84 sterling silver: hallmarks of Tsarist Russia, composition, modern analogue, where it is sold today and how much 1 gram costs

Precious metals have always been and remain the best investment for the future. Regimes, money, and the priority of currencies changed, but the demand for gold and silver clearly never fell. Moreover, prices for precious metals in general often surprise and make you think about their relevance. So the price of 925 sterling silver per gram in 2021 is so different depending on the purpose of its acquisition or donation, that the consumer should understand how much 925 sterling silver costs, because it is the most common and makes up about 80% of other samples.

It is impossible to unequivocally answer the question of how much a gram of 925 silver costs, since its price is determined based on the general situation on the London exchange. And it changes daily, depending on economic indicators around the world.

What is 84 sterling silver: composition and properties

84 silver standard can be found on ancient products that were hallmarked in accordance with the spool hallmark system. In Russia, this system was used until 1927, after which it was replaced by the metric method of calculation.

The spool system was introduced into Russia from the very beginning of hallmarking precious alloys, in 1798. Its basis was the Russian pound, containing 96 spools.

Sample 84 on the product reported that one pound of such an alloy contained 84 parts of pure precious metal, and the remainder was impurities. Pure silver was considered to have a value of 96, therefore, foreign elements made up only 12 parts of this alloy.

Silverware
The material could contain the following impurities:

• Cadmium;
• Zinc;
• Nickel;
• Aluminum;
• Copper;

Depending on the percentage of elements, the alloy could have different casting and performance characteristics. For example, thanks to cadmium, the alloy melted more easily, nickel imparted hardness, and copper increased wear resistance.

84 silver contains 87.5% pure precious metal. It does not fade, does not deform, and is resistant to mechanical damage. Thanks to the impurities included in the composition, it is much stronger than pure silver.

925 sterling silver - what is it?

925 silver is one of the highest quality and is widely used in Russia abroad. The composition of the 925 silver alloy includes 92.5% pure precious metal, the remaining 7.5% is copper. This ligature was approved by a single GOST back in Soviet times. Copper imparts the required strength to the metal and significantly improves its characteristics. Less commonly, platinum is used as an additive. Due to this expensive component, the properties of silver are improved, it acquires a snow-white color and its oxidation is significantly reduced. In modern production, palladium, which belongs to the platinum group, and cadmium can be used as an additional element. Jewelry made from an alloy containing platinum or palladium has a higher price. Thanks to this noble metal, the jewelry becomes dazzling white, with an incredible blue cold tint.

When using 7.5% zinc as an alloy, the silver turns out cloudy, but the alloy is incredibly durable and low in price. Zinc is rarely used as an additional component, as it often causes allergic reactions. In addition, silver jewelry is sometimes plated with rhodium, just like white gold jewelry, to add a snow-white color and shine. Another advantage of rhodium plating is the resistance of products to oxidation in air; such jewelry does not darken. The disadvantages include the fact that rhodium wears off over time and needs to be coated again, which is very expensive.

925 standard metal is used to make jewelry, cutlery, souvenirs, commemorative medals, and table setting items. In addition, the alloy has found application in electrical engineering.

Changing the mark on antiques 84 samples

On 84 sterling silver the mark looked like this:

• Numerical value of the sample;
• Imprint of a woman's profile in a kokoshnik;
• Initials of managers or foreman;

The brand was changed in 1908: the girl’s profile was turned from right to left, it was allowed to mark the year of manufacture, and it was also required to indicate the code of the production area.

For example, the stamp “84 OS AC 1985” should be read as follows: 84 spools, OS are the initials of the master, AC are the initials of the owner of the company, 1985 is the year of manufacture.

The 84 mark on silver usually looks like a rectangle with rounded edges, inside which information about the product is written.

Stamp marks could also be indicated on silver items. For example, an imprint of St. George the Victorious slaying a beast with a spear indicates that the jewelry work was tested in the Moscow Assay Office.

What are the prospects for using silver in electric vehicles?

To better understand the importance of silver in electric vehicle manufacturing, here's a simple fact: Silver is used to make almost every electrical connection in an electric vehicle (EV). This means that the automotive sector as a whole uses about 55 million ounces of the metal annually. And this volume is unlikely to decrease.

The transition to BEVs (battery electric vehicles and AVs) within a decade should increase auto sector silver demand by 60-70% by 2025, to 100 million ounces.

