Equally important to your tablescape, flatware and serveware come in a variety of options which should be carefully considered. handmade porcelain cooking dish with cobalt hand painting
1. STAINLESS STEEL FLATWARE
Stainless steel is an easy upkeep and more durable (although heavier) alternative to sterling silver flatware. As Arthur Price explains, “18/10 is the finest quality stainless steel available. Arthur Price only ever uses this metal to make our cutlery, which means far greater stain and rust resistance, as well as cutlery keeping its shine for longer. The numbers refer to 18% chromium and 10% nickel content.”
Stainless steel cutlery is a popular choice for everyday dining for today’s modern lifestyle due to its resiliency (including resistance to scratching) however, it should be noted, that it is much heavier than finer cutlery.
2. PLATED FLATWARE
Usually either a silver or gold plate, plated cutlery is crafted of stainless steel or nickel before being immersed in a plating vat. Through electrolysis, particles of the precious metal bond to the piece, depositing a thin layer. The quality of the plating can be determined by its thickness which is measured in microns. One millimetre of plating is made up of 1000 microns.
3. STERLING SILVER FLATWARE
Sterling silver cutlery is undoubtedly the finest flatware being much more lustrous and lighter than stainless steel and, therefore, it is the most expensive. Sterling silver contains 92.5% silver and 7.5% of another metal – this addition makes it stronger for utilitarian use. It will tarnish over time if not used so careful care is required during its lifetime.