My aim, aside from finding amazing antique silver pieces, is to always make the process of you acquiring a piece you love completely enjoyable! Silver isn't just for special occasions, it's a collection for every day. So what is 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!
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!
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
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