Figurines in Real Silver

Silver has fascinated people for many centuries – as an investment and as a material for works of art. At BullionArt the two come together: exclusive sculptures in pure fine silver are created here that unite aesthetics and substance. In this article I show why our figurines are more than merely fine decoration.

What are silver figurines by BullionArt?

The silver figurines by BullionArt unite craft precision with the value of the material. They are artfully made sculptures in high-quality fine silver, with a purity of 999.

Unlike industrially produced mass-market goods, the silver sculptures by BullionArt come from selected artists and are made as individual pieces in an art foundry.

The execution is decisive here: the higher the silver content and the finer the craftsmanship, the greater both the artistic and the material value.

The market value depends not only on the current silver price but also on how well known the artists are and on the quality of the design.

My customers see these figurines as a long-term investment and at the same time as an art object. That is exactly what figurines in real silver at BullionArt stand for.

Quality features of the silver figurines

Silver has always counted as a precious metal that holds its value – yet not every silver product meets the same requirements for quality and substance. Classic coins such as the Maple Leaf or the Krugerrand consist of fine silver and count as an established form of investment.

At BullionArt I deliberately take a different path: at BullionArt it is not only the precious metal that takes centre stage but also the idea of creating an object that is aesthetic and valuable at once.

In my view, limited silver figurines offer a twofold added value: the works possess the intrinsic value of the precious metal and can at the same time gain in value on the collector market through the quality of their design.

The limited edition plays a central role in this. Only a few pieces are made, which preserves the exclusivity.

Added to this is the careful workmanship: every figurine is made, checked and finished in specialised foundries. This precision is decisive for lasting value.

Why silver figurines are a special investment

In my view silver figurines combine several properties that make them an exceptional investment. Besides the precious metal value, the purity of the silver plays a central role – particularly pure 999 pieces are in demand here.

But it is not only the material that counts: works by selected artists are held in high esteem. Collectors look for craft quality, depth of design and rarity.

Limited availability in particular can raise the market value lastingly. Anyone who invests in silver figurines secures not only material value – but also, always, an exclusive piece of art history. That is what makes figurines in real silver so special.

How the value of silver figurines develops

Silver figurines develop their value on two levels: the precious metal and their artistic significance. Fluctuations in the silver price affect the material value directly. The average return on silver over the last 20 years was 7.2% per year.

In economically uncertain times in particular, silver gains in importance. Over the long term it offers a stable basis of value, thanks also to steady industrial demand, which prevents a collapse in value.

In addition, the collector value unfolds through artistic quality, limited editions and how well known the artist is. Particularly sought-after motifs or rare editions achieve markedly rising prices.

How I choose the artists for our silver figurines

The choice of artists at BullionArt follows no fixed scheme but my intuition and my enthusiasm for strong work. An artist often approaches me directly. If the idea and the style convince me, a collaboration between equals grows out of it.

Sometimes I discover sculptures at art fairs or on studio visits, as with Susanne Kraißer or Pierre-Paul Maillè. I also regularly get to know talented people through our foundry, such as Max Verhas or Tomas Medek.

Occasionally I come across impressive work online, as with the Minotaurus by Ralf Kleine. And not infrequently I develop a motif that proves itself in the market – the bull, the bear or the gorilla, say – and specifically commission artists to realise it.

All these routes have one thing in common: I pay consistent attention to craft quality and artistic expressiveness. Only works that convince in their execution as well as in their idea find their way into our programme.

Which figurines are there at BullionArt?

For me the variety of silver figurines at BullionArt is a central mark of quality. We offer a broad selection of sculptures. For collectors and art lovers, almost every style is therefore represented. A few examples from our gallery programme show the range:

◆ Hermaphrodit by Tomas Medek – a solid silver casting from 2023

◆ Silverback by Tilmann Krumrey – a powerful hollow silver casting, also from 2023

◆ Enigma by Reinhard Fescharek – mysterious and rich in detail, made in 2021

◆ Rolling Spiral by Maximilian Verhas – an abstract form in fine silver, created in 2016

If you are interested, you can see the figurines in real silver for yourself in the art catalogue.

What do our figurines in real silver cost?

The pricing of our silver figurines is guided by the current market value of fine silver (999). As the silver price fluctuates from day to day, all prices given on the website are to be understood as non-binding guide values.

I consider this transparency essential: it keeps every sculpture fairly costed, adjusted to the actual material value. At the same time the prices take account of the artistic ambition, the limited edition and the handcrafted production.

A brief enquiry is enough for a concrete quotation. I will then tell you the current selling price and am happy to answer any open questions. This makes for an individual buying process: personal, transparent and without hidden costs.

How our silver figurines are made

The making of our sculptures begins with a craft model – usually in clay or another mouldable material. A silicone mould is created from it that reproduces the original exactly. Liquid wax is poured into this mould and, once cooled, forms the wax model.

This wax model is then embedded in a fire-resistant compound. On heating, the wax melts out and leaves a hollow mould, the so-called lost-wax process. Molten fine silver (999) is then poured into this cavity.

Fine silver is technically demanding: it requires an exact casting temperature and a low-oxygen environment in order to avoid what are known as cavities, that is internal voids. Only with experience and precise control does a flawless sculpture emerge from it.

After solidifying, the mould is broken open and the work exposed. Then comes the finishing: burrs are removed, surfaces polished or patinated. Every figurine finally receives a number and a fine silver stamp.

That is how a silver bar becomes an exclusive art object at BullionArt, purely by hand and with technical know-how.

Storing and caring for our silver figurines

Silver figurines by BullionArt are not only valuable collector’s pieces but also aesthetic objects for decoration. My feeling is that they do not belong in a safe but should be seen. Many customers place their sculptures where they are clearly visible – on sideboards, in display cabinets and more.

As for care, silver is a living material. It reacts to sulphur particles in the air and tarnishes over time, which is entirely normal.

With our sculptures we distinguish two kinds:

Dark figurines have been deliberately blackened, for instance in a liver of sulphur bath. They need no additional care.

Light figurines are waxed in order to delay tarnishing. A slight yellow sheen can be removed with a soft cloth. With stronger oxidation, a silver care cloth or a special silver polish helps.

Anyone who likes the natural ageing process can also let the patina develop. Some collectors deliberately prefer the darker look – it emphasises the depth and structure of the form. Ultimately it is a question of personal style.

Where can you buy silver figurines by BullionArt?

Silver figurines by BullionArt can be acquired in several ways – straightforwardly and personally. Direct contact is particularly important to me.

The easiest way to reach me is by telephone on 089 / 33 55 01 or through the contact form on our website. Let me know which sculpture you are interested in. I will then send you an individual quotation with the current price.

Once you agree, you will receive a purchase confirmation or invoice. After payment is received I send the sculpture.

We are also regularly represented at precious metal and art fairs. You will find an overview of all the dates here.

If you would like to see a particular object there, please let me know briefly in advance so that I have the piece you want with me on site.

Are figurines in silver suitable as a gift?

In my view silver figurines are a special form of giving, far more so than other decorative objects.

Anyone who gives a sculpture hands over not only a work of art but also a piece of precious metal. This combination makes silver figurines extraordinary presents – for anniversaries, special life events or as a lasting memento.

Dispatch & delivery: how are the silver figurines sent?

I send every silver figurine within Germany as an insured valuables parcel. Anyone who wishes can also collect their sculpture from me in person by arrangement.

It matters to me that every delivery is reliable, secure and transparent. I accompany every step personally, from the enquiry to handing over the sculpture. So that our figurines in real silver reach you safe and sound.