Silver – Pewter Gift Blog

July 14, 2010

The Fine Art of Engraving

Filed under: Pewter and Silver — debbie @ 2:35 PM

An intricate engraving of a family crest on a Chippendale Tray (CCT)

Engraving is the practice of inscribing a design onto a hard, usually flat surface, by cutting grooves into it. The result may be a decorative object, such as when metals or glass are engraved.

Traditional engraving, by burin, or more recently with the use of machines, continues to be practiced by master engravers who use a hardened steel tool to cut the design into the surface of the engraved piece. Originally, engraving by hand was the only method of production. In that process the burin was held in the palm of the hand and the actual engraving was done by a combination of pressure and manipulating the workpiece. That process is still practiced today, but with modern technology, various mechanically-assisted engraving systems have developed. Basically, modern engraving machines have gravers which resemble burins, but inside are pneumatic pistons that drive the point much like a jackhammer, at speeds up to 15,000 strokes per minute, thereby greatly reducing the time and effort of traditional hand engraving.

Although modern machinery has significantly streamlined the engraving process, there is still a great deal of human precision and expertise involved in creating a quality engraved item. Design, positioning, placement and exact measurement are key techniques that simply cannot be automated. Master engravers are trained to manipulate a design, text, image or combination of all three, to achieve the most pleasing overall composition which must be translated to the engraving machine for production.

The in-house engravers at Silver and Pewter Gifts are genuine craftsmen who have mastered the art of engraving on sterling silver, pewter and even glass. Through years of combined experience, they instinctively and consistently engineer perfection so that every piece is a work of art as well as a treasured heirloom. We can create your logo, crest, corporate seal, emblem, burgee, insignia or any other custom design. No concept is too much of a challenge.

Traditional hand engraving is also available to produce an inscription that is deeper, more pronounced and ultimately more elegant. Since custom hand engraving is so labor-intensive, we recommend it for sterling pieces and those that hold extra special meaning. Please call us at 800.791.3878 for custom pricing.

A personalized, custom engraved gift is a timeless treasure that will be admired for its beauty as well as for the artistry involved in its creation.

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March 12, 2010

Baby Teething Ring Rattle Satisfies the Senses

Filed under: Gifts for Babies — debbie @ 1:22 PM

It’s a fact. Babies like to put things in their mouths. It’s their way of satisfying a curiosity surrounding a new object and exploring it further by using their sense of sight, touch and yes, even taste. Babies are naturally curious and learn about the world around them through interaction with people and with things. So, as parents, grandparents, godparents, aunts, uncles and friends, how can we make the most of a baby’s need to stimulate his or her senses while providing added benefits and entertainment for them?

Fortunately, that concept was developed a long time ago, perhaps three thousand or so years, with the evolution of the teething ring. Ancient Egyptians used smoothed coral for teething rings and inscribed them with an image of Bes, the god associated with child welfare. Much later, 17th century parents gave their babies candy sticks to help with teething (and unknowingly with tooth decay!) Gum sticks and gum were typically used until the mid-19th century when the first rubber teething rings were manufactured. More affluent parents provided their privileged babies with teething rings crafted from costly mother-of-pearl.

Today, teething rings are made from a variety of materials that are child-safe and non-toxic. Modern teething rings also incorporate other features, such as a rattle that stimulates a baby’s sense of hearing. Sound recognition is an important part of a baby’s developmental process. The sound of a rattle provides a cause and effect learning tool—your baby soon realizes that when the rattle shakes, it makes a noise. The harder it shakes, the louder the noise. Their sense of touch is also utilized when a baby plays with a rattle, particularly those that incorporate different shapes and textures. Visual display is another benefit—babies are naturally attracted to bright colors and shiny objects.

Silver and Pewter Gifts offers the ideal teething ring rattle that will satisfy a baby’s developmental senses as well as his or her parent’s aesthetic ones. Our collection of sterling teething ring rattles are available with pink, blue or white plastic mother-of-pearl rings in either a circle or heart shaped. Attached to the ring is the best part—a beautiful sterling silver bell rattle that can be custom engraved with the baby’s name, initials, or monogram. The silver rattle has a soft, tingling sound. The smooth texture of the plastic ring will provide soothing relief while baby is teething and give him or her something to grip and shake, thereby improving their sense of sound and touch.

