Finding a silver flatware set that is actually silver A good sterling silver flatware set can last a long time. Whether you’re picking one up for yourself or want to give a friend a timeless … ...

Sandy Bourbonnais owns Silver Superstore, a Seattle-based company she and her husband opened 23 years ago. “Some people are funny about their sterling silverware,” she said.

A: Smart collectors know that these are high times for gold and sterling silver. Some have also learned that their metals, including silver flatware, are worth more melted down than intact.

It is “Warman’s Sterling Silver Flatware: Value & Identification Guide,” and Dries readily admits that silver flatware is not as popular as it once was.

My Sterling flatware is "Rose" by Stieff, an old-time Connecticut silver company. It took 30 years and two husbands to complete the service for eight with all the extra serving pieces.