News & Blog

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

How to Tell If Your Jewelry Is Costume or Real (And Why It’s Harder Than You Think) “None of the jewelry is real — it’s all just costume.” This is one of the most common things we hear during estate sale consultations. In reality, that is almost never true. Over the years, we’ve walked into many homes where families were convinced their jewelry had little or no value, only to discover $2,000–$3,000 or more in real gold, silver. diamonds, and gemstones  hidden among costume pi

One of the most common assumptions homeowners make when preparing for an estate sale is that furniture will be the biggest value driver  in the home. After all, many of these pieces were expensive when purchased, and some have been in the family for decades. The reality is more complicated — and in many cases, surprising. Over the last several years, the furniture market has changed dramatically. Styles, tastes, home sizes, and buyer behavior have all shifted. As a result, wh

Why Professional Estate Sales Run Three Days — And How the Market Finds the True Value of Everything. Many people walk into an estate sale and wonder: “Why isn’t everything discounted on the first day?” Why does this take three days instead of one big blowout?” The answer is simple: A professionally run estate sale is not a clearance sale. It is a carefully designed market strategy meant to maximize value for the estate while still being fair to buyers. At Afternoon Estate S

A Homeowner’s Guide to Avoiding Costly Mistakes and Maximizing Estate Value Choosing the best estate sale company in Dallas  is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when settling an estate, downsizing, or preparing a home for sale The right company protects the estate, maximizes value where value exists, and makes the entire process far less stressful. The wrong company can quietly cost you thousands of dollars through rushed decisions, poor preparation, and missed

One of the most common mistakes homeowners and executors make when planning an estate sale is trying to move too quickly. While it may feel efficient to “just get it done,” rushed estate sales often result in missed value, overlooked items, and a loss of buyer trust . After managing hundreds of estate sales — and personally visiting many others over the years — a clear pattern has emerged: estate sales that are rushed almost always leave money on the table . Not because estat

When a Cleanout Is Included — And When It Is Not What happens after an estate sale concludes depends on one key factor : whether or not a cleanout service is included . At every stage of the process, one principle remains unchanged: The homeowner is having the estate sale — we are simply there to help. At Afternoon Estate Sales, we consider ourselves a marketing company and all estate contents remain the sole property of the estate owner (the client) before, during, and aft

Dallas homeowners preparing for an estate sale often assume that a full home automatically means strong results. In reality, what sells is driven by buyer demand, condition, and relevance — not age or quantity . After managing hundreds of estate sales across Dallas neighborhoods such as Highland Park, Preston Hollow, Lakewood, and surrounding areas, we’ve seen consistent patterns. Some items attract immediate attention, while others — even once-expensive or sentimental pieces

A Dallas Estate Sale Perspective Homeowners throughout Dallas, Texas  often ask, “Do I have enough for an estate sale?”  It’s an important question—and frequently a revealing one. In our experience evaluating Dallas estates, asking this question often means the contents may not meet the requirements for a successful public estate sale. Estate sales in Dallas work best when most of the home’s contents are available for sale , not just select items. Strong sales typically inclu

One of the most common questions I hear is: "How long does the entire estate sale process take?” The short answer is about two weeks —but the best results often require flexibility. Here’s why. A Typical Estate Sale Timeline For most estates, the process follows a proven structure: Approximately 10 days  for staging, research, and accurate pricing A three-day estate sale  to attract buyers and maximize results This timeline allows enough time to properly prepare the estate,

When families face the task of liquidating a lifetime of belongings, one of the biggest decisions they make is choosing the right estate sale company. At first glance, many estate sale providers may look similar. They all promise to “stage,” “price,” and “sell.” They advertise experience. They claim to offer great service. But after recently visiting several estate sales held by other companies in our area, I can confidently say this: it absolutely matters who you choose —and

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

Tiffany lamps are among the most iconic and collectible antiques in the world—but with so many reproductions out there, how can you tell if yours is genuine? In this guide, Afternoon Estate Sales shares expert tips on how to identify authentic Tiffany lamps by their marks, glass, shade patterns, and bronze bases. Whether you’re sorting through an estate or curious about a family heirloom, our team can help you uncover the true value of your lamp.

Not every estate sale company will accept every job—and that’s not always about value. From scheduling conflicts and location restrictions to the challenges of live-in sales, there are many reasons a company may decline. In this post, Afternoon Estate Sales explains why this happens, and how we can help you find the right solution for your estate.

Preparing for an estate sale can feel overwhelming, but the right steps will make the process smoother and more successful. From deciding what to keep and what to sell, to organizing, staging, and pricing your items, planning is key. In this guide, Afternoon Estate Sales walks you through the essential steps to get your home ready for a professional estate sale.

Timeless Beauty of Daum Glass The Timeless Beauty of Daum Glass: A Journey Through Art and Craftsmanship When we think about iconic glass art that captures nature's beauty with intricate craftsmanship, Daum glass  inevitably stands out. From its humble beginnings in the late 19th century to becoming one of the most celebrated luxury crystal makers, Daum has continually evolved, yet it remains firmly rooted in the elegance of Art Nouveau. In this post, we’ll explore the histor

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.