Why not nourish the new baby’s senses while offering an engaging gift to honor their birth, christening, or baptism? Each of these charming teething ring rattles will surely become a keepsake to be cherished long after the little one is full grown.

TeethingRingRattles2 1024x344 Baby Teething Ring Rattle Satisfies the Senses

Silver & Pewter Gifts teething ring rattles, circle or heart shaped, in blue, pink or white

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March 5, 2010

Salt Cellars and Shakers

Filed under: Just for Fun — Tags: history, pewter, salt cellar, salt shaker — Liz @ 12:35 PM

I was recently researching the history of the use of a salt cellar and really became fascinated by this seemingly common table accessory. I happen to use salt cellars all the time in my home after I received a set from my grandmother many years ago. It turns out, that they were regularly used in homes up until around 1950, when the salt shaker became the utensil of choice.

For thousands of centuries, salt was highly prized for its ability to preserve and flavor food. It was the most sought after commodity and was even used to pay the soldiers of the Roman Legion. Today it is valued not only for a flavor enhancer but also it is used widely in manufacturing.

Salt cellars, also called an open salt, include a small salt spoon for dispensing. They were a typical dining tool used in wealthier homes since the middle ages and were kept at the head of the table near the host. If you were a visitor in that house, and were seated next to the host (hence near the salt cellar), you were consider a very special and welcome guest. Up until the early part of the 20th century, salt was sold in cakes which had to be crumbled for serving. In the 1850′s, John Landis Mason (inventor of the Mason Jar) invented the salt shaker

WPsaltcellar 300x300 Salt Cellars and Shakers

Pewter Revere Salt Cellar

. It still took about 90 years for that novel idea to take hold, and it wasn’t until finely milled salt was available, that households discarded their cellars and started using shakers.

Today, salt cellars are a rage. With a wide variety of gourmet salt available, there is no better way to show the fine color and quality of these salts than by using a cellar. Larger ones, called salt pigs, are now commonly used by the stove for easy access while cooking. Add elegance to your dining or kitchen table by taking a step back to a simpler and more interesting way of serving this famous condiment.

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February 19, 2010

Pewter Marries Elegance and Practicality

Filed under: Weddings — debbie @ 9:31 AM

As the spring wedding season approaches, you may have the challenge of choosing a gift to present to the lucky bride and groom in your life. Faced with rising costs in planning a wedding, many couples are opting for more practical wedding gifts, including cash and increasingly popular gift cards. Wedding registries range anywhere from Tiffany’s to Target, with Target and other median retailers perhaps considered the more functional options. Good grief—my nephew and his new wife were actually registered at REI, an outdoor sporting goods store! The couple’s most coveted gift? A North Face VE 25 Tent, “engineered to withstand the extreme conditions of high-altitude alpine environments.” How times have changed…sigh.

Back in the day, newlyweds began their married life based on traditions handed down through generations. A bridal registry typically included the couple’s sterling silver flatware, “good” china and crystal patterns, as well as their “everyday” versions. Fine linens were monogrammed and serving pieces carefully chosen to complete the bride’s table setting when she hosted her first formal dinner party. Although the modern bride may find this protocol somewhat extravagant and impractical, there’s something to be said for gift-giving, as well as entertaining, the old-fashioned way.

There’s certainly a place in this world for convenience and practicality; is there also a way to blend functionality and elegance? Yes—the answer is pewter! Polished pewter looks remarkably like sterling silver but since it is non-tarnishing, needs only occasional care with a gentle polish (we recommend Mish’s Pewter Polish). Pewter is lead-free, food-safe and will not rust or corrode. Handled properly, pewter will last for generations. It offers the best of both worlds, style and good taste with ease of care.

