Why is Antique Dinner Silverware So Collectible?

July 11th, 2009 filed under Collecting Things, The Historians Way

What is lovelier than a beautifully appointed table complete with antique dinner table silver? Those with a deep appreciation of antique dinner silver know it provides the perfect compliment to delicate china and crystal for formal occasions. Owners of heirloom silver treasure the memories that accompany their sterling forks, knives, spoons and serving spoons. Artisans who created these pieces may be long gone; but, the product of their skills and talents have been enjoyed by generations. The graceful designs chosen for dinner silver patterns are noticeably intricate or elegantly understated. Family and guests accustomed to using genuine silver respect the weight of each piece they use for their meals. French, Italian and British antique silver offer varied pattern design that reflect the style of their cultures. British silver is less ornate than Italian or French. Where Italian silver patterns may be intricate, French patterns display a quaint provincial appeal.

Why Silver?

Formerly, a tradeoff of elegance for convenience punctuated most modern households for dinnerware and utensils. Nor, is a “utensil” a good substitute for “silver” on a formal table. Nothing matches the gleam and exquisite taste of silver. In the past, using genuine silver on a regular basis had a chief purpose. Silver was considered healthier than stainless tableware for regular use. Silver is a natural element whereas stainless is not. However, the down side of silver is that it requires regular polishing to maintain its bright gleam. When the pace of a household grew too hectic, this was one tradition that was sacrificed for convenience. Presently, however, there are many silver cleaners that take far less time to complete this procedure. Thus, it comes down to a matter of choice: convenience or elegance. Elegance is key to a successful formal dining experience, which is why silver service is a necessity.
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