| Actual sterling silver is made up of 92.5% actual | | | | There are patterns from the turn of the century, |
| silver content and will be hallmarked with one of | | | | such as American beauty rose, or more recent |
| the following; 925, Stg, Ster, Sterling or Sterling | | | | offerings from the 1980s. The catalogs provided |
| Silver, if it does not have one of these marks it | | | | on this site are also helpful in deciding which types |
| will be silver plated and of lesser quality but | | | | of designs you prefer, if you are considering such |
| attractive all the same. | | | | a purchase. Online Sterling is another site that |
| Lesser priced pieces are actually silver plated.. | | | | offers many brands, both from domestic and |
| They are not solid as some mistakenly believe. | | | | international craftsman. |
| However, they require the same care and | | | | Many people have questions, as they have never |
| cleaning as fine jewelry made of this substance | | | | purchased a set or have little idea about the |
| and should be stored away from air and humidity. | | | | history and tradition of these pieces. Many |
| You will have to clean the pieces less often if | | | | centuries ago only the wealthiest homes owned |
| they are not exposed to oxidation. | | | | spoons, forks and knives made of this precious |
| You can also find these items online through such | | | | metal. It has healing and antibacterial properties, |
| businesses as Antique Cupboard. This site offers | | | | which is apparently why those in wealthier families |
| hundreds of different patterns. Each piece is sold | | | | avoided diseases like the plague. When you hear |
| separately and some collections only have one | | | | someone say "he was born with a silver spoon in |
| spoon or fork available. If you are looking to | | | | his mouth," this is where the expression came |
| replace one or two lost items this is a great place | | | | from. Today, this fine metal can be owned by |
| to complete your set. | | | | anyone who wants elegant pieces for dining or to |
| Some patterns offer several pieces, so you can | | | | pass down through future generations. |
| put together an attractive set for 6 to 12 people. | | | | |