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Gryphon Estate Silver sells a curated collection of estate, antique and vintage silver. These terms can be a bit confusing so we have simplified the basic description of our inventory as "estate". The phrase "estate silver" in basic terms, means that an item has been previously owned. For the purposes of our Gryphon Estate Silver website, please be aware that many of our inventory items are "antique" and "vintage" in addition to being considered "estate". If we are able to date an item, or provide a detailed provenance, that information will be included in the description.
Due to the fact that our inventory is not newly manufactured, you might expect slight areas of wear or small flaws such as dings or dents. We will make every effort to make you aware of any flaws or issues with individual items. All of our carefully selected inventory is inspected by our expert silversmith prior to being listed for sale. Please take the time to read the descriptions of the individual items prior to purchasing and do NOT hesitate to contact our staff via email at silversales@gryphonestatesilver.com or call us at 828-688-9998, if you have any questions. On occasion, Gryphon Estate Silver has the opportunity to purchase items that are considered "new old stock". These items will often come from a business that has closed. These are not previously owned or "estate" items and they will often be in like-new condition and come with the manufacturer's boxes and tags. We will do our best to note if inventory items fall into this category.
We are pleased to offer a curated selection of new items from quality silver manufacturers.
Another important factor to keep in mind when considering a purchase from Gryphon Estate Silver is that a large majority of the items on our site are no longer being manufactured. This means that if you see a piece that you just can't live without, you really should purchase it while you have the chance. This does not mean that our capable silver buyer will not be able to find the silver treasure that your heart desires, it just means that it might take some time and a little bit of luck.
Free Estimates
Have an Item that needs silver restoration? Our sister company Oexning Silversmiths provides free estimates for silver restoration.
Why buy from Gryphon Estate
Silver?
Estate Silver purchased from GES has gone through a meticulous refinishing
process by master silversmith, Dan Walker, affectionately known to our
Instagram followers as "Mr. Silversmith". Each piece is fully restored,
refinished and oxidized to highlight the ornate detail so it is ready for
your table or to be given as a gift.
What is the difference between a
Registry and a Wishlist?
Yes! Bridal, baby, or just because, Gryphon Estate Silver is thrilled to
offer both an easy-to-use gift registry form as well as a wish list for
items you aren't sure about buying. Whether you are a bride, a
mother-to-be, or would like to take the guesswork out of gift-giving for
your friends and family, please create your personalized gift registry or
wish list. Our registry will help ensure that you will receive the desired
stunning and unique gifts for your special occasion. Please register for a
gift of timeless elegance, "an instant heirloom", an item that is not only
useful, but fabulous to behold!
What if I can't find the item
I'm looking for?
If you're looking for a particular type of item, pattern or monogram that
isn't listed on our website, we are happy to help you find one or
something like it from our many silver sources! Just head to our
Contact Us Page and let us know what it is
you're looking for.
How do I determine the pattern
or manufacturer of my silver flatware? What is the size of my silver
flatware?
Start by turning your item over and looking for a manufacturer's or
maker's mark. You should find a hallmark or manufacturer's name. From
there, please email us a picture of the item with as much information as
you know and we will be happy to help you identify your treasure!
Luncheon, Dinner, Dessert or Place? Determining the size of silver
flatware you have can be a challenge. For example, a luncheon-sized fork
is usually approximately 7" in length and the luncheon knife is roughly 9"
long. It is perfectly acceptable to use this size when serving dinner. A
true dinner fork and knife measure approximately 7 1/2"+ and 9 1/2"+,
respectively. An entirely new size was created by manufacturers called the
"Place size" in the mid-20th Century. Place size is in-between Luncheon
and Dinner and will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. The best way
to measure your flatware is to place it face down on a ruller. Gryphon
Estate Silver is delighted to help you determine what size you have, in
addition to the type of blades, etc,
Do I have sterling or silver
plate? What is the difference?
This is a great question and one of the most frequently asked by our
customers. The term sterling refers to the puryt (925/1000) of an item.
The standard purity for American sterling, set by law in 1909, is 925
parts of pure silver out of 1,000. Other countries use different hallmarks
and purities for their silver. If your piece is sterling and made by an
American manufacturer, it will be marked as such! You should find the word
"sterling" or the numbers "925" on the underside or back of the handle.
Silver plate refers to items made out of a base metal such as brass or
copper with a "coating" or plating of silver. Silver plate items can be
quite lovely, and are easily mistaken for sterling by those who are new to
the fabulous world of silver. Gryphon Estate Silver's knowledgeable staff
are always happy to assist you in learning more about your silver, so do
not hesitate to contact us via email or phone!
Our motto is "if you have it, use it"! We highly recommend that you use
your sterling flatware at each meal, taking care to clean it properly (see
care/storage tips above). Don't serve coffee in your gorgeous silver
server? Use it as a vase! We like to say that we are "bringing silver
back"! Please see our photo gallery of place and table settings using
silver.
What if my silver is damaged or
in need of polishing or plating?
Gryphon Estate Silver's sister company, Oexning Silversmiths, Inc., is a
premier restoration shop offering a complete line of expert restoration
services for antique silver nationwide. Their team of craftsmen are
prepared to repair or refinish your treasured sterling, silver plate,
pewter, brass and copper items. Please feel free to contact Oexning
Silversmiths at (828) 688-9998 or via email at
oexning@gmail.com for more
information or a free estimate. You can also find them online at
www.oexningsilversmiths.com or
on Facebook and Instagram!
What is the best polish to use?
It seems that when it comes to silver polish, everyone has their favorite.
First and foremost we recommend you use a polish made specifically for
silver, especially on silver plated items. For some of the more stubborn
black marks and stains on sterling you might try a multi-metal polish, but
we do NOT recommend harsh chemical dips. We like Hagerty, Wrights and
Goddards and lots of elbow grease! If you are unable to remove tarnish or
have concerns about silver, please contact the experts at Oexning
Silversmiths, Inc. at
oexning@gmail.com for additional
suggestions or a repair/refinishing estimate.
Click here to shop our Silver Care Storage Products.
Do you buy silver?
Yes, we do! Please email us a detailed list of the items you wish to sell.
Include as much information about your items (manufacturer, pattern, and
measurements) as possible. It is also helpful for us to know if there are
any condition issues with the items, as well as any monograms. We will
review your list and make you an offer.
Gryphon Estate Silver is happy to assist you with replacing, identifying,
matching, buying or selling silver, but at this time, we do not offer
appraisals. You should look for a certified appraiser in your area. Please
keep in mind that the "insured value" and replacement values can be quite
different. Should you have a loss and need assistance with replacement of
your silver at a price dramatically lower than the department store, we
will be pleased to assist you.
Do you have a store I can visit?
Gryphon Estate Silver does not currently have a retail location, but can
be found at The Terrace Oaks Antique Mall in Charleston, SC. Please note
that prices at retail locations may vary from our online store. You can
find a selection of our estate silver at:
Schiffman's Jewelers in Winston Salem and Greensboro, NC
Morrison Smith Jewelers in Charlotte, NC
Marthaler Jewelers in Asheville, NC
Terrace Oaks Antiques in Charleston, SC
Do you offer gift wrapping?
Gift wrapping services will be available soon!
YES! We offer gift cards!
Yes we offer Gift Cards. For the non-tech. savvy recipient we would be
happy to mail a printed copy.