Not everyone is born with a silver spoon in their mouth, but there’s no reason why you can’t start collecting silver holloware and utensils later on. In fact, there are several reasons why you should start an antique silver collection of your own. From aesthetic appeal to monetary value, we’ll outline just a few reasons you should consider adding antique silver or antique sterling to your acquisitions.

1. It’s elegant: These days, ceramic, glass, and even plastic are more common sights in the American cupboard than antique silverware. These products are easy to clean and are generally more casual than, say, a sterling silver tea set. But they also aren’t anywhere near as special. With silver, you’ll get a sense of tradition and history with every place setting. Filling your antique sterling vase with flowers will make a real impact on your mantel, windowsill, or dining room table, and you’ll never have an excuse not to use the “good silver” for special occasions. No matter what, you’ll be sure to make a lasting impression on friends and family for your timeless taste.
2. It actually has health benefits: Believe it or not, silver may actually have the power to improve your overall well-being. Silver has long-since been used to prevent infections and heal wounds. Due to the natural anti-microbial properties of silver ions, silver can even be used to keep food fresh for longer periods of time. While modern medicine and refrigeration have reduced the need for silver in such applications, it’s still interesting to think your choice in plates or utensils could help your health! Plus, some people even say that eating off silver makes food taste better. That could allow you to make healthier dietary choices in the long run.
3. It’s valuable: Keep in mind that sterling silver from the 19th or 20th centuries, which are typically marked with the number “925” or the word “sterling,” are alloys that contain small percentages of other metals. But the fact that these items are not pure silver doesn’t make them any less valuable. In fact, it makes them far more durable and allows them to stand the test of time. Silver plated items, on the other hand, wear over the years and aren’t nearly as valuable as sterling silver. As long as you’re buying sterling silver (sometimes known as solid silver) items, you’ll be making a valuable investment that you can enjoy and pass down to future generations.