How to Identify Authentic Sterling Silver Jewelry in Moline, IL

Quad City Pickers helps you verify sterling silver jewelry markings in Moline, IL and buys authentic pieces in any condition with same-day payment and no commissions.

What markings confirm sterling silver authenticity?

Look for stamps such as 925, Sterling, Ster, 800, 850, 900, or hallmarks like the Lion Passant, which certify the metal is genuine sterling or fine silver.

The number 925 means the piece is 92.5% pure silver, the standard for sterling silver worldwide. European pieces may carry 800 or 900 stamps, indicating slightly lower or higher silver content but still considered fine silver. British jewelry often displays a lion symbol, known as the Lion Passant, which has been a hallmark of quality for centuries.

If your jewelry shows markings like Plate, EP, EPNS, NS, Nickel Silver, or A1, it is not real silver but plated or an alloy, and it will have little resale value.

Do tarnished or broken pieces still have value?

Yes, we buy sterling silver jewelry in any condition because the intrinsic metal value remains intact regardless of cosmetic wear, missing clasps, or tarnish.

Tarnish is a natural oxidation process that does not reduce the silver content or weight of your jewelry. Broken necklaces, bent bracelets, and mismatched earrings can all be melted down or refurbished by refiners. You don't need to polish or repair anything before selling.

We evaluate your items based on weight, purity, and any designer or collectible features, so even outdated or damaged pieces can bring you immediate cash. If you also have gold items, you can sell gold jewelry services in Moline, IL during the same visit for added convenience.

Which designer silver brands command premium offers?

Pandora, Silpada, James Avery, and David Yurman pieces earn higher pricing because of their brand recognition, superior craftsmanship, and strong collector demand.

These designers use higher-quality silver, intricate detailing, and signature styles that retain value even in the secondary market. Silpada is especially popular in the Midwest, while David Yurman's cable designs are iconic and highly sought after. Black Hills gold accents or turquoise inlays also increase the appeal and resale potential of silver jewelry.

Jewelry from Denmark, Finland, and Norway is another category we prioritize, as Scandinavian makers are known for minimalist elegance and exceptional silver purity standards.

How does Moline's regional economy support local jewelry buyers?

Moline's mix of manufacturing history and stable residential growth creates a steady flow of estate liquidations and downsizing opportunities, keeping local resale markets active throughout the year.

The city's proximity to the Mississippi River and its role in the Quad Cities metro area attract dealers and collectors from Iowa and Illinois alike. This cross-state buyer network allows us to offer competitive pricing because we can resell items quickly across a wider geographic footprint. You benefit from stronger offers than you might receive from single-location pawn shops or isolated buyers.

We also buy other high-value items during the same appointment, including platinum jewelry services in Moline, IL , so you can consolidate your sale and maximize your return in one trip.

Selling locally means you avoid online scams, mail-in delays, and the risk of losing items in transit. You meet us in person, watch the evaluation, and leave with cash the same day.

Connect with Quad City Pickers at 309-351-6587 to schedule your sterling silver evaluation in Moline and discover a better alternative to auctions and consignment.