Overall, silver use in electric vehicles will increase to more than 89 million ounces by 2025, according to the World Silver Institute.

The use of the royal sample then and now

Nowadays, 84 sterling silver is used to create cutlery, inexpensive jewelry, jewelry boxes, ashtrays, and souvenirs. The material has high strength, so it is used for products subject to constant physical impact.

Antique royal silver was used to create the following items:

Crockery and cutlery

The popularity of silverware peaked between 1840 and 1940, as trade between countries expanded during this period. Tsarist Russia produced a wide variety of silver utensils: spoons, forks, knives, cups, plates, deep dishes, decanters, teapots, coffee pots. Serving the table with precious cutlery was considered a rule of good manners among the nobility.

Antique tableware made of 84 sterling silver
Silver kitchen utensils were valued for their antibacterial properties, status, and lack of toxic effects on the body.

Decor items

The hallmark of 84 sterling silver can be seen on candlesticks, vases, glass holders, and frames. Russian master jewelers indicated their initials on such items, and the work itself was performed using casting and carving techniques.

Vintage collectibles

Such jewelry works include cigarette cases, boxes, and figurines. Crosses, icons, and coins of pre-revolutionary Russia with 84 markings are of great value to collectors.

Accessories

The alloy was used to cast rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, and chains. Nowadays such material is almost never used to create jewelry. The most popular modern standard is 925.

Of particular cultural and historical value are items produced by the jewelry companies of Khlebnikov, Sazikov, Ovchinnikov, and Postnikov. These famous workshops appeared in the 17th century. They were distinguished by the production of truly masterpiece products, worthy of nobles and kings.

Italian 925 silver

Silver from Italy is considered the best in the whole world. It is distinguished not only by the highest quality, but also by complex execution techniques, uniqueness and extraordinary design. Due to this, jewelry made from this metal is highly valued in all countries. The composition of the alloy is no different from the Russian one, but its cost is slightly higher. The special secret of Italian silver is in its processing.

Craftsmen use the galvanic method of coating silver jewelry, which gives it an extraordinary cold shine, as well as excellent physical characteristics. This silver is very durable and has high anti-corrosion properties. Thus, craftsmen use in their work the technique of galvanic silvering, when the surface of the metal is covered with the thinnest layer of pure 999 fine metal. Rhodium plating gives the jewelry a bright silver color; moreover, such products do not darken and are perfectly combined with both cubic zirconia and diamonds. Blackening of silver adds chic and sophistication to the jewelry, and gilding gives any jewelry respectability and nobility.

Table: cost of 1 gram of modern analogue

The cost of any alloy depends on the price of pure precious metal established by the Central Bank of the Russian Federation. To determine the current cost of the sample, you need to multiply the current price of the highest alloy by the required coefficient.

The price of pure silver for 2021 is about 47 rubles per gram. 84 marking corresponds to modern 875 standard.

Then you can calculate the current cost of the royal analogue as follows:

47 * 0.875 = 41.1 rubles per gram.

The table below shows the approximate cost of the precious metal in pawnshops, jewelry stores, and banks:

Dynamics of the silver rate in the Bank of Russia from 2010 to 2021

Investing in an impersonal metal account brings profit even when the official exchange rate of the national currency falls. The price of 1 ounce of silver and other precious metals is set by the London Stock Exchange. The Bank of Russia converts the troy ounce into grams and publishes the discount price on its website in Russian rubles. When the ruble exchange rate depreciates, the price of silver in rubles rises, regardless of the price set on the London Stock Exchange.

If you sell silver with compulsory medical insurance at a time when the Russian ruble exchange rate is falling, the transaction will bring additional income. And if the dollar exchange rate falls with a simultaneous increase in the price in dollars by 1 gram or 1 ounce of silver, the compulsory medical insurance goes to a loss. But a rise in the Russian ruble could result in a loss, even if the price of silver rises.

The dynamics of the discount price of silver in Russia, according to the Central Bank, over 10 years looks like this:

Over 10 years, the price of silver has increased 2.2 times. Silver has maintained a steady rise over the past 5 years. Over the summer of 2021, the price of the precious metal increased by 29%, which was the most dynamic increase in the last 37 years. While gold over the same time added 13%, and platinum - 14%.

