Bird Salt And Pepper
20th Century Flatware and Serving Pieces
Sterling Silver
20th Century Flatware and Serving Pieces
Sterling Silver
Early 20th Century American Edwardian Dinnerware and Flatware Sets
Gold Plate, Gilt Metal, Sterling Silver
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1990s French Clip-on Earrings
Gilt Metal
Mid-20th Century Unknown Cufflinks
Star Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Drop Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique 1880s Link Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Vintage 1960s American More Necklaces
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Vintage 1950s Renaissance Revival Choker Necklaces
Diamond, 18k Gold
20th Century American Contemporary Brooches
Yellow Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary French Top Handle Bags
1980s French Maxi Dress
2010s American Solitaire Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Mid-20th Century American Clip-on Earrings
Gold Plate
Vintage 1960s Unknown Dome Rings
Pinchbeck, Sterling Silver
Late 20th Century Japanese Coats
Mid-20th Century German Modern Cufflinks
Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Beaded Necklaces
Vintage 1940s Mexican Modernist Brooches
Amethyst, Silver
Recent Sales
20th Century Flatware and Serving Pieces
Silver
20th Century More Silver, Flatware and Silverplate
Sterling Silver
Antique 19th Century British Victorian Flatware and Serving Pieces
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.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021In the United States, salt shakers have fewer holes than a pepper shaker. In many European countries, however, pepper shakers have more holes than salt shakers.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, salt and pepper diamonds are real. They are a variation of the precious gemstone that has a speckled gray appearance. The unique variations of color are due to inclusions present in the diamond as it forms. You'll find a selection of salt and pepper diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The most common way to check salt and pepper shakers to see if they are vintage is to look on the bottoms to find a manufacturer’s mark. Most vintage shakers were crafted in the USA or Japan. The best way to verify the age of your shakers is to have a professional examine them. Shop a collection of expertly vetted vintage salt and pepper shakers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023Yes, salt and pepper diamonds can be good for engagement rings. Many people find the unique coloration of the gemstones to be visually appealing and appreciate them as an alternative to classic white diamonds. Although the inclusions that give salt and pepper diamonds their speckled appearance slightly weaken them, the gemstones are still strong enough to hold up to the effects of daily wear. On 1stDibs, explore a collection of salt and pepper diamond engagement rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To clean sterling silver salt and pepper shakers, remove the stoppers and empty the vessels completely. Then, wash the shakers by hand using warm water, mild dish soap and a soft cloth. Rinse with warm water, and then dry with a soft towel. Remove tarnishing with a low-abrasive cleaning product designed specifically for silver. Find a selection of antique and vintage salt and pepper shakers on 1stDibs.