Everything about table silver

Silverware has always been held in high esteem. Kitchen products and accessories for the interior were of great value and were considered an indicator of the wealth of the family. Silverware was inherited and equated with a heirloom. The best craftsmen custom-made silver cutlery, decorating them with patterns and engraving. Serving the table with silver appliances or utensils before the guests arrived, they were shown special respect.

Tableware made of silver is still popular today.. Especially in demand tea sets, cutlery, samovars and teapots. Silver has beneficial properties that are reflected in drinks or food. For example, if you stir the tea with a spoonful of silver, then this will give a special taste to the water and clean it of impurities.

Purchasing dishes made of silver, It is important to remember its thermal conductivity. On the handle of the kettle must be an insert of wood or bone. A piece of porcelain should be present on the coffee set. Without such insulators, the use of dishes will become simply impossible. Spoons of silver are usually made all the same without inserts, so you should use it in the first minutes, then just remove it from a hot drink. Cup holders made of silver are also popular. Today they are more often used as gifts or collectibles, and not for its intended purpose.

A metal sample and marking indicates the amount of impurities contained in the alloy.At different times, masters around the world used their systems, but the goal remained the same - to show the quality of the product. It is possible, but not practical, to make jewelry and accessories from pure silver. Therefore, as an alloying material is often used copper, platinum. These impurities least affect the color of the product, they also add strength to it. In recent years, impurities in alloys still protect against the appearance of scale.

• 800 sample. This marks the alloy in which copper is contained in an amount of 20%. Despite the high content of the ligature, the appearance of the products retains its luster, they are durable. However, products from this sample acquire a yellowish tint. Most often, cutlery and souvenirs are made from it. In the past, such an alloy was often used by craftsmen in Germany and Italy.

• 830 test. This sample is not much different from 800, so it is not presented in the international classification.

• 875 sample. Products from this metal are less oxidized, easy to clean and do not lose their appearance for longer. In the past, this test was very popular, so many antiques that manufacturers did in Russia have survived to our time. Services were made from this sample for the royal family. They branded it with numbers 84, such a system was used until 1927. Today, such products are real antiques. In the USSR, this alloy was one of the most popular. Virtually all silver products were made from it.

• 925 test. One of the most common alloys. Often it is called sterling. This ancient term originated in England, where merchants used silver coins for calculation. Over time, their name changed to pounds sterling. The first mention of sterling silver coins is found in records of the XI century. The old document states that the precious metal content should be at least 92.5%. At that time, marking was made not by numbers, but by the figure of a lion. The material is easy to process, retains color, oxidation occurs much more slowly than other alloys.

• 960 sample. No dishes are made from silver of this sample, since the metal is too soft. But jewelry requiring detailed handmade work looks great, for example, this test can be found in Faberge products. Rings, chains and earrings do not actually oxidize, which means that they do not lose their luster and lend themselves well to polishing.

• 999 sample. Silver containing a minimal amount of impurities. Usually used for bank bullion, collection coins or in the finest coatings.

Silver dishes and services in Russia gained popularity in the 18th century. At first they were made from 999 samples, such silver is considered pure, without impurities. Such services showed the wealth of the family and often went as a dowry. Silverware is different from jewelry. Today, dinner sets are made from 925 or 800 samples.

Production technology - stamping and art casting. The most common method is stamping. Used in mass production, which makes products identical. Patterns on metal are stamped with a press. Stamping also makes the surface perfectly smooth, this is due to the rolling of silver through the press to the required thickness. Art casting used in the production of individual goods. The basis of this method is manual labor.

In the manufacture of products can combine both technologiesFor example, the base of a spoon or a knife plate is made by stamping, and the handle on which the pattern is applied using art casting. The main method of making jewelry is casting. This method is used in mass production. A “herringbone” is made of silver, from which the necessary elements of decoration are then separated, assembled together and give the product a presentation.

In addition to the cleaning properties, silver utensils also have ability to enrich water and food with silver ions. They help speed up blood circulation and metabolism. Another advantage of such utensils for dining purposes is the prevention of diathesis and getting rid of allergic reactions. Dishes made of this material have other advantages:

• reliability and impact resistance;
• environmentally friendly;
• unpretentious in leaving;
• aesthetically attractive;
• fully preserves the taste and aroma of foods and drinks;
• pleasant to the touch.

The disadvantages of using dishes made of noble material are few, but they are still present:

• frequent use of pure water from silver dishes can lead to an excess of silver ions in the body;
• silver dishes must be washed only by hand, with warm water;
• silver tends to fade over time;
• dependent on fluid temperature.

Silver is a very whimsical metal. It has the ability to bend, scratches and cracks may appear on it. In addition, this metal has the property of oxidation under the influence of household products, hydrogen sulfide in the air and other factors. Silver items lose their original appearance over time, fade and may even change color. In order to prevent the darkening of silver objects, it is important to observe several rules:

• silverware cannot be stored with chemicals containing chemicals;
• eliminate pollution, avoiding the appearance of spots and stains;
• from silver dishes you can not drink juices and other liquids with high acidity;
• Do not use silver to take medicine;
• silverware cannot be washed in a dishwasher.

There are several ways to get rid of the dull color of silver and give it its original appearance at home. The most effective remedies are special jewelry creams and pastes. They cope well with local pollution. Larger dark spots are handled. special solutions into which silverware is lowered and then wiped with a soft cloth. Such a liquid can be purchased at any jewelry store. Sold there suede or microfiber clothsthat betray silver by gently polishing the surface.

Home remedies can also clean silver. Need to breed warm soap solution, soak silver in it for 10-15 minutes, and then rub the product with a cotton swab.Silver products should not be used immediately after cleaning, it can darken faster, it is better to start using it after 1-2 days.

It is not so difficult to properly store silver, following the recommendations, it is possible to extend the period of its use and maintain an excellent appearance. Avoid scratches and small cracks. Cases with soft fabric or velvet lining. Important do not bandage silverware with rubber bands or other similar objectsthey may leave ugly marks on appliances.

Silver need keep dry, in a dark place, avoiding direct sunlight, it is sensitive to temperature extremes. Avoid long direct contact with paper products, since paper contains sulfur, which provokes oxidation.

And if silverware stands as a decoration, then care for it will be rare, gradually silver is oxidized.

An overview of silverware, see the next video.