Rekindle the tradition of classic sophistication. Consider presenting custom engraved pewter and sterling gifts to the bride and groom or to the couple celebrating a memorable anniversary. Silver and Pewter Gifts offers a wonderful collection of trays, bowls, candlesticks, coffee and tea sets, pitchers, barware, or one of our newest pieces, a lovely set of Water Goblets, perfect for toasting the joy of the occasion and sure to become family heirlooms and remembrances of a lifetime.

P.S.—Instead the North Face VE 25 Tent, I gave my nephew and his bride a beautiful 8” Pewter Images Tray, custom engraved with the couple’s own wedding invitation. They later confided that it was the most personal, and without a doubt the most special, wedding gift ever!

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February 8, 2010

The Legend of the Tooth Fairy

Filed under: Gifts for Babies — Tags: baby gifts, Keepsake Box, Silver Gifts, Sterling Silver, Tooth Fairy — Liz @ 1:49 PM

The Tooth Fairy is a tiny magical creature who arrives in the middle of the night when a child has just lost a tooth. The fairy takes the fallen tooth and leaves a special treat in its place to the delight of little children everywhere. A rite of passage that children all over the world enjoy, where did the tale of the Tooth Fairy originate?

Centuries ago in Europe, when a child’s tooth fell out, it was buried underground to, it was believed, allow a new tooth to grow in its place, as well as to ward of any evil spirits that might harm the child. This superstition carried across the ocean to America, where the legend of the Tooth Fairy was born. Parents, many of who resided in towns and cities, did not have available land in which to bury their children’s teeth. Instead, they would bury a fallen tooth in a flowerpot or planter. This custom soon evolved into “burying” the tooth underneath the child’s pillow, where parents would replace the tooth with a special treat while their child slept. To explain the mystery to their little ones, parents told them that an enchanting fairy, the Tooth Fairy, was responsible for the switch.

Today, children typically receive cash, in various denominations, in exchange for their teeth. Although often still buried under the child’s pillow, fallen teeth can also be placed in tiny little boxes or pouches created especially for the Tooth Fairy to deposit her goodies. A Tooth Fairy box becomes a special keepsake for a little boy or little girl to cherish the treasures that are left behind.

tooth fairy box2 300x240 The Legend of the Tooth Fairy

Sterling Silver Tooth Fairy Box

What child wouldn’t adore this beautiful little sterling silver Tooth Fairy Keepsake Box? It features a gold-plated fairy with her magic wand sitting atop the lid. Made in the USA, this little box is the perfect size to engrave the little one’s name or initials to call it their own.

Keep the legend of the Tooth Fairy alive. Give your little one a special gift to delight them throughout the years.

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January 28, 2010

The Legend Behind Valentine’s Day

Filed under: Just for Fun — Liz @ 10:49 AM

Queen Anne Heart Embossed Jewel Box

Every February 14 loved ones exchange candy, flowers, cards and gifts in the name of St. Valentine. But who was St. Valentine and why do we celebrate this holiday in his honor? Several legends surround the observance of this romantic day, but none have been substantiated. As is common with many holidays, the meaning and celebration of Valentine’s Day has evolved over time, perhaps holding one of the oldest and most storied histories.

The Catholic Church recognizes three martyred saints named Valentine, although the lore surrounding each one is not always clear. One legend claims that Valentine was a priest in third century Rome, who, after Emperor Claudius II outlawed marriage for young men, defied the order and performed marriages in secret. When discovered, he was arrested and eventually put to death. The legend continues when Valentine, while in jail, fell in love with a beautiful young girl. Before his death, he wrote her a love letter and signed it “From Your Valentine” , a sentiment still popular today.

Some believe that Valentine’s Day is celebrated in February to honor the anniversary of Valentine’s death; others contend that the Church designated the Ides of February as Valentine’s Feast Day in order to legitimize a pagan Greco-Roman fertility festival called Luperci. In the Middle Ages, it was believed that mid-February began the birds mating season, furthering the notion that Valentine’s Day glorifies romance.

