How to Buy Sterling Silverware

Sterling silverware requires high maintenance.

Purchasing sterling silverware is an investment, like fine jewelry. It usually is around six times as expensive as stainless steel flatware. Due to its value, sterling silverware frequently is a prized family heirloom passed down through generations.

Assessing the Quality

To qualify officially as sterling silverware, the pieces must be 92.5% pure silver. Since pure silver is so pliable, copper is added to give the alloy sufficient strength to be practical. Beware of flatware heavily plated with silver marketed as sterling silver.

Place Settings & Quantities

Place settings consist of four or five utensils. Five-piece settings have a place knife, place fork, place spoon (tablespoon), salad fork and soup spoon (teaspoon). Four-piece place settings eliminate either the salad fork or second spoon. Many manufacturers sell four-piece starter place settings.

Considerations

In addition to high cost, sterling silverware is high maintenance. It cannot withstand dishwasher cleaning and requires washing in mild soapy water. The pieces tarnish and must be polished regularly. Patterned or ornate silverware is tedious to polish. To prevent quick tarnishing, the silver must be stored in a dry place in a protective box.

References

• Docs.Homeclick: How to Buy Sterling Silverware