Hermes Sterling Flatware
Late 20th Century More Silver, Flatware and Silverplate
Sterling Silver
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21st Century and Contemporary Choker Necklaces
Diamond, Yellow Diamond
1990s Beaded Necklaces
South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century American Artist Brooches
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1950s American More Jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Drop Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald
20th Century French Contemporary Engagement Rings
Yellow Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags
21st Century and Contemporary Choker Necklaces
Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Diamond, Tourmaline, Paraiba, Gold, 18k Gold
1990s French Jackets
1980s French Top Handle Bags
2010s North American Contemporary Fashion Rings
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Drop Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Choker Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Pendant Necklaces
Platinum
2010s American Engagement Rings
Diamond, Pink Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s Italian Modern Chain Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Recent Sales
Antique 1880s French Empire Dinnerware and Flatware Sets
Sterling Silver
20th Century French Edwardian Platters and Trays
Sterling Silver
Late 20th Century More Silver, Flatware and Silverplate
Sterling Silver
Vintage 1960s French More Silver, Flatware and Silverplate
Sterling Silver
Late 20th Century More Silver, Flatware and Silverplate
Sterling Silver
Late 20th Century More Silver, Flatware and Silverplate
Sterling Silver
Late 20th Century More Silver, Flatware and Silverplate
Sterling Silver
Late 20th Century More Silver, Flatware and Silverplate
Sterling Silver
Late 20th Century More Silver, Flatware and Silverplate
Sterling Silver
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Barware
Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Dinnerware and Flatware Sets
Sterling Silver
Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Dinnerware and Flatware Sets
Sterling Silver
French Dinnerware and Flatware Sets
Early 20th Century French Edwardian Jewelry & Watches
Sterling Silver
Early 20th Century French Edwardian Jewelry & Watches
Sterling Silver
20th Century French Jewelry & Watches
Sterling Silver
Finding the Right Silver, Flatware and Silverplate for You
While early utensils were often shaped from clay, wood or bone, silversmiths later crafted flatware from precious metal. In the 19th century, mass production of electroplated flatware made silver utensils accessible to the middle class. Now, antique and vintage silver, flatware and silver-plate objects for dining and the home are heritage pieces reflecting this history of design.
Silver spoons were so prized in 15th-century England that people would travel with the valuable utensils. Forks in the 17th century were frequently made with steel and likewise only available to the upper class. Silver flatware continued to be produced in small workshops in the 18th century and was a luxury reserved for the elite. When George I came to the throne in 1714, the silver dining service — including plates, dishes, soup tureens, chargers and sauceboats — became all-important.
Innovative manufacturing techniques such as the electroplating process in the 19th century would transform silversmithing with industrialization. Sheffield plate was used from 1750 to 1880 and involved a fusion method to fabricate everything from knife handles to serveware. French industrial chemist Henri de Ruolz discovered a gilding and silver-plating process for metals in 1841, with the silver-like results so celebrated that Napoleon III ordered a 3,000-piece flatware set. The expansion of table service in the Victorian era also led to an increasing number of flatware and serving pieces in a canteen, or cutlery chest, all with specific uses, from toast forks to butter picks.
While affordable metal flatware is widely available today, historic brands including Gorham Manufacturing Company — whose legendary contribution to the history of silver making started in 1831 — and Christofle continue the tradition of silver and silver-plate flatware.
Browse 1stDibs for both antique and contemporary silver, flatware and silver-plate objects in a range of elegant designs to enhance your dining table.