There are enough old wives’ tales to confuse anyone with a penchant for silver. Because silver is a metal that oxidises, reacting to sulphur compounds and becomes black, the general belief is that the metal is damaged. This is not true. There are two things that silver does not like. Salt pits the metal and… Read More »
What caught my eye when I picked up this book is the gaudy design and the summary of instances that will trigger the shameful tickle of enjoyment we experience when things go wrong for other people. Such as: A commuter barges past you on the stairs – and then just misses his train. Someone else’s… Read More »
Historically, in England and elsewhere, silver was and still is a precious metal that only the very rich could afford. Since most of the land’s wealth belonged to the monarchy prior to more egalitarian spread, silver objects were made by monarchs, noblemen and some traders as gifts for services rendered, marriages or as trading gifts.… Read More »
English silver has been subject to the rigours of hallmarking as far back as 1300 when the leopard’s head was introduced, the King’s Mark, to show that the silver was of the required legal standard. This mark was to be followed 63 years later by the goldsmith’s mark, which, at this time, was a symbol… Read More »
Apart from jewellery, domestic silverware is a handsome addition to any home and necessarily hideously expensive. A pair of candelabra, however simple or inexpensive, will enhance any table setting. A set of flatware, a centrepiece, wine coolers, all add cachet to your reputation as a host. There is nothing like the gleam of silver juxtaposed… Read More »
The beauty of gemstones hold certain fascinations for man, whether in raw form or faceted. In order to improve and reveal the best of a gemstone, man has gone a step further by cutting or faceting it. Although there is no actual record on who first started gem-cutting, it certainly took many years to perfect… Read More »