So earlier in the year I started a series where I highlight one of the many types of metals I love. For this post it’s sterling silver.
Last time I focused on silverplate which you can read about here.
Before that I posted about copper, which gave me the idea for this series and you can read about it here.
So sterling silver…very pretty…but also very costly.
I have never purchased any sterling myself. I was lucky to inherit what I have from my parents.
Sterling is usually stamped with 925, which designates the 92.5% by weight silver plus 7.5% by weight of another metal, usually copper.
Continental Europe originated this metal but it has reached across the world by now.
My parents actually acquired the majority of their collection in Peru when we lived in the late 1960s.
{I apologize for the smudged fingerprints; CSI would have a field day!}
The manufacturer is Camusso, S.A and my flatware pattern is Portofino.
I love it! It’s understated & not too ornate. I love that the detail is in the middle of the utensils, leaving the ends with clean lines.
Of course I love it most because I grew up with my parents using it & now I’m growing up with my own kids using it around our family table.
My parents also had a huge tray with a tea/coffee service but that ended up in my brother’s family.
I have these chargers large & small {also from my parents}. So much fun to use them in tablescapes.
And for their 20th anniversary my parents got this tray with their monograms.
how great is this? I love it! I use it for so many practical uses as well as for decorating.
Also my father received this platter from first national citibank when we reached 25 years of service {quarter century club} with them.
He retired from Citibank after 46 years; it was the 1st job he had and the last one he had. That doesn’t happen anymore. This is one of those things that always makes me smile when I look at it and makes me so proud of my dad and how much he achieved in his lifetime.
And although I’m sad I don’t have the coffee | tea service as I mentioned above, I definitely get way more use out of my sterling flatware set.
The set is way more than complete. I have a utensil for every use. It makes me so happy to set the table. It’s the little things…
{I never set the table like this it’s just to show all the options I have}
And the serving pieces are just as complete.
All the flatware is stored in these flannel pouch rolls, which is much easier to store than a silverware chest in my opinion. I love that everything is labeled. gotta love my parents.
Anyway, all these items are stamped “925” and | or “sterling”.
Anything sterling should be marked accordingly but there are machines that can calibrate the metal of an artifact if you are not sure or there are businesses who will also test it for a fee.
Unlike my silver plate I like to keep my sterling as polished as possible.

Storing sterling in flannel prevents it from tarnishing. And believe it or not using sterling frequently also helps maintain its polish. II use it as much as possible for special occasions but since you have to hand wash it sometimes it is simply not practical. Just keeping it real.
And it makes whatever meal, occasion, celebration, etc. that extra special when I pull out the sterling.
Happy Shiny & Bright!
sharing @:
inspire me tuesday @ a stroll thru life
tweak it tuesday @ cozy little house
the inspiration board @ carolyn’s homework
be inspired @ elizabeth&co.
the scoop @ stonegable
spring into spring @ diy by design
wow @ savvy southern style
wake-up wednesday @ god’s growing garden
wonderful wednesday @ oh my heartsie girl
amaze me monday @ dwellings-the heart of your home
show& share @ coastal charm
inspire me monday @ my uncommon slice of suburbia
met monday @ between naps on the porch
make it pretty monday @ the dedicated house
motivation monday @ making our life matter
celebrate your story @ the sweet sensations
mmm @ keeping it simple crafts
vintage charm @ charm bracelet diva
home & garden @ a delightsome life
syc @ have a daily cup of mrs. olson
diy like a boss @ table & hearth
share your style @ little farmstead
home sweet home @ the charm of home
feathered nest friday @ french country cottage
inspiration gallery @ craftberry bush
simple&sweet @ rooted in thyme
shabbilicious friday @ shabby art boutique
friday’s 5 features @ diy vintage chic
morning cup of joe @ the cottage market
pinworthy projects @ just us 4
5 star frou frou @ a tray of bliss
craft frenzy friday @ craft dictator
the creative collection @ the crafted sparrow
party palooza @ i heart naptime
saturday sparks @ pieced pastimes
share it one more time @ lilacs&longhorns
sundays at home @ love of home
a bouquet of talent @ life on lakeshore drive
creative corner @ curly crafty mom
Hi MJ! I love your sterling flatware set! How wonderful you have that from your parents. And all those different forks, spoons and knives! Miss you!!
Your sterling is really beautiful. I love the pattern, and the fact that you have so many serving pieces! And such a beautiful reminder of your parents, too.
thanks evalyn. yes i’m very fortunate to have this set. i miss you too! lets get something on the calendar before the kids get out for summer. xo- mj
thanks cynthia! it’s a wonderful reminder and i love thinking one of my kids will continue the tradition in the future as well. thanks for stopping by & leaving a comment. xo- mj
Your sterling is just so beautiful, and what a wonderful story about your father! What a beautiful heirloom to pass on!!
Lovely sterling flatware and the trays are beautiful too. sb
thanks so much fir stopping by & leaving your sweet comment. i truly appreciate it. xo- mj
thank you sharon. xo- mj
This is quite a collection and precious heirloom. Thanks for joining us at Celebrate Your Story link party, we love having you with us.
thanks sandra. love linking up at celebrate your story. xo- mj
Wow I love your collection! -Jenny
Your silver is lovely and the photos are beautiful.
Thanks for sharing with SYC.
thanks jenny. i love it too but more so because it was my parents. xo- mj
Oh my gosh your silver set is lovely! And what sentimental value as well! I also love the pattern….thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm. xo Kathleen
Gorgeous Mary Jo! What makes it even more special is that fact that they are family heirlooms. The only pieces I have I picked up a tote of odds and ends pieces at a thrift shop. Love them! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
thanks carol! xo- mj
thanks kathleen. hope to see you at the party this week. xo- mj
thanks jann! yes, i wouldn’t have a set like this if i hadn’t inherited it myself. hope to see you at syc this week. xo- mj