Frequently Asked Questions quick reference list:
 
Q: What is Sterling Silver?
A: Sterling is 92.5% pure silver. The other 7.5% is a hardening agent, which is usually copper.
 
Q: Is all Sterling Silver content the same?
A: No. Standards for Sterling Silver can vary by country, with purity ranging from 80% to 95% depending on the origin of manufacture (country).
 
Q: What is Silver Plate?
A: Silver Plate, also known as electroplating, is done by coating a base metal with a thin layer of silver using an electric current. The electric current causes the silver molecules to bond with the base metal. The base metal is usually copper, nickel silver, a combination of metals, or other metals.
 
Q: What is the difference between estate silver and new silver?
A: Estate silver is previously owned. It can be polished by machine to look new.
 
Q: Is estate silver less expensive than new silver?
A: Yes, if the pattern is still made. However, rare and obsolete patterns, along with unusual pieces, can be more expensive than new silver.
 
Q: What determines the price of particular silver pieces?
A: Collectability and availability of particular patterns or pieces determine price.
 
Q: What is the difference between holloware and flatware?
A: Flatware includes table utensils such as forks, knives and spoons, whereas holloware is a myriad of items such as bowls, trays, candleware, goblets, water pitchers, and tea sets, to name a few.
 
Q: Why is it called holloware?
A: Holloware comes from the word hollow. It is used to describe items that are hollow inside such as coffee pots or goblets.
 
Q: I have seen holloware spelled as hollowware in other places, which is correct?
A: Actually, both spellings are correct. We just prefer to use the holloware spelling over hollowware.
 
Q: Do you appraise silver?
A: Yes. John Buchanan of The Copper Lamp is an Accredited Member of The International Society of Appraisers, and appraisals are his specialty.
 
Q: How can I contact you regarding appraisals?
A: Within the Dallas, Texas area, call 214-369-5166. Or you can call 800-765-6519. Ask for John Buchanan I.S.A..
 
Q: Do you purchase estate silver?
A: Yes. Call us with the size of place settings (luncheon or dinner), along with the pattern and pieces you have and we will gladly assist with giving you a quote. If you are unsure of the size of the place setting, please have the item and a ruler available when you call and we will help you.
 
Q: How do I clean my silver?
A: We use Hagerty’s Spray to maintain our silver. We also use a soft brush for items that have raised areas, such as the border of some trays. For harder to clean pieces, we use Wenol Cream Polish. Always use 100% cotton items as polishing cloths, such as old tee shirts or diapers, since a polyester blend cloth will scratch the silver. We sell polishing cloths and treated gloves to ensure proper cleaning.
 
Q: How do I know that the cloth I'm cleaning my silver with is 100% cotton?
A: If you are unsure if your cloth is 100% cotton, try burning a small corner of the fabric with a match or lighter. If the fabric forms a solid black ball where it was burned, it is a cotton-poly blend and should not be used on silver! We sell polishing cloths and treated gloves to ensure proper cleaning.
 
Q: How do I store my silver?
A: Your flatware should be stored in a box or silver wraps or something to avoid open air and oxygen. This helps to prevent the silver from oxidizing. Plastic is something to avoid as it can pit knife blades or ruin silver plate over time.
 
Q: Where are you located?
A: We are located at 208 Preston Royal Shopping Ctr. in Dallas, Texas. For driving directions, please visit our contact page.