As precious metals go, silver is attractively priced, but this pricing does not compromise the aura of luxury a silver gift will carry with it. Traditionally, silver conjures to mind the image of jewellery, or fine tableware, but many other items can be made from silver. And many of these items might turn out to be the ideal gift. Silver can be shopped online or in person by visiting shops. Online may offer better prices, but perhaps it is worth starting by looking around in person, in shops, so you can get a feel for what’s available. Just about anything could be made from silver, and silver items can cost anywhere from £8 to £45,000 and can be modern, rustic, designer, antique, second-hand or brand new. Truly, there is something silver for just about any taste or just about any occasion.

When purchasing silver items, look for a hallmark indicating that the item has been tested at an official Assay Office and that the metal used is certified to conform to one of the legal standards of purity or fineness. The assay offices in Great Britain are incorporated by royal charter or by statute and are thus completely independent of any trade organisation. The tests performed there are extremely accurate. These analyses are normally performed on small samples of the article before it has been finally polished.

Second-hand silver and antique silver can be not only distinctive but offer good value. Antique silver can be expensive depending on its collectability, but antique doesn’t necessarily mean expensive. The proverbial silver spoon has been the symbol of luxury for centuries. A Silver spoon, circa 1787 or so, could be the ideal baby shower gift, and can be had for one hundred and twenty five quid. For a more modern second-hand flavour, consider a pair of Royal Copenhagen vases. Flattened ovoid in form, and each painted with a Copenhagen harbour or street scene and signed by designer Harold Henrikson.

Consider stylish sterling silver barware, ranging from bottle drip collars, spirit measures, corkscrews, wine funnels, wine and sherry goblets, wine tasters, Quaich dishes to whisky tots—just about anything you can imagine, and quite often, handmade.

These days, condiment sets can be attractive addition to any dinner table. This attractiveness is amplified when expressed in solid silver. Centuries ago, salt was exotic, and of tremendous importance socially. The condiments were placed as a centrepiece on the table the host and important guests dipping their meat into the tiny salt container located near the top of the structure.

In the past, the ownership of silver tableware was the benchmark of real wealth. Very few people could establish their stature by having such finery as silver eating bowls or silver spoons. Instead, they had to settle for baser metals or wood, or possibly horn. Silver tableware was also an investment. For centuries, it was as good as money in the bank. Very little early silver survives. Silver would get melted down as a tax settlement and re-fashioned for someone who was able to afford it.