10 Things You May Not Know About Pewter

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Beloved for its softly glowing beauty as well as its functionality, pewter pieces today reflect the charm of gentler, earlier eras. The history of pewter manufacture is really the story of human refinement of tools for life, and each piece of pewter we own and use today honors that development. There has been a remarkable surge in interest in the story of pewter and whether you are already an avid collector of antique pewter or a beginning user or a pewter gift giver of newly designed pieces, here are parts of the story of pewter you may not know.

1) Fine pewter is a treasured alloy, ranked the fourth most precious metal in the world - followed only by gold, silver and platinum. Favored by the world´s foremost artists, pewter is not found in its natural state because it is an alloy comprised of a number of elements including tin, copper, bismuth, silver or lead (the more tin, the higher the grade of pewter). The U.S. Federal Trade Commission established a standard which defines "pewter" as a metal that must contain a minimum of 90% Grade A tin. Lead content is also strictly regulated so that modern pieces are guaranteed lead free and safe to be used for food and drink.

2) Pewter is also one of the world´s first metals, having been worked into objects of art by ancient Greeks, Romans and Chinese as early as the 2nd Century A.D.

3) Prized for its beauty, fine pewter is known for its ability to withstand time because it will not rust or deteriorate, nor will it tarnish like silver and does not require polishing like silver Some collectors believe that handling and regular use of pewter pieces actually develops a distinctive, softened finish and a warm patina that only improves with time. Most users and collectors enjoy allowing it to age gracefully so it becomes unique to them. A wedding gift of engraved pewter almost guarantees it will be handed down through the generations.

4) Around the 12th Century, pewter was only within the reach of the wealthy where it was found on the tables of castle halls and in the houses of rich merchants and churchmen.

5) Pewter making and selling in England became controlled by a Guild - the Worshipful Company of Pewterers which established standards for quality and pewter ware became widely used. The Guild originated in 1348 and was granted a charter by Edward IV in 1473.

6) Did you know that pewter glass bottom tankards were developed by the English so that soldiers could see their enemies approaching while drinking their favorite brews?

7) Pewter is now popular for everyday use instead of silver because it is easy to store, never wears out, and presents a grand display for special occasions. Engraved pewter cups, personalized pewter baby gifts, pewter charms and other collectibles make impressive gifts. Pewter is an easy medium to work with allowing metal workers to produce items of exceptional detail. Fine pewter today is not only collectable and affordable but cherished for longevity and lasting value.

8) Heat can cause pewter to oxidize and darken so it is advised not to place pieces in ovens, microwaves, on stovetops, or to expose pewter to open flame. Automatic dishwashers are also not recommended due to the potential damage from heat and detergents.

9) Pewter was first introduced in America by the early settlers, who utilized pewter for every conceivable item. There were pots, jugs, tankards, flagons, measures, cream-jugs, pitchers, porringers, plates, platters, spoons, forks, salt-cellars, pepper-shakers, mustard-pots, lamps, candlesticks, candle-molds, teapots, sugar-bowls, tobacco-jars, tea caddies, crucifixes, knee and shoe buckles, coffee-urns, hot-water dishes, snuff boxes, money boxes, inkstands, eggcups, watch-cases, buttons, bleeding-cups, goblets, mugs, bowls, basins, ladles for soup, toddy, or gravy, and dozens of other things. Plates, platters, flagons, mugs, pewter cups and the dishes of common use during that era are the forms now commonly in use today. It became customary in New England for families to melt down and recast their pewter spoons, and sometimes one mold belonged to an entire community.

10) Cleaning pewter couldn´t be easier. Modern pewter is offered in two finishes; satin (brushed) or bright (polished). Satin finished pewter is best cleaned by washing in warm water and mild soap (not in a dishwasher), then hand drying with a soft cloth. Bright pewter should be washed the same way, but a non-abrasive silver polish can also be used to remove spots or discolorations.

Pewter is a great gift to give, go to http://virginiabornandbred.com for more pewter gift ideas.