Q: How can I tell if a piece is solid silver or plated?
A: Normally, if a piece is solid silver it will be indicated on the piece (e.g. Sterling, .925, 925/1000, .900, Coin, Standard, .9584 (English Britannia), .800 (Germany), 84 (Russia), etc.). Most American-made pieces are marked on the bottom of holloware, and on the reverse on flatware. Foreign-made objects can be marked most anywhere, and are sometimes accompanied by additional marks applied at an assay office in that country. Rarely will you find a piece made of solid silver that isn't stamped.
Q: What is Electroplate?
A: Electroplate is a name given to articles coated with pure silver by electrolysis (electrical currents passed through a plating bath which deposit silver on the base metal). Today we call this type silverplate and pieces frequently bear the stamp EPNS (Electroplated Nickel Silver) and EPBM (Electroplated Britannia Metal). Sorry, We Do Not Buy Electroplated Items.
Q: What is "weighted silver?"
A: Weighted silver is reinforced holloware. Pitch, plaster, lead, etc. must be used in these pieces because the metal can be as thin as .003" thick. If these pieces were not weighted, they would almost collapse! The total weight of the silver alone in a large candelabra may be as little as a few ounces. Weighted objects have been produced for decades, allowing more consumers to afford silver. In most cases, this type of manufacturing is totally impractical because it makes objects too unstable for practical daily use and cleaning.
Q:I don't know if my silver is plated or not. Can I just send it anyway?
A: Please do not send non-silver items to us, as we cannot buy them. If you do not see a stamped identifier indicating "sterling silver",
"800", "835", "900", "925", "950", or
"999", your silver is probably silver plated (we can't buy it). Sorry, but Arnold's does not pay free return shipping on non-silver items sent to us. Seller is responsible
for arranging return shipping for these items. These will be held in our store for 30 days at no charge, after which we have no choice but to dispose of them.
Please call first if you are unsure.
Q: I have a set of 1847 Rogers Bros. flatware. Is it sterling?
A: Unfortunately, No. The "1847" is refers to an extensive line of plated flatware they
made.
Q: How should I ship my package to Arnold Jewelers?
A: We suggest that send your silver package to us "Regular Mail," with "Delivery Confirmation"
through the United States Post Office. The Delivery Confirmation
service is inexpensive and will enable you to track your silver package
in route to our store. We also suggest insuring your package based in the value of the silver contents. The majority of packages we receive come to us via regular mail through the US Post Office. We have yet to have a package come up "lost in the mail."
Q: Can I send it registered mail, or by another method?
A: Yes, you can send your gold by any
method or carrier you choose. Arnold Jewelers will credit your order up to a maximum of $15.00 US dollars, to reimburse you, at least partially, for your shipping costs.
For larger silver shipments, with an estimated value over $500 US
dollars, registered mail actually becomes less expensive, and a
better option than sending regular mail.
Important: Any inbound shipping charges to Arnold Jewelers that exceed $15.00, are the responsibility of the Seller. Also, please do not send us several smaller shipments in hope of receiving a $15.00 credit on each order.
In order for our company to pay the highest, fairest prices for gold, and help with shipping costs, we must rely on high volume sales. Since we pay out so much, we operate on a small profit margin, and
undergo substantial risk. Clever tactics, such as the one listed above, make it impossible for us operate at a profit. Thanks in advance for your cooperation.
Q: How will I know when you have received my sterling silver shipment?
A: As soon as your silver shipment arrives at our store, we will test it, weight it, and call you with an offer.
If you do not hear from us within seven (7) business days after mailing your silver, please call our toll-free number.
A member of our staff will be able to determine if and when we received the silver package from you, and our offer.
If you are satisfied with our offer, we will send out payment that day. Note: A seven (7) business day waiting period allows ample time for packages to arrive in the mail, especially if sent from rural areas, during winter and at holiday times.
