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. Pewter 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!