Cassetti On Sale

The Cassetti brand was born in 1926 from the creativity and entrepreneurial mind of Renzo Cassetti, a disciple of the valuable tradition introduced by Benvenuto Cellini of Florentine master engravers, goldsmiths and silversmiths. Renzo, the typical artist, only signed unique pieces, some of which became of historical relevance, like those you can still find in the  Vaticano decor. In his workshop, close to the Ponte Vecchio, many famous personalities used to pass by wishing to be able to buy a one of a kind piece handmade by some of the best silversmiths of the time working alongside him. In the 50’s Maria Grazia, daughter of Renzo, makes her way in the company, bringing along her feminine touch and eccentricity. Soon after, the first pieces in Silver with Crystal and Silver with Porcelain were made, an authentic innovation for the market. The small workshop wasn’t enough anymore, so they had to move to San Gaggio, just outside of the historical city walls, on Viale dei Colli, where we could hold our rapidly growing enterprise. It was under the attentive guide of Andrea and Maria Grazia that we had our industrial consecration. They introduced modern technologies and strategies, always keeping in mind the taste for Florentine craftsmanship.

Dining and entertaining changed drastically when we began to set our tables with sterling silver for holiday gatherings, wedding receptions, engagement parties and, in some of today’s homes, everyday meals.

Often called the “Queen of metals,” silver has been universally adored for thousands of years. It is easy to see why it has always been sought after: It is durable, strong and beautiful. (Louis XIV had tables made entirely of silver.) Sterling silver is an alloy that is made of 92.5 percent silver — the “925” stamp that identifies sterling-silver jewelry refers to this number. The other 7.5 percent in sterling silver is typically sourced from copper.

Neoclassical-style sterling-silver goods in Europe gained popularity in the late 18th century — a taste for sterling-silver tableware as well as tea sets had taken shape — while in the United States, beginning in the 19th century, preparing the dinner table with sterling-silver flatware had become somewhat of a standard practice. Indeed, owning lots of silver goods during the Victorian era was a big deal. Back then, displaying fine silver at home was a status symbol for middle-class American families. And this domestic silver craze meant great profitability for legendary silversmith manufacturers such as Reed & Barton, Gorham Manufacturing Company and the International Silver Company, which was incorporated in Meriden, Connecticut, in 1898, a major hub of silver manufacturing nicknamed “Silver City.”

Today, special occasions might call for ceremonial silver designed by Tiffany & Co. or the seductive sterling-silver cutlery from remarkable Danish silversmith Georg Jensen, but there really doesn’t have to be an event on the calendar to trot out your finest tableware.

Event- and wedding-planning company maestro Tara Guérard says that some “investment pieces,” such as this widely enamored alloy, should see everyday use, and we’re inclined to agree.

“Sterling-silver flatware is a must-have that you can use every single day, even to eat cereal,” she says. “Personally, I want a sterling-silver goblet set for 12 to 20; I would use them every time I had a dinner party. Ultimately, there are no criteria for buying vintage pieces: Buy what you love, and make it work.”

Whether you’re thinking “ceremonial” or “cereal,” browse a versatile collection of vintage, new and antique sterling-silver wares on 1stDibs today.