Sterling Silver Flatware Makes a Perfect Wedding Gift

As an enduring wedding gift, sterling silver flatware for the table is the bride's first choice. The quality of sterling outlasts any ordinary wedding gift. The home will become the heart of the new couple, and the dining table is the center of family celebrations for another generation. Every married couple takes pride in setting a beautiful table with sterling flatware, crisp linens, fine china, and elegant crystal. Nothing is more welcoming than sterling silver flatware gleaming in the candlelight.

Sterling silver flatware, the traditional wedding gift for the new couple, reflects your good taste. Not everyone can afford a table service of real sterling flatware, and it is the lucky hostess who owns it. After the nineteenth century, electroplated nickel silver (EPNS) was a cheap substitute with no value as silver. Today most everyday cutlery is made from stainless steel.

The Value of Sterling Silver Flatware

Sterling silver flatware is an investment that can appreciate over time. Sterling silver contains 92.5% silver with 7.5% of copper or other metals. As the price of silver increases, so does the value of the sterling flatware. But the worth of sterling silver flatware far exceeds its "melt value." Older sets of sterling silver flatware are valuable antiques sought after by collectors. They become heirlooms passed on from generation to generation.

Famous Silvermakers

Famous silvermakers are Gorham, Reed & Barton, Towle, Wallace, Christofle, Towle, Wedgwood, International Silver Company, Kirk-Steieff, Oneida Ltd., Saart Bros., and Tiffany & Co. American silvermakers generally manufacture sterling silver flatware in the USA. The basic place setting of sterling flatware includes 4 pieces: Teaspoons, Salad Fork, Place Knife, and Place Fork. You can add to the setting anytime with additional place settings and service pieces.

Popular Sterling Silver Flatware Patterns

• Gorham Fairfax. This sterling silver flatware pattern was originally introduced in 1910. Its classic simplicity, clean lines, crisp borders and angled tips reflect the Sheraton style. This flatware pattern is still as timely and popular as a wedding gift now as ever. It complements any style of decor from casual to formal, traditional to contemporary. The classic simplicity of this striking pattern offers the eloquence of clean lines enhanced with a highly polished finish. Gorham is an important name among silvermakers.
• Gorham Chantilly. This sterling silver flatware pattern was first introduced in 1895, and its popularity endures today. The design is a graceful cascade of deeply carved borders with a delicate fleur de lis. The raised center panel can display a family monogram. Gorham Chantilly accents both traditional and formal tables.
• Reed & Barton Francis I Sterling Silver Flatware pattern. Reed & Barton has been a famous silvermaker since 1824, known for flawless craftsmanship and quality. The Francis I pattern, with its entwined fleur-de-lis, scrollwork, beading and stylized fruit clusters, is one of the most collectible sterling silver patterns in the world. The company extends a 100-year warranty with each piece.
• There are other well-known sterling silver flatware patterns: Towle Grande Duchess, Lunt Bel Chateau, Wallace Romance of the Sea, and Wallace Italian Sterling Barocco. Choose your favorite pattern and begin a new family tradition.

Care of Sterling Silver Flatware Wedding Gift

Care of your sterling silver flatware is not difficult. Sterling silver is actually dishwasher safe, as long as you don't use the dry cycle. You can also wash sterling with a mild detergent and dry it with a soft cloth.

Amazon offers a selection of popular sterling silver flatware. Here is your link to them. It is my Amazon affiliate link, and yes, I receive a small commission when you buy.
Sterling Silver Flatware

I wish you a happy day full of romance and memories as you plan your wedding.

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Sterling Silver Flatware Wedding Gift