The Importance of Silver Flatware and the Ways of Preservation

Silver is one of the expensive metals used by the humans, it has become a passion and interest and more than anything else a way for wealthy people to show off by using Silver flatware.
Take for example the dinner hosted by people belonging to the rich and the higher classes, most of these parties comprises of cutlery made of Silver flatware. It is a classic example to show off their wealth to the guests and the position of the host.
Since Victorian era, silver flatware was used as cutleries and there were silversmiths who made excellent silver flatwares. However silver is too flat of a tool to be used on its own as its mixed with copper to give the required strength . There is federal law to have 92.5% silver in all the silver flatwares which use the word “sterling”.
There are a variety of silver flatwares which can be considered as collectors items and everyone who is well to do in a society maintain collection of silver flatware, as this is one of the most expensive things which could be used as a collectors item and can be passed on to generations .
Another interesting fact about silver flatware is that it has very unique and ornate designs. Interestingly it cannot be reproduced in stainless steel.
There is a question posed by several people as to whether the silver flatwares could be washed . The answer is, yes it can be washed, but preferably by hand. It is not a problem to wash silver flatwares using dishwasher but continuous use results in the loss of its glow and shine. Another advise is not to wash the sterling flatware and stainless steel together .
As silver flatwares are passed on to further generations, methods have to be employed to have it retain its glow and shine over the years. The thumb rule is to use it regularly and to store it in tarnish resistant flatware chest. If it is stored this way then it can be polished once in two years only. It has also not to be wrapped in paper, rubber or plastic material as it looses it natural glow .
Silverwares get tarnished easily on using foods which contain sulfide and salt which should be rinsed off immediately after use. Basically the advise is to use it regularly so that nothing happens to the silverware. Otherwise spots will form which results in the material loosing its fine appearance .
Prices charged for sterling silver flatwares by retailers and wholesalers is high. Not surprising given that silver is a precious metal and one not available in abundant quantities. Like other metals such as gold, there is a high demand for materials made from silver including the silver flatware. But, however, it has to be said silver is a material that is very pleasing to the eye and is a metal that is likely to continue to rise in price. Given these two reasons flatware made form silver are excellent items to purchase.