By the 18th century, Valentine’s Day was widely recognized as a time when friends and lovers would exchange tokens of affection and handwritten notes. By the end of the 19th century, mass-produced Valentine greeting cards became a popular means for people to express their feelings at a time when that kind of behavior was generally discouraged. In the 20th century, the practice of exchanging cards on Valentine’s Day was extended to include all kinds of gifts, including jewelry and romantic trinkets. Gift giving was typically from a man to a woman, but has since expanded so that Valentine sentiments are now exchanged universally.

So what kind of Valentine’s gift is appropriate for your loved one? Silver and Pewter Gifts offers a huge selection of quality, handcrafted pewter and sterling silver pieces that are sure to bring delight to your Valentine, especially when custom engraved with your personal message of affection. Jewel boxes lined in velvet, pocket mirrors, picture frames, vases, trays, bowls, candlesticks, pitchers, bracelets and many other items are the perfect choice to honor romance.

And what about the man in your life? Silver and Pewter Gifts has many items that any man would wish for: flasks, humidors, mugs, tankards, desktop accessories and barware, all crafted in fine pewter. Most pieces can be engraved to include a personal Valentine sentiment.

Celebrating Valentine’s Day the modern way is certainly more clear and more meaningful than in Roman times. Enjoy the day and pay tribute to love and affection.

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November 11, 2009

Engraved Wedding Invitation Tray

Filed under: Weddings — Liz @ 2:44 PM

Wedding Invitation Tray

Here is a spectacular wedding gift idea for the bride and groom; a gift no one else will think of and one that will amaze the bridal couple! With a copy of the wedding invitation, we can duplicate the layout on this finely made Chippendale Tray. This tray is available in either sterling silver or polished pewter (which looks very much like silver, but does not tarnish). Whether you opt for the silver tray or the polished pewter one, the effect and appreciation for this beautiful gift will be felt for decades. This Wedding Invitation Tray creates a perpetual memento of one of the happiest days in the life of the married couple.

Many couples, who are planning their wedding, have a personal motif or unique design that is used as a theme throughout the wedding: on the Save-the-Date, the wedding invitation, the programs and the place settings. We can take these designs (emailed to us as a high resolution image) and engrave them on this tray, on their wedding cups, or any number of our beautiful trays, bowls, or goblets. It’s the perfect way to create a one-of-a-kind keepsake to be treasured always.

But, it does not have to be just a wedding present. Presenting this engraved Invitation Tray in silver as a 25th anniversary gift is a truly lovely way of commemorating this milestone event. Tradition calls for tin as the 10th anniversary gift, and as pewter is 93% tin, what would be better than duplicating the couples invitation on this stunning pewter Chippendale Tray.

This particular tray is very versatile when it comes to weddings and anniversaries. It is also a popular gift for bridesmaids when engraved with their monogram in a flowing feminine font. Imagine their delight when your closest friends open this personal and everlasting gift that will always remind them of that great day when their best friend got married.

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October 6, 2009

A Classic Wedding Gift

Filed under: Weddings — Liz @ 4:05 PM

A Classic Chippendale Tray

If you have just received a wedding invitation in the mail, one of your first thoughts (besides what to wear) will be how to find an appropriate and appreciated wedding gift for the new bride and groom. I know that everyone wants to give a wedding gift that will remain with the newlywed couple throughout all their married lives. It should be something that is meaningful, beautiful and practical. We also want to give something that will always remind the bride and groom that it was you that gave them this special gift. I have gifts from my wedding that I treasure, not only because they are lovely things for my home, but also because I am always reminded of the person who gave them to me.

Traditional gifts, are by far, the best wedding gifts! There is a reason why some designs stay constant and are continually incorporated into many different decorating styles. A design that stands the test of time and can fit within a classic or contemporary home will always be proudly displayed, used and passed down to the next generation. For example,when I got married, my aunt gave me a beautiful engraved silver tray. A simple and elegant bridal monogram was used on the tray. Over the years I have used this tray for serving and, instead of storing it away between uses, I leave it on display in my dining room. When my youngest daughter got married (her tastes run to the very contemporary) she was given the exact same tray by the same aunt. Of course, she recognized it from my tray and knew that she had just received a very special and everlasting present. Two years later, her tray, with her bridal monogram is beautifully displayed on her mid-century retro styled sideboard.

