Characteristics and features of the selection of silver cutlery

Silver cutlery at all times was valued not only as an attribute of luxurious life, but also as a spectacular, beautiful way of serving. Today, the acquisition of table silver is becoming popular again. Even a small serving item made from this metal gives the table aristocracy and grace.

Ware from this precious metal began to spread in our country only in the 18th century, and the first imperial service was made for Tsar Peter the Great in 1711. After this event, silver becomes an indispensable element of serving rich houses. Services consisted of many items: vases, cornices, samovars, trays, forks, spoons, plates. But the sets for a certain number of persons (6, 12) were valued higher. Silver sets were created for tea, table, coffee, wine destinations.

It was silver that acquired over time the status of the family and was transferred to descendants. In the same century, the tradition of the gift of a silver spoon to a baby was born. A dessert spoon was given to a young high-school student on admission, at the end of the gymnasium - a dining room. Noble families collected silver, its quantity determined the status. Over time, silverware became more valuable. If the family fell into a predicament, they tried not to sell silver.

In the Middle Ages and later, the dishes were made of pure metal, but now it is made of silver 925 or 800 samples. This digital sign shows the percentage of pure silver in the alloy. Modern table setting rarely includes samovars or silver trays, but spoons, knives, forks are purchased quite often. Cutlery created according to the sketches on the equipment stamping type. First, silver rolls out to the desired thickness and a perfectly smooth surface. Then the serving items are stamped with a press, at this stage the planned ornament appears.

Today it is rare to find glasses and plates of silver in the home serving. Production is somewhat different from pre-revolutionary, such diversity, as before, is not in demand in modern life. The most common holders, forks, spoons, knives, baby sets. Only occasionally the family buffet decorates a coffee pot or silver teapot. In any case, the presence of a set of such dishes is considered exquisite, the status emphasizes the taste of the hostess. Therefore, as a gift, silverware is very much in demand. If you want to present a really valuable and original gift to a young family, for a housewarming party or an anniversary - you can safely consider this option.

At the wedding and anniversaries most often choose sets of a large number of devices for 10 or 12 people, housewarming can be limited to a set of 4 - 6 persons. Separately, you can select a set for 1 person, that is, children. This is the only old tradition established in the modern way - to give the baby a silver spoon on a tooth. If you do not know how to please the young mother, present a set of silver dishes for the first use. As a rule, it consists of a baby spoon, fork and knife.Now, many manufacturers create real works of art with cartoon characters, animals and birds that attract kids.

Silverware has many advantages. Among the main advantages:

• aesthetics, spectacular appearance of serving, having such dishes means having good taste;
• status, the ability to create traditions of the transfer of dishes inherited;
• long service life, especially with proper care;
• Silver has many properties that positively affect the human body, perfectly purifies water;
• practicality, it is not necessary to remove the devices in the far box, the more often they use silver spoons and forks, the better;
• reliable investment of money, this ware will not break and is not deformed.

As for the shortcomings, the cost of the set is considered the most significant. This valuable acquisition far exceeds the cost of nickel silver or stainless steel.

The first purchase is the most important, you can not buy such things in unchecked places, especially when it comes to antiques. Choosing table silver, pay attention to the following nuances.

• Try. This is the most important criterion for choosing silverware, so before you buy, evaluate the metal of which sample was used in the manufacture. Of course, the lower the sample, the less high-quality devices. The price depends on it, the higher the sample, the higher the silver content, the more expensive the product. It is recommended to use when serving cutlery 925 samples and above, if the sample is lower, then the product is a souvenir plan.
• Ornament, carving. Another criterion of value is the presence of engraving, pattern, drawings on metal. The more of them, the more serious the invested labor and the more expensive the product.
• Uniqueness. Determines the prices and the exclusiveness of the dishes, the most expensive - the author. Everyone is pleased to have a device that no one else has. Industrial mass-produced products are cheaper because they are made in whole batches. But this does not mean that the quality of such dishes worse.
• Antiques. The most expensive type, the purchase of which is very difficult if you do not have a special experience. A written examination must be attached to the product. Assess the product for damage, as time is ruthless, scratches and dents may be present. Remember that the restoration work is very expensive, which can spoil the thing.
• Stamp This is not only a sample, but also an authorship, the name of the manufacturer, a trademark. By this sign, you can calculate the time of manufacture, the authenticity of antiques. However, an additional assessment should be made, as the stamp may be false.

In order for the dishes to delight you and your household with its aesthetic appearance, her need to properly care.

• Keep it in a cool place in a box or case, in covers. Such measures will not allow dust to settle, affect the metal temperature, other external manifestations.
• It is necessary to keep silverware separately from other products. Remember that silver is quite vulnerable and easily damaged.
• For the same reason, the instruments should not touch each other during storage. Choosing such a gift, make a choice in favor of sets with covers and cases, it will provide ease of storage.
• It is not necessary to keep the silver in cardboard packaging or paper. Also avoid silk and viscose fabrics, otherwise silver will darken.
• The use of hand cream and other cosmetic products can leave stains on silver.
• Use silverware for serving, not for cooking. For example, a knife made of this metal is not suitable for cutting meat.
• If the product has enamel, it is necessary to handle such devices very carefully - it is very fragile. Just drop it on the floor to damage the enamel.
• Do not interfere with silver spoons viscous products, such as honey.
• Wash silverware is easy, but only by hand, the dishwasher is not useful to you here.
• Wash dishes made of this metal immediately after use with any detergent. Then it should be wiped dry and put into the covers.
• If you notice a light touch - it's time to clean the silver, polish, do not wait until it completely darkens. In this case, cleaning does not require much time and serious effort.
• Dust is removed from the instruments with a soft cloth. She should not scratch the product.
• Silver is polished, as if stroking, in a circle, using special means. This should be done regularly.

Despite proper care, silverware may darken. Cleaning will help to return the old look to the dull product. It is carried out using various means. You can purchase the appropriate tool in the jewelry store, there also buy special polishing fabrics: felt, velvet, suede.

The next video is waiting for you to clean the silver at home.