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Sterling Silver
Flatware
by Alanna Flanagan
reprinted from
ArticleInsider.com |
Sterling silver flatware, a symbol of endurance, wealth, and value,
is not only one of the most refined ways to decorate your table, but
also one of the most honored traditions in culinary edification. As
the human race evolved from eating for survival to eating for
pleasure, so did the spectrum of flatware. Ranging from the
prehistoric era of shells and horns fashioned into spoons to our
modern day shellfish fork adorned with precious gems, cutlery
represents a thread that connects many cultures and ages.
The History of
Sterling Silver Flatware
The premiere usage of silver flatware was among the nobility of
Europe around the eleventh century with the introduction of the
fork. At this time, spoons and knives were already employed. Used as
a means to keep fingers clean, manage portions, and display wealth,
cutlery was slow to gain acceptance from the common crowd who could
neither afford it nor accept its practice. However, once it became
apparent that those using cutlery were healthier and wealthier,
flatware, especially that of the sterling silver variety, became a
sought-after necessity.
Earlier methods of forging flatware
from metals like steel resulted in a foul taste as residue from the
flatware material infected the food. As silver mining flourished in
the New World during the 16th century, using silver became the
preferred method. Too soft on its own, pure silver was alloyed with
other metals like copper to create sterling silver which is at least
92.5% pure silver and 7.5% of another material.
Without a discernible taste, as well
as beautiful, sterling silver flatware appears to have antibacterial
properties. The idea of being born with a silver spoon in one's
mouth speaks to the notion of health as much as it does to wealth.
Babies fed from silver spoons were often healthier than those fed
from spoons of another material.
Value of Sterling Silver Flatware
It is no wonder that sterling silver flatware runs hand-in-hand with
wedding and anniversary gifts. Silver is not only beautiful in its
ability to reflect light, but also one of the most durable metals,
resistant to corrosion and nearly indestructible. Sterling silver
flatware embodies the elements of a perfect marriage in its
reflection of beauty and light, the strength of endurance and its
increase in worth with every passing year. It is an investment in
the same vein as all good marriages and its value only multiplies
with every generation.
Finding the Perfect Sterling
Silver Flatware
While there are many patterns of silver on the market, several
silversmiths stand out in quality, craftsmanship, and artistry. When
selecting sterling silver flatware, it is important to admire the
pattern as well as understand the history of the silversmiths.
Choosing a reputable silversmith ensures that you are pleased with
your selection throughout your life.
It is not necessary to purchase
directly from the silver manufacturer, yet it is important to
research the vendor. Better vendors guarantee low prices and will
often provide helpful hints on how to care for your silver and
increase your investment. The staff should be informative and
helpful with several decades of experience, easily explaining items
such as the differences between place, dinner, and continental sets.
While variations exist like place
set, dinner set and continental set sizes, their elegance and
utility transcend their distinctions and allow for both creativity
and function. Health, love, marriage, pleasure, and sustenance are
universal themes that transcend language boundaries and find common
expression in silverware. It is easy to understand why antique
collectors, silversmiths, and the everyday purveyor of fineries have
a love affair with sterling silver flatware.
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