Characteristics and features of the choice of silver cutlery

At all times, silver cutlery was appreciated not only as an attribute of luxury living, but also as a spectacular, beautiful way of serving. Today, silver tableware is once again becoming popular. Even a small serving item made of this metal gives the table aristocracy and grace.

Dishes from this noble metal began to spread in our country only in the 18th century, and the first imperial service was made for Tsar Peter the Great in 1711. After this event, silver becomes an indispensable element of serving rich houses. The services consisted of many items: vases, caviar, samovars, trays, forks, spoons, plates. But services for a certain number of persons (6, 12) were valued higher. From silver, sets were created for tea, dining, coffee, and wine purposes.

It was silver tableware that eventually acquired the status of a family one and was passed on to descendants. In the same century, the tradition of giving a silver spoon to a baby was born. A dessert spoon was given to the young gymnasium student upon admission; at the end of the gymnasium, a canteen. Noble families collected silver, its quantity determined the status. Over time, silverware became increasingly valuable. If the family fell into a difficult situation, they tried not to sell table silver.

In the Middle Ages and later, dishes were made of pure metal, but now they are made of silver 925 or 800. This digital sign shows the percentage of pure silver in the alloy. Modern serving rarely includes samovars or silver trays, but spoons, knives, forks are acquired quite often. Cutlery is created according to the sketches on the stamping type equipment. First, silver is rolled out to the desired thickness and perfectly smooth surface. Then the serving items are stamped with a press, at this stage the planned ornament appears.

Today it is rare to find glasses and plates of silver in a home serving. Production is somewhat different from pre-revolutionary, such diversity, as before, is not in demand in modern life. The most common cup holders, forks, spoons, knives, baby kits. Only occasionally does a family sideboard decorate a coffee pot or teapot made of silver. In any case, the presence of a set of such dishes is considered refined, status emphasizes the taste of the hostess. Therefore, as a gift, silverware is in great demand. If you want to present a truly valuable and original gift to a young family, for a housewarming party or an anniversary - you can safely consider this option.

For weddings and anniversaries, most often choose sets of a large number of devices, for 10 or 12 people, for housewarming, you can limit yourself to a set of 4 - 6 people. Separately, you can select a set for 1 person, that is, a child. This is the only old tradition that has become established in the modern way - to give the baby a silver spoon for a tooth. If you do not know how to please a young mother, give a set of silver dishes for first use. As a rule, it consists of a baby spoon, fork and knife. Now many manufacturers create real works of art with cartoon characters, animals and birds that attract kids.

Silverware has many advantages. Among the main advantages:

• aesthetics, spectacular appearance of serving, to have such dishes means to have a good taste;
• status, the ability to create traditions of the transfer of dishes by inheritance;
• long service life, especially with proper care;
• silver has many properties that have a beneficial effect on the human body, perfectly cleans water;
• practicality, do not put away the devices in the far box, the more often they use silver spoons and forks, the better;
• reliable investment of money, this ware will not break and is not deformed.

As for the shortcomings, here the most significant is the cost of the set. This valuable acquisition far exceeds the cost of nickel silver or stainless steel products.

The first purchase is the most responsible, you can’t buy such things in unverified places, especially when it comes to antiques. When choosing silverware, pay attention to the following nuances.

• Try. This is the most important criterion for choosing silver utensils, so before you buy, evaluate what metal sample was used in the manufacture. Of course, the lower the sample, the less high-quality devices. The price depends on this, the higher the test, the higher the silver content, the more expensive the product. It is recommended to use cutlery of 925 samples and above when serving, if the sample is lower, it means a souvenir plan product.
• Ornament, carving. Another criterion of value is the presence of engraving, pattern, drawings on metal. The more of them, the more serious the labor invested and the product is more expensive.
• Uniqueness. Determines the prices and exclusivity of dishes, the most expensive is the author's. Everyone is pleased to have a device that no one else has. Products of industrial mass production are cheaper, as they are made in a batch. But this does not mean that the quality of such dishes is worse.
• Antiques. The most expensive view, the purchase of which is very difficult if you do not have special experience. A written examination must be attached to the product.Evaluate the product for damage, as time is merciless, scratches and dents can be present. Remember that restoration work is very expensive, which can ruin a thing.
• The stigma. This is not only a test, but also authorship, the name of the manufacturer, a trademark. From this sign, you can calculate the time of manufacture, the authenticity of an antique thing. However, an additional assessment should be carried out beforehand, as the mark may be false.

In order for dishes to please you and your household with their aesthetic appearance, it must be properly looked after.

• Store it in a cool place in a box or case, in cases. Such measures will not allow dust to settle, affect the metal temperature, and other external manifestations.
• It is necessary to keep table silver separately from other products. Remember that silver is quite vulnerable and easily damaged.
• For the same reason, the devices should not touch each other during storage. Choosing such a gift, make a choice in favor of sets with covers and cases, this will provide ease of storage.
• You should not keep silver in the packaging of cardboard or paper. Also avoid silk and viscose fabrics, otherwise the silver will darken.
• Using hand cream and other cosmetic products may leave stains on silver.
• Use silverware for serving, not cooking. For example, a knife made of this metal is not suitable for cutting meat.
• If the product has enamel, it is necessary to handle such devices very carefully - it is very fragile. Enough to drop on the floor to damage the enamel.
• Do not bother with silver spoons viscous products, such as honey.
• Washing silver dishes is not difficult, but only by hand, the dishwasher is not useful to you here.
• Wash dishes made of this metal immediately after use with any detergent. Then it should be wiped dry and put into covers.
• If you notice a slight plaque - it's time to clean the silver, polish, do not wait until it is completely darkened. In this case, cleaning does not require much time and serious effort.
• Dust is removed from the instruments with a soft cloth. In no case should it scratch the product.
• They polish silver, as if stroking, in a circle, using special tools. You need to do this regularly.

Despite proper care, silverware may darken. Cleaning can help restore your dull appearance. It is carried out using various means. You can buy the appropriate product in a jewelry store, where they also buy special fabrics for polishing: felt, velvet, suede.

In the next video, you will find silver purification at home.