver” vs “Clad” Mean? Silver Coins Older U.S. coins were made with r

What Does “925” Mean on Silver? (And Is It Real Silver?) If you’ve ever looked at the back of a ring, bracelet, spoon, or serving piece and seen the number “925” , you’ve probably wondered what it actually means — and whether the item is really made of silver. The short answer is: “925” means the item is sterling silver. That means it is real silver . But let’s explain exactly what that means, how it compares to silver-plated items, and why this mark matters so much. What “92

What Does EPNS Mean on Silver? (And Is It Real Silver?) If you’ve ever looked at the back of a serving tray, teapot, or silverware and seen the letters “EPNS” , you’re not alone in wondering what it means — and whether the item is actually made of silver. The short, honest answer is: EPNS does not mean solid silver. But it also doesn’t automatically mean the item is worthless. Let’s explain what EPNS really means and how it affects value. What EPNS Actually Means EPNS  stands

What Does “750” Mean on Gold? (And Is It Better Than 585?) If you’ve ever looked at a ring, bracelet, or necklace and seen the number “750”  stamped inside, you’re probably wondering what it means — and whether it indicates real gold. The short answer is: “750” means the item is 18-karat gold. But what does that actually mean in real-world terms, and how does it compare to marks like 585  (14K)? Let’s break it down in plain English. What “750” Actually Means Many countries ma

This is a very common and very important question we hear during estate sale consultations: “Is this gold-filled or gold-plated jewelry worth anything?” The honest answer is: Usually, not much — at least not for the gold content. But there are important exceptions, and understanding the difference can help you avoid overestimating or underestimating  what you have. First, Let’s Define the Terms Not all jewelry that looks like gold is solid gold. There are three very different

What Does “585” Mean on Gold? (And Is It Real Gold?) If you’ve ever looked closely at a ring, necklace, or bracelet and seen the number “585”  stamped inside, you’re not alone in wondering what it means. This is a very common marking , and it shows up frequently in estates — especially on older or imported jewelry. The short answer is: “585” means the item is 14-karat gold. But there’s more to it than that and understanding what this mark means can help you avoid mistaking re

When a loved one leaves behind a coin collection—or when you’re downsizing a collection of your own—it can feel overwhelming to know where to begin. Coins vary tremendously in value, and understanding what makes one coin worth a few dollars and another worth thousands requires expertise, careful handling, and the right selling environment. At Afternoon Estate Sales , we specialize in helping families identify, understand, and maximize the value of their coin collections durin

When it comes to silverware and hollowware, looks can be deceiving. Many pieces that shine like silver are actually silver-plated, while others are crafted from solid sterling silver. Knowing the difference is essential for both value and care. In this guide, Afternoon Estate Sales explains the simple tests and marks that can help you determine whether your silver is plated or solid.