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Finding the Right Sterling-silver for You
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.
- 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.
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