Island Life Magazine Ltd August/September 2012 | Page 78

ANTIQUES Antiques and Collectables with Philip Hoare F.T.V.I Turning silver into gold Silver as a commodity has over the last two a commodity, but it is now very significant in century massed produced salvers etc., but and a half years risen significantly in value investment portfolios throughout the world. there is a significant premium on quality and from just £5 per troy oz to £25 pounds before The demand has been such that many workmanship which should always be taken dropping back to its present fix of £15 - quite hundreds of thousands of items have gone a roller coaster. into the melting pot. Much to the delight The market has been driven by both into account. Before accepting the scrap price it is of the bullion dealers many private clients essential to get a specialist opinion; for speculation and serious demand from the Far selling their silver assume the value is based example a plain 18th century waiter is worth East, mainly cash rich China. Silver has an on the weight of the item. This of course is at least three times the melt value. The important use in electronics and therefore as true of boring hollow wares, tea sets, 20th market for fine silver is very strong at present with buyers from the Far East, Middle East and Russia the predominant buyers. The weight is of minor significance on exceptional pieces which are beautiful works of art no less significant than an Old Master Painting or a Grand Sculpture if the workmanship and quality are of the highest calibre the premium is enormous and can equate to as much as £1,000 an oz. Provenance is also a significant factor; any piece of Royal or historical significance will always have a significant premium. Illustrated are a wonderful pair of George III silver wine coolers which I had the pleasure of selling on behalf of a private client. For my valuation service email [email protected] and there is no charge for my opinion. VALUATIONS Find out what your antiques are really worth VALUATIONS • COMMISSION SALES • RESEARCH PHILIP HOARE 71 Union Street, Ryde, IW. PO33 2LN TEL: [phone] MOBILE: [phone] EMAIL: [email protected] www.philiphoare.com Last Friday of every month valuations without charge. Commencing August 10. Jewellery specialist and orientalist will also attend. Donations accepted for the Earl Mountbatten Hospice. 78 www.visitislandlife.com