Silver cutlery has been associated with wealth and aristocracy for centuries. In fact, the more silver one owned, the higher his or her status. During the Late Middle Ages and for much of the Early Modern period, possession of silver was controlled by sumptuary laws. A rich family would often have a full set of silver for every meal. Unlike other precious metals, silver doesn’t corrode or break down with repeated use and has a very long lifespan. Silver flatware is also durable and can withstand heavy usage. Silver has antibacterial properties which make it an excellent material to be used as eating utensils. Silver also has a high aesthetic value and is a beautiful addition to any table.
When it comes to flatware, there are a lot of different types of silver available, from solid sterling to silver-plated. Silver-plated flatware has a thin coating of silver over a base metal such as stainless steel or brass. Silver-plated items are typically less expensive than their solid sterling counterparts and have a similar look and feel.
Solid silver has a higher resale value than silver-plated pieces, but both can be valuable to collectors. Solid silver flatware can be easily appraised by looking for a maker’s mark, which identifies the initials of a specific silversmith. There are also websites that can help identify hallmarks and determine if a piece is genuine. It is important to avoid silver tarnishing because this can reduce its resale value. Silver metal should be kept in a dry environment and stored away from other materials. Some silver enthusiasts even invest in boxes with tightly fitting lids that prevent air from contacting the metal. סכו״ם מכסף