Archive for July, 2008

Tips for Cleaning Your Sterling Silver Flatware

Dull or dirty-looking sterling silver flatware can make even the most appetizing meal seem unappealing. While normal washing renders silverware mostly clean, however, stubborn dirt and grease may remain even after a cycle in the dishwasher which is not recommended. Over time water and detergent deposits may accumulate on your forks, knives, and spoons, and your silverware may lose its shine and appear dirty even when it is not. Here's how to bring back your silverware's luster to make it look brand new.

How You Should Clean Your Sterling Silver Flatware

Silver should be cleaned immediately after use, especially after contact with food that may cause corrosion or contain acids such as eggs, tomatoes, mayonnaise or salt. Wash in hot soapy water using a mild soap and rinse in clean hot water. Dry immediately to avoid spotting. Avoid lemon scented detergents and those containing chloride. They can be harmful to the silver.

Do not soak your silver overnight. Prolonged immersion in water may damage the metal. Washing in a dishwasher is not recommended, as the extreme temperatures may loosen hollow-handled pieces. If you do use a dishwasher, remove the pieces before the drying cycle.

How should I store my sterling silver flatware?

Your silver should be stored in an airtight silverware chest, in Tupperware, or in bags made of tarnish resistant cloth as exposure to air will accelerate tarnishing. Storing loose in drawers will cause scratching, and some woods contain acids that will stain the silver. Keep silver away from dampness and direct sunlight. Do not wrap in plastic, newspaper or foil or bind with rubber bands.

What is the best way to polish my sterling silver?

Polish with a soft cloth with any brand name silver polish, following directions. Dips are not recommended; they will remove the oxidation from intricate designs in the patterns. Never use toothpaste.

The universal fineness mark for sterling silver is ".925" which is stamped inside the item for identification as sterling silver. Sterling silver is a beautiful metal that will last for generations with proper care.

What causes sterling silver flatware to tarnish?

Tarnish is usually caused by the contact of the sterling silver to gasses in the air and food particles.

Many people are concerned about their sterling silver tarnishing, but if you use it every day, it will actually tarnish less. Frequent use removes the need for polishing. Over time, your sterling items will develop a warm, rich tone called a "patina". A slightly darker shading (oxidation) in the design will develop and enhance the definition of the pattern.

Caring for your flatware will take some work but it is well worth it since you have paid so much for it and its value will increase overtime should it remain in excellent condition.

The Sterling Silver Flatware is an online store with hundreds of different Sterling Silver Flatware at discounted price.

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Posted by Roberta on July 17th, 2008 No Comments

Sterling Silver Flatware: The History and Tradition

Sterling silver flatware has a long tradition of use as an integral part of any table setting. Today, most meals at home are accompanied by stainless steel flatware. But, still the tried and true sterling silver is brought out for special occasions, holidays and more formal get togethers. Under any circumstances, you can't really make a mistake in choosing silver flatware for wedding gifts, showers, anniversaries and other events. For a better understanding of the history and tradition behind sterling silver, take a little time to read the following interesting article we came across.

The Silver Heritage

As a woman from the south, I have a heritage that many fail to understand. I am not spoiled, and I am not rich. But I do own a great deal of silver flatware and curios. In many households since Colonial times, and even before, silver flatware has simply been a way of life, and as essential to a home as linen table clothes and bone china.

Yes, these things come with a price tag, but I didn't actually purchase them myself. Sterling silver, along with the other traditional trappings, is the primary gift given at weddings, showers, and christenings. Towels might be a more practical gift, but you can't argue with the beauty, style and investment of fine sterling silver utensils and serving ware.

The History

Silver flatware has had a long history of use in the United States and around the world. Beginning before the Civil War it was simply the accepted set of utensils of middle and upper class homes. Flatware sets contained dozens or even hundreds of pieces. There were basic utensils, elaborate utensils, serving utensils, platters, trays, bowls, tea sets and much more.

This heavy use of silver flatware and accompanying pieces continued through the decades until around the 1940s. But it didn't die out completely although it did diminish to some degree. Families that had the tradition and means continued to collect and gift sterling silver. Other held on to the silver they already owned as a family heirloom. Not only did the collection of silver continue seventy years ago, it is still alive and well today.

The Uses

There are many uses for silver table settings. Obviously flatware is used for meals, but the meaning and ceremony behind its use is most significant. Silverware might have been used for every meal a century ago, but today it is only pulled out, polished and laid out for the most important meals. Using silver takes a great deal of work as the pieces must be polished to remove tarnish and each item must be washed carefully by hand.

Silver serving platters and trays are used for these same special occasions, and are also often displayed in dining rooms and china cabinets. Cake cutters and servers are popular gifts at weddings where they are often engraved with the initials or names of the bride and groom along with their wedding date. Finally, some of the more unusual pieces find their way to curio cabinets or display nooks. Demitasse spoons are just one example of silver flatware being used in collections and for display.

The Traditions

Like the cake knife and server, there are many traditions involving silver. The largest, at least in my neck of the woods, is the selection of your pattern. When a girl becomes engaged, she with her fiancé, or more likely with her mother, select a china pattern, linens and other items for the new home. They also register for the silver flatware, but there is often no need for selection.

The basic patterns of silver flatware have been in use for decades if not centuries. Most girls (or boys, in our modern age) select the same pattern as her mother or grandmother. This ensures that when the silver flatware passes through the family as the heirloom it is, all of the pieces will coordinate and the collection will continue to grow in tradition and value.

Discover more information on silver and other items of interest, including silver coins, visit Silver.Biz

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Posted by Roberta on July 3rd, 2008 1 Comment

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