Demand for silver is driven most by the industrial sector. The most important consumers of metal are China and the USA. Trade wars between these powers could lead to a decrease in demand, but most likely short-term. Leaders will restore or redistribute sales markets. Therefore, it is possible to consider silver as a long-term investment.

If you want to try other investment programs and decide to diversify your portfolio, then direct part of the funds to an individual investment account, brokerage account, deposit, entrust the management of a management company or invest in mutual funds and microfinance organizations.

about the author

Klavdiya Treskova - higher education with qualification “Economist”, with specializations “Economics and Management” and “Computer Technologies” at PSU. She worked in a bank in positions from operator to acting. Head of the Department for servicing private and corporate clients. Every year she successfully passed certifications, education and training in banking services. Total work experience in the bank is more than 15 years. [email protected]

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Where can you find 84 samples today?

There are many websites on the Internet dedicated to products made from the royal precious metal. The most famous resource is the Volmar auction, where you can purchase various numismatics and antiques.

Utilitarian jewelry works from ordinary and famous workshops are sold many times cheaper than rare collectibles. The cost of the latter can reach several hundred thousand rubles.

Glass made of 84 sterling silver
You can buy 84 sterling silver products at various exhibitions dedicated to the era of the USSR and Tsarist Russia, from buyers, antique dealers, and at flea markets.

Rules for storing and delicate care of products 84 samples

Antique metal should be stored very carefully. Caskets or boxes with a solid frame and soft upholstery inside are suitable for this purpose.

Products with 84 markings should be stored separately from other jewelry. The place should be dry; moisture-absorbing materials, for example, activated carbon, silica gel, can be placed inside the box.

If jewelry is encrusted with precious stones, you should use specialized cleaning products to care for the minerals.

Products may fade from regular wear and over time. It is recommended to clean them with a mixture of salt and soda. The components are mixed in identical proportions, applied to the products, after 1-2 hours the jewelry will need to be thoroughly rinsed with running water.

Important! Silver is harmed by household chemicals, some medications, perfumes, cosmetics, and acids. Products should be protected from contact with the listed substances.

What are the prospects for using silver in solar energy?

As climate change has become a global concern, the transition to finding and providing decarbonized and renewable energy sources is already well underway in most developed and developing countries.

Overall, renewables are the fastest-growing energy sector: despite the pandemic, the growth rate of global renewable energy capacity jumped 45% in 2020 as part of an “unprecedented boom” in the wind and solar energy sector.

The use of silver in photovoltaic (PV) energy is a leading source of green electricity. Notably, despite the challenges caused by COVID, the PV market has proven resilient in 2021. Newly added solar capacity continued to grow, with the total estimated to exceed 130 GW for the first time.

Solar power production is expected to nearly double by 2025, becoming an important and stable source of industrial demand for silver over the next 10 years.

This is not surprising given that more countries have been moving towards renewable energy recently, with China playing a leading role in the sector.

In fact, the Chinese government is planning huge, game-changing renewable energy projects as they move away from coal, which is likely to create strong demand for silver as a key component in these industries.

China is developing a giant 400-gigawatt wind-solar “megaproject” that will reshape the global energy map, adding as much renewable capacity as all of Europe currently has.

Silver has truly unique properties that cannot be found in other metals, giving it a distinct advantage in many industries. This is why we are seeing increased demand for silver from the electric vehicle sector, computer and medical device manufacturers, or even the solar energy sector as a whole. Not surprisingly, this is causing investors to become increasingly interested in silver.

Reviews

I found silver at the dacha, saw the mark 84 on a product for the first time, and went online to find out what it could mean. It turned out that I had a real treasure in my hands - a powder compact from the times of Tsarist Russia! I kept it for myself and will become a family heirloom.

Vitaly A., Pyatigorsk

Lydia Sh., Kislovodsk

I got a silver sugar bowl from my grandmother. The stamp inside is “84 TR 1830”, a horseman is depicted next to it. I took the product to a buyer, where they told me the approximate price of this antique - 50 thousand rubles. I'm thinking of selling it in a couple of years, when the value rises a little more.

I saw a name on the glass holder - “silver 84 AG VNR”, next to it was an imprint of a woman. I would never have thought that all this time I had such an antique in my apartment. Now I try to take care of it regularly and use it very rarely.

Richard N. g, Vladikavkaz