Why are silver picture frames so thin?
Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2016 3:17 pm
I am a newbie to collecting silver and could use some advice.
I've set out to collect Sterling Silver picture frames (not silverplate or anything else). I want solid, sturdy, heirloom quality frames that will last for generations.
I ordered a few frames from various reputable online sources, but have been really disappointing int he quality. It was not what I was expecting. For example, I bought a 5x7 Wallace Sterling Silver Frame. It turned out to be a really thin sheet of sterling that had been stamped. The sheet was backed up by plastic and whatnot to keep its form, and the back of the frame was velvet. I was told by one dealer that I should expect most Sterling Silver picture frames to be like this. If that is so, it is really disappointing and I will not be bothering to continue collecting these.
I could not get over the thin nature of the silver element. It was barely there. Hardly what I want to collect. It felt cheap.
I'm willing to pay for quality, and heavier amounts of silver. I want something solid, chunky, and substantial. Where do I look? Is there a brand? A dealer? A website?
It would be amazing if I could know the troy ounces in the silver frame, so that I could determine how much I was paying for the intrinsic value of the silver, compared to how much I was paying for collectible or art value of the item.
I've set out to collect Sterling Silver picture frames (not silverplate or anything else). I want solid, sturdy, heirloom quality frames that will last for generations.
I ordered a few frames from various reputable online sources, but have been really disappointing int he quality. It was not what I was expecting. For example, I bought a 5x7 Wallace Sterling Silver Frame. It turned out to be a really thin sheet of sterling that had been stamped. The sheet was backed up by plastic and whatnot to keep its form, and the back of the frame was velvet. I was told by one dealer that I should expect most Sterling Silver picture frames to be like this. If that is so, it is really disappointing and I will not be bothering to continue collecting these.
I could not get over the thin nature of the silver element. It was barely there. Hardly what I want to collect. It felt cheap.
I'm willing to pay for quality, and heavier amounts of silver. I want something solid, chunky, and substantial. Where do I look? Is there a brand? A dealer? A website?
It would be amazing if I could know the troy ounces in the silver frame, so that I could determine how much I was paying for the intrinsic value of the silver, compared to how much I was paying for collectible or art value of the item.