You will put a lot of effort into making sure that you are giving a gift that will be appreciated for a lifetime. Keeping it simple, traditional, and beautiful will make your wedding gift unforgettable!

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September 23, 2009

A Practical Switch from Sterling to Pewter

Filed under: Just for Fun — debbie @ 1:41 PM

c4282df247f9d977aa9a34693e7dc419.image.350x350 300x300 A Practical Switch from Sterling to Pewter A local customer recently walked through the front door, having seen our attractive window display featuring beautiful, shiny pewter pieces. She announced to us that she was finished with continually polishing her large collection of sterling silver tableware and was switching to maintenance-free, non-tarnishing pewter!

She was amazed at the large assortment of pewter items we offer and immediately purchased a Revere Bowl, a Four-Sided Nut Bowl and 5 x 7 Wide Border Picture Frame. This same customer left by saying she would return periodically to purchase a pewter replacement for each sterling piece she owned, with the ultimate intention of replacing every one. I think she will be a very good customer!

This scenario led me to think about my own extensive sterling silver collection. The pieces in my possession are family heirlooms handed down through the generations or wedding gifts received more than 32 years ago. Each piece is beautiful and meaningful, but where are they now? Hidden away in a closed armoire, carefully wrapped in the original felt and enclosed in plastic bags. I can’t even remember what is there anymore! The next question – when do I ever use my beautiful sterling? The answer – almost never, since it’s just too much trouble to route through the stacks, unwrap and then subsequently polish the now-tarnished silver. So now I’m wondering if this clever customer isn’t onto something big!

Polished pewter has the look of fine sterling, but since it is non-tarnishing, needs only occasional care with a gentle polish such as Mish’s Pewter Polish. It is made of the highest quality lead-free alloy, so it will never tarnish, rust or corrode. Pewter is completely food safe and with the proper care, can last for generations. We recommend washing your pewter in warm, soapy water using a mild soap and dry with a soft towel. Remember to NEVER put pewter in a dishwasher or expose it to excessive heat or an open flame. If cared for in this manner, pewter will maintain its lovely patina for years to come – with no work!

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September 16, 2009

The Jefferson Cup

Filed under: Pewter and Silver — Liz @ 3:20 PM

The Best Selling Monticello Jefferson Cup

I often wonder what Thomas Jefferson would think if he could see how many Jefferson Cups have been purchased, engraved and presented as gifts. Mr. Jefferson started with a simple model and two silver cups that were bequeathed to him by his friend, George Wythe. With written instructions to a silversmith, he requested that the two inherited silver cups be melted down to make a set of 8 cups following his specific design. Each cup was to have the inside gilded with gold. This set of cups was used by Mr. Jefferson at Monticello and were a regular part of his dining table setting. Of the 8 cups first made in 1810, 6 survive. In the 1830′s, Thomas Jefferson’s daughter, Martha, passed them on to each of her 5 children and one to a grandchild. The location of the remaining two cups is unknown at this time.

This type of cup, or tumble, was a popular choice of drinking vessel in the 17th and 18th centuries. In the 21st century, they seem to be even more popular and are used for much more than their original purpose. Today the majority of the Jefferson Cups are made of pewter, which is a very good alternative to the silver, in that it does not need to be polished. However, silver Jefferson Cups can also be purchased, and are exceptionally beautiful.

The Jefferson Cup is the number one seller on our website! There is a very good reason for this. Not only do the have the long history behind them, but they are so versatile and can be used in so many ways. They are presented as baby gifts, wedding presents, corporate awards, and trophies. We engrave a lot of them for scholastic achievements and graduations. We find that our customers use them as part of their dining service or bar, keep them on their desk or dressers for a catch-all, or just proudly display them to commemorate an event or special moment. Any way they are used, I’m sure that Thomas Jefferson would be astounded at how his simply elegant and elegantly simple cup has become such a popular choice for the 21st home.

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