Kings Silver Plated Cutlery Set: Elegant Dining for Every Special Occasion

Most of us use whatever cutlery we have to hand, without much thought given to the matter. However, a special occasion calls for something a little more special, which is when many people start their search for a Kings silver plated cutlery set. The pattern has been a staple of many fine dining establishments across the centuries, and it has stood the test of time. It has a certain gravitas to it, without appearing ostentatious, perhaps due to the use of silver plate as a material rather than solid silver. Silver smiths use a layer of silver bonded to a different metal, which gives the appearance and feel of solid silver, yet it is far more affordable.

Characteristics of the Kings Pattern

Kings is a bold pattern, with broad shoulders at the top of each handle and an ornate scrolling design. It is also a heavier design than many modern cutlery sets with a less minimalist feel, so the difference it makes when dining in comparison to a simple steel cutlery set is immediately apparent. Weight is also a consideration, as a good quality set will have a feeling of solidity when held, and a good balance when lifting, for example, a fork or the larger dessert spoon. Sets that are too light and thinly made can appear cheap and the difference can be noticeable from the first bite. Weights may be queried by sellers, so if a set or individual piece’s weight is not readily available it may be a sign to proceed with caution.Dinner knives, dinner forks, soup spoons, dessert spoons and teaspoons feature in a standard set, with additional serving pieces and fish cutlery sometimes included. There is often a collectors’ aspect to cutlery sets, so many people acquire sets and pieces gradually, building up a collection over the years. There is nothing wrong with shopping around and finding your preferred cutlery styles at your own pace.

Silver Hallmarks Christofle Collectors Can Look For

When examining any piece of silver plate, it is customary to look at the reverse of the handle for identifying marks. These marks will often give an indication of the maker and sometimes the date of manufacture, as well as an indication of the quality of the plating and the type of metal used for the base.The hallmark of Christofle themselves is one of the highest regarded in the industry for quality silver plate cutlery. The house was founded in 1830 and their pieces are famed for the superior quality of their plating and cutlery making.

Their hallmark will usually take the form of a lozenge shape bearing some or all of the following: the initials of the makers and further marks indicating the standard of plating.As with all silver hallmarks Christofle, the detail and symbols featured in their markings varied throughout the years, so the marks can be used to identify the period that a particular piece dates from.The maker’s mark will often need to be identified using photographs, and it is advisable to examine pieces with a magnifying glass. Marks can be worn on older pieces which have seen regular use and the letters may be worn away entirely on a well-used and cherished spoon that may have been handed down through several generations.

If you are new to learning how to read silver hallmarks Christofle, it is best to look at pictures of genuine pieces first before identifying any marks on the cutlery that you own. It will take time to learn the nuances, but you will soon become familiar with identifying a genuine piece of Christofle silver plated cutlery.

Spotting Fakes and Inauthentic Pieces

Unfortunately, the cutlery market has its fair share of counterfeit goods, so it is important to know how to spot a fake. Any potential maker’s mark should be clearly identifiable, and poorly made marks are usually an immediate indicator of an inauthentic piece.Marks that are out of focus or appear to have been stamped incorrectly should raise suspicions, as should misspelled words or incorrect spacing between parts of a word. The same goes for any potential silver hallmark Christofle that you are considering purchasing.

Ask the seller for pictures of the cutlery in question with a magnifying glass brought close to the hallmark in question, to enable the fine detail to be made out clearly.Once potential maker’s marks have been identified, move onto a general inspection of the cutlery to examine quality. The scrollwork should be neat and the edges clean, and the layer of silver should not expose any of the alternative metal beneath. A yellowy base metal may be visible on the thinner parts of cutlery such as the tips of forks and the bowls of spoons and this can be an indicator of age or wear, as can scratches. It is important to buy cutlery from a reliable source who can field any questions you have.

Differences Between Sterling Silver and Silver Plate

There are frequent misunderstandings between the two materials, so it is important to be aware of the differences. Sterling silver is an alloy of silver and other metals that contain 92.5 percent purity, and it differs from silver plate in that it is made from solid metal. Sterling silver cutlery, while beautiful to look at, is more costly and has a more fragile appearance than silver plate, and it may also be prone to dents and scratches during use and storage. Silver plated cutlery, on the other hand, has a thinner layer of silver on a stronger base metal, which makes it more durable. If the use of a Kings silver plated cutlery set is desired in the home but the idea of expensive sterling silver is unappealing, silver plate is the ideal choice.

Furthermore, if a piece does become worn the plating can be renewed by a specialist, whereas with a sterling silver set it will be necessary to replace any worn pieces or the entire set. This is both costly and inconvenient, whereas with silver plate it is possible to keep the cutlery in use for many years with minimal expense.

Caring for Silver Plated Cutlery

It is easy to fall into the trap of simply placing silver plated cutlery in the washing machine after a meal, but it is better to avoid this and prolong the lifetime of your cutlery collection. High temperatures and washing detergent can dull the finish and cause the plating to crack, particularly on the tips of cutlery that has been in frequent use. It is best to wash silver plated cutlery by hand with warm soapy water and then dry it immediately with a soft cloth in order to prevent staining. Avoid leaving it in water overnight to soak, as this will cause staining and make the cutlery difficult to clean.

It is also advisable to avoid leaving silver plated cutlery in lemon juice, vinegar, egg liquid or salty foods for extended periods, as these acidic or salty foods can leave a discoloured film on the surface. Silver cutlery will tarnish with time, but it is simple to maintain and restore with the right tools. Polish with a silver polishing cloth and silver cleaning cream, using gentle strokes. Always store cutlery in anti-tarnish bags or wrapping paper to prevent tarnishing and scratching, and a well-maintained set can be passed on for generations to enjoy.

Final Thoughts: Learning About Cutlery Sets That Will Outlive Generations

A set of King's silver plated cutlery is not merely a means of enjoying a meal, but a ritual that is performed every evening by millions around the world, which is why so many people choose to buy cutlery sets. Knowing the potential pitfalls and how to identify genuine cutlery is a vital skill for any person looking to purchase their first set or enhance their existing collection.

If you have found this information useful and would like to begin your journey into the wonderful world of cutlery collecting, then you should visit the knowledgeable staff at Lincoln House Cutlery, who can provide you with the right information and products for both first-time buyers and collectors alike.

Name: Lincoln House Cutlery
Address: Lincoln House Ltd, 5 Neville Park, Baltonsborough, Somerset, BA6 8PY, UK
Phone: 01458 258 458

FAQs

What Is a Kings Silver Plated Cutlery Set?

Kings is a traditional pattern of cutlery that typically uses silver plate as opposed to solid silver. This allows the beauty of silver cutlery to be enjoyed at a lower price.

How Can I Read the Hallmarks on Christofle Pieces?

Look out for the hallmark of the maker on the back of the handle, along with any other words or phrases referring to the plating. It may be necessary to use a magnifying glass and to compare marks on pieces that you already know to be genuine.

Can I Put Silver Plated Cutlery in the Dishwasher?

It is best to avoid this and to hand-wash any silver plate cutlery to avoid damage to the thinner edges.

Is It Worth Buying Silver Plated Cutlery Over Sterling Silver?

If it is intended for regular use, silver plate is an excellent option as it is more robust and less likely to become scratched or dented than sterling silver, while retaining the visual appeal of silver cutlery. Additionally, silver plate cutlery is significantly cheaper than sterling silver cutlery and any worn items can be re-plated rather than replaced entirely.

How Can I Spot Fake Hallmarks?

Poorly made markings or incorrect markings are a good indication that a piece of cutlery is not genuine. Always check the quality of markings, including spacing, on any piece before buying.