Silver cutlery has both investment and emotional value. It is an initial investment in an asset that will not lose value even over the years.
By investing in silver, you are also investing in your health
The antibacterial effects of silver have been known since the Middle Ages. People used it to protect themselves against plague epidemics. Silver was used to make plates, bowls, platters and cups.
Silver has antiseptic properties, i.e. it can protect our health from germs. People even boil water for babies in silver containers to remove harmful substances from the water so that it is safe for babies to drink.
Silver is extremely active even in small amounts. One billionth of a gram of silver is enough to limit the functionality of a certain type of bacteria. This is why silver has such a rich use in health care.
Silver has a cooling effect on the human body. In case of fevers, it can help in lowering the temperature.
Emotions are associated with silver cutlery
Silver cutlery is handed down from generation to generation. It is part of the family history. It is mostly used on important family occasions. It thus forms part of the memories and traditions in the family.
Eating with silver cutlery gives a kind of solemnity to the whole ritual of eating. It can make you and your guests feel more important. You also elevate the culture of dining, with silver cutlery real ladies and gentlemen eat.
Comparison of different types of cutlery
| SILVER CUTLERY | SILVER-PLATED CUTLERY | CHROME-NICKEL CUTLERY |
| + antibacterial effects + investment value + family heritage / tradition + high-value gift - higher price - regular maintenance | + antibacterial effects + bargain price + replaces the functionality of silver cutlery + possibility to silver multiple cutlery models - costly refurbishment - regular maintenance | + affordable + scratch resistance + wide choice of models + easy maintenance + dishwasher safe - no antibacterial effects - no investment value |
Is silver cutlery expensive?
The answer to this question is relative. Yes, silver cutlery requires a higher initial investment. However, in fact, silver cutlery costs as much as it lasts for many years. When you buy silver cutlery, it is a long-term, multi-generational investment.
How big a set is worth owning?
A basic set consists of 24 pieces. What overall size you decide to invest in is up to you. Either way, if you choose silverware, it's a good idea to have the whole set rather than individual pieces. this is because the whole set has a higher market value than the individual pieces. The ideal is to invest in cutlery that you can buy more of over time. Berndorf has been making Premiere silver cutlery for 180 years and you can continuously add parts. So your set doesn't lose value.
Does silver cutlery need special storage?
It is not necessary to storesilver cutlery specially. However, it is important to store it so that it is not in a humid environment. Plastic or microtene bags are absolutely unsuitable. It is ideal to wrap silver cutlery in soft cloth.
Is it difficult to care for silver cutlery?
It may seem that silver loses its shine or even turns black over time. This happens due to a natural chemical reaction between silver and sulphur in the air. Proper storage of silverware definitely helps prevent tarnishing. Most silver jewelry and accessories today are coated with a very thin layer of rhodium, which protects the silver and makes it brighter and shinier.
You can bring the shine back to silver cutlery with a simple procedure. Silver cutlery will regain its shine if you spread aluminium foil on the bottom of the container in which you are cleaning the silverware. You then place the cutlery in it, sprinkle it with two to three tablespoons of salt and pour warm water over it until the cutlery is completely submerged. Leave it for an hour. Another way is to put about half a litre of cold water, 5 teaspoons of vinegar and 1 teaspoon of liquid dishwashing detergent in a container. You dip the cutlery into the solution and leave it to stand overnight. In the morning, rinse it with cold water, dry it with a hairdryer and it will be as good as new.
Is there any way to refurbish old silverware?
The good news is that everything can. At Berndorf Sandrik, we also provide a cutlery refurbishment service. Recently, we recently got to grips with an old silver cutlery piece in this way:
Old silver cutlery:
If you are interested in refurbishing silver cutlery, please contact us at +421 456844328, mailto:berndorf@berndorf.sk.
Refurbished silver cutlery:
A few words in conclusion
It is advisable to carefully consider and check the dealer of your silver cutlery. Enquire about the purity of the silver and whether the cutlery has a hallmark. At Berndorf Sandrik, the manufacture and sale of cutlery has a tradition of 180 years. Our silver cutlery is made from silver with a purity of 925/1000 where purity means the relative weight content of the precious metal in the alloy expressed in thousandths. The cutlery is hallmarked by the Assay Office of the Slovak Republic in accordance with the valid Act on Hallmarking and Testing of Precious Metals 94/2013 Coll. and the relevant Decree 119/2013 Coll.
In addition to silver cutlery, we also offer other silver products, see them on this link >>.
