Everyday Silver Collecting

Thanks to Philip II of Spain {1527–1598} silverware came to the tables of other people besides the European elite. It had always been the preferred material for dinner ware such as cups, plates and flatware, but silver was so precious and rare that it cost a King’s ransom. In the 16th century, the discovery and extraction of massive silver deposits in Mexico and South America after the Spanish conquest created wealth for Philip II. He used it to fund endless wars across the European Continent and against Britain.

He spent so much money that it had an inflationary effect: as more and more silver entered the European markets, the less valuable it became. Eventually, {yay!} it reached a price so that even non-elites could enjoy silver on their tables at home.

Silver has always cost quite a bit, and today is no different if you wish to buy truly spectacular sterling pieces. Up into the 19th century the percent of net worth of a household was heavily based in their silver that they used at their table. This might shock us today, but their nest egg was on their table and in their armoires.

I’m excited to share that more and more of FrenchGardenHouse’s younger clients {under 40} are buying antique silver!  They might buy a fantastic decorative silver bowl or cup and use it in a non-traditional way. They are drawn to the history, the exquisite craftsmanship and classic beauty. They especially love using the  antique toddy and punch spoons for their home bars and entertaining. It’s an instant ice breaker!

Everyday Silver Collecting

You don’t have to be fabulously wealthy to buy silver, either. There are so many beautiful, fine quality silver pieces on the market today, both in solid silver and high quality silver plate.  Lots of our clients get such satisfaction from stirring their morning coffee and afternoon tea with an antique sterling tea spoon, they are a small investment for a life time of joy they bring.

If you are interested in bringing some silver into your life and home, I suggest you look {and buy} a piece of silver that simply captures your heart and has a price that is accessible for you. Fall in love with silver, there is so much to choose from!  The longer I sell antique silver, the more in love I’m falling with it, because each and every time I buy, and do research, I realize that antique silver has so many stories, secrets and things that I learn about!

Talk about interesting, gracious entertaining pieces, the following all fit the bill, don’t they? If you don’t know offhand what these are used for, visit our silver department and you can learn all about these gold and silver beauties!

Our own collection of silver at FrenchGardenHouse is filled with fun things,  a Victorian huge tea pot I use at Christmas, my Grandmother’s small tea pot, mis matched flatware, silver candlesticks. A collection of antique silver baby cups that we drink champagne out of during baby showers. While I try to keep our silver collection to a reasonable amount {there is some discussion about what is reasonable between Mr. FrenchGardenHouse and myself} I do believe in and love Everyday Silver Collecting!

If you are just starting a silver collection, small items like salt cellars, creamers, butter knives or napkin rings are a perfect way to begin. Don’t be limited by the original use of your silver, either. Is it a cup? Yes, you can drink champagne out of it but also have it on your desk holding pens. I use an antique silver sugar pot on my vanity to store my make-up brushes and lip and eye liner pencils. There are no rules and there really is no “silver etiquette” anymore.

You can buy a beautiful, finely crafted piece of silver or silver plate for less than a night out. When you are buying an exceptional piece of antique silver, you are not just buying a piece of history, something made by human hands belonging to a master silversmith, you are buying something that will spark joy. Something that will make you smile each and every time you see and use it!

We have hunted down some exemplary silver and silver plated antique pieces on our latest buying trip – perhaps one is just right for your silver collection. Please take a peek and please, if you do buy something, USE it!

SHOP SILVER >

A BIENTOT

Shop for the best in French Antiques, furniture with the patina of age, vintage accessories to delight you and your family & friends, and French Country utilitarian pieces. Treasures that make your home fresh, beautiful, inspirational and above all uniquely yours. Visit our shop FrenchGardenHouse.com