We buy and sell silver and sterling in Fairfax, VA
Many times, individuals receive or inherit silver items like coins, bullion, and sterling flatware from their relatives, and are unsure of how to proceed with them. Whether you possess antique jewelry, fine silverware, or bullion, our experienced appraisers will assess your items with the utmost care and precision.
Fairfax Coin and Bullion Exchange ensures that every customer feels valued and understood. From the initial consultation to the final offer, we pride ourselves on transparency and fairness every step of the way.
Our commitment goes beyond simply purchasing silver. We understand the sentimental and financial significance attached to each item. That’s why we strive to offer competitive prices that reflect the true value of your items. In Fairfax, VA, we are a beacon for those looking for a reliable and fair place to convert their silver into immediate financial gain.
We sell silver at affordable prices.
You can buy bars, silver jewelry, and flatware from us.
With years of experience in the precious metals market, we have honed our skills and knowledge to provide not only top-notch appraisals, but also education for our clients. We believe that an informed customer is a satisfied customer, and we are always available to explain the appraisal process, market trends, and answer any questions you may have.
What is sterling silver?
Sterling silver is an alloy that contains 92.5% silver (925 proof) and up to 7.5% other metals, most commonly copper.
Pure 999 silver is too soft to create large pieces, so it is usually combined with copper. This preserves the strength, flexibility and attractiveness of the noble metal.
To improve the quality of the alloy, other metals such as germanium, zinc, platinum or titanium, as well as various additives such as silicon or boron, have been used alongside or instead of copper. Despite this, copper-added alloy remains the standard.
Sterling silver and regular silver are the same thing. The question about their difference does not make sense, because sterling is ordinary silver. It is this material that is used to create jewelry. The highest grade of silver is 999, but it is not used to make jewelry and cutlery. Pure silver is used in the medical and space industries and is only available as bank bullion.
What kind of silver do we buy and sell in Fairfax, VA?
The Fairfax Coin and Bullion Exchange is interested in purchasing the following silver products:
- Pure silver bullion bars.
- Sterling silver bars from Franklin Mint and other reputable companies.
- Sterling silver flatware and accessories.
- Sterling silver coins from USA and other countries.
- Sterling Silver Jewelry.
- Scrap Silver.
We buy silver at the best prices on the market in Fairfax, VA. Bring your silverware to us and get the best deal possible. Whether you are looking to sell old heirlooms, wedding rings, or just looking for a way to make money on unwanted silverware, we are always ready to give you a fair price.
Most sterling silver items are usually marked with either the word “sterling” or the 925 mark. Silver plated items are not considered sterling silver and should not be purchased. In the UK, hallmarks have been used for about 500 years, so silverware can have different markings. This also applies to sterling silver items from other countries. Although we buy sterling silver items, we do not buy coins or plated items.
We use an x-ray fluorescence analyzer to accurately assess the precious metal content of your items.
How do we grade silver?
Grading silver involves several key steps to ensure the precious metal’s purity, quality, and value are accurately assessed.
- The process starts with verifying the physical properties of the silver, such as its color and luster, which should exhibit a distinct sheen characteristic of the metal. Pure silver has a bright white appearance with a high degree of reflectiveness, whereas lower grades may appear dull or off-color due to impurities.
- Next, hallmark tests are conducted. These involve examining stamps or marks on the silver piece, indicating its purity level. Common hallmarks include ‘925,’ denoting sterling silver, which means the item is 92.5% pure silver. These stamps are often located in inconspicuous areas, like the underside of flatware or the inner band of a ring.
- For a more precise evaluation, chemical tests can be applied. The most traditional method is the acid test, where a small drop of nitric acid is placed on the silver. The reaction observed can indicate the metal’s purity; for instance, real silver typically shows a creamy white reaction, whereas base metals might turn green or brown.
- Another crucial aspect of grading silver is using modern technology, such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF). This non-destructive technique allows for a detailed analysis of the metal’s composition, identifying and quantifying its elemental constituents. XRF provides rapid results with high accuracy, making it a favored tool in both industrial and commercial settings.
- In addition to these technical measures, the craftsmanship of the silver item also plays a significant role in its grading. This includes assessing the design intricacy, workmanship quality, and any artistic or historical significance. Handcrafted pieces with detailed engravings or those crafted by renowned artists can hold far more value than machine-produced counterparts.
- Finally, the provenance or history of the silver piece is considered. Items with well-documented histories or those that have belonged to notable figures or families often fetch higher grades and values. Auction records, previous ownership, and documented use in significant historical contexts can all enhance the perceived and actual worth of silver items.
In summary, grading silver is a multifaceted process that goes beyond the visual examination. It incorporates hallmark verification, chemical and technological testing, craftsmanship assessment, and provenance research to determine the true quality and value of silver artifacts.
This comprehensive approach ensures that collectors, jewelers, and investors can accurately gauge the worth of their silver holdings.
We buy silver in Fairfax, VA with a focus on customer satisfaction and providing the best terms in the market.
Whether you are looking to sell a small amount of silver or a whole lot, our team is ready to offer you favorable terms and a fair price.
Contact our experts in Fairfax, VA
Contact our specialist with any questions you may have.
Make an appointment to have your valuables appraised and sold.
We offer formal appraisals on coin collections when needed, as well as buying the estate outright, whichever fits your needs.