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There are several choices for you to make when it comes to buying flatware as a gift or for your home. Flatware made from sterling silver or stainless steel is the most popular kind of flatware. We'll take a look in this article, at the difference between sterling silver flatware and stainless steel flatware, as well as how to care for it.
When it comes to buying flatware however, there is one major difference between stainless steel and sterling silver and you will notice right away. The price. In most cases, stainless steel flatware is much less expensive than sterling silver flatware. Let's take a look first at how both types are made.
There are different varieties of stainless steel that you should know about. "18/10" stainless steel is the highest quality. That means the alloy contains 18 percent chromium, and 10 percent nickel. The chromium makes the metal rust proof and stain resistant, while the nickel gives it luster and shine. The rest of the metal is composite steel, which makes the utensils strong. Some flatware is made of 18/8 stainless steel, which is normally less expensive; 18/10 stainless steel silverware is generally considered higher quality, though it is often difficult to tell the difference.
A sterling silver flatware set expresses elegence and formatlity like nothing else. To guarantee its authenticity, the word sterling is stamped on the back of sterling silver to mark its purity. It also contains 7.5% of an alloy for strength to go along with the 92.5% pure silver. It is well worth the price, but it is much more expensive than stainless steel flatware.
A mix of steel, nickel and chromium gives stainless steel flatware a very durable finish which makes it better for everyday dining, as it retains its shine for many years. Most families have at least two sets of flatware; one for formal occasions and one for everyday use. Stainless steel, of course is your better choice for everyday use.
You should buy the same number of flatware settings as diningware settings. Flatware is usually sold in sets of five pieces, which include: place knife, place fork, place spoon, salad fork and soup spoon. There are also serving accessories to coordinate with these pieces. People often purchase twelve settings.
Another consideration in choosing a style is availability. If you purchase a set now, you may want to add to it in the future, either with additional place sets or serving pieces. It is worth thinking about how long the design has and will be available. Alternatively, choose a style that could blend with a different design if necessary at a later time.
Availability is another consideration when choosing a style. It is worth thinking about how long the design has and will be available. If you purchase a set now, you may watn to add to it in the future, either with additional place settings or serving pieces. Alternatively, choose a style that could blend with a different design if necessary at a later time.
To retain their shine, both stainless steel flatware and sterling silver flatware will require some care. To prevent the occurrence of water spots, sterling silver flatware, should always be hand washed in warm, soapy water, rinsed in clear, hot water and dried immediately. Stainless steel flatware, on the other hand, can be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand but should immediately be dried. Furthermore, sterling silver flatware and stainless steel flatware should never be left in direct contact as this can damage the silver.
When it comes to buying flatware however, there is one major difference between stainless steel and sterling silver and you will notice right away. The price. In most cases, stainless steel flatware is much less expensive than sterling silver flatware. Let's take a look first at how both types are made.
There are different varieties of stainless steel that you should know about. "18/10" stainless steel is the highest quality. That means the alloy contains 18 percent chromium, and 10 percent nickel. The chromium makes the metal rust proof and stain resistant, while the nickel gives it luster and shine. The rest of the metal is composite steel, which makes the utensils strong. Some flatware is made of 18/8 stainless steel, which is normally less expensive; 18/10 stainless steel silverware is generally considered higher quality, though it is often difficult to tell the difference.
A sterling silver flatware set expresses elegence and formatlity like nothing else. To guarantee its authenticity, the word sterling is stamped on the back of sterling silver to mark its purity. It also contains 7.5% of an alloy for strength to go along with the 92.5% pure silver. It is well worth the price, but it is much more expensive than stainless steel flatware.
A mix of steel, nickel and chromium gives stainless steel flatware a very durable finish which makes it better for everyday dining, as it retains its shine for many years. Most families have at least two sets of flatware; one for formal occasions and one for everyday use. Stainless steel, of course is your better choice for everyday use.
You should buy the same number of flatware settings as diningware settings. Flatware is usually sold in sets of five pieces, which include: place knife, place fork, place spoon, salad fork and soup spoon. There are also serving accessories to coordinate with these pieces. People often purchase twelve settings.
Another consideration in choosing a style is availability. If you purchase a set now, you may want to add to it in the future, either with additional place sets or serving pieces. It is worth thinking about how long the design has and will be available. Alternatively, choose a style that could blend with a different design if necessary at a later time.
Availability is another consideration when choosing a style. It is worth thinking about how long the design has and will be available. If you purchase a set now, you may watn to add to it in the future, either with additional place settings or serving pieces. Alternatively, choose a style that could blend with a different design if necessary at a later time.
To retain their shine, both stainless steel flatware and sterling silver flatware will require some care. To prevent the occurrence of water spots, sterling silver flatware, should always be hand washed in warm, soapy water, rinsed in clear, hot water and dried immediately. Stainless steel flatware, on the other hand, can be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand but should immediately be dried. Furthermore, sterling silver flatware and stainless steel flatware should never be left in direct contact as this can damage the silver.
About the Author:
Right in time for the wedding gift seasonFantastic Flatware offers a huge selection of stainless steel and sterling silver flatware as well as care and cleaning directions and tips at http://pfaltzgraffflatware.com/ You can get a unique content version of this article from the Uber Article Directory.
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