Eating with silvered cutlery
I have a set of silvered cutlery with which i often eat. I recently heard that the handles of a lot of older silvered cutlery is filled with lead or they are even made out lead. Am i safe to eat with them or should i switch out my cutlery?
Best Answer
It's very likely to that the base metal is some kind of alloy, and not simply lead, but if you're in doubt then you should probably stop using them.
Unless solid silver, most within the last 100+ years made in the US, UK and Germany will likely be some mixture of copper / nickel / tin. Some might have pewter detail and decoration which might contain lead, but typically not on the tines / blade / etc. Pewter as a base for silver-plating saw its real beginning after antimony was predominately used to make it, but you can only really guess unless the company is still around and confirms it, or you have it tested. Most which is still in use today would likely be made of a nickel alloy under the plating.
If you're at all in doubt, or get an odd taste, you can send them out to a plating shop, or just polish and display them and get something you know to be safe. Odd metal 'tangy' tastes are probably coming not from lead, but copper in the alloy, but always go on the safe side here.
You can, as folks noted in comments, have them tested. However, unless you're really keen on their continued use due to monetary or sentimental value, the cost / reward ratio could get lopsided quickly.
If they have a maker's mark (or other markings), you might be able to get some more information from an antique dealer, which could at least get you an appraisal in addition to knowing more about their makeup.
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Quick Answer about "Eating with silvered cutlery"
Studies show people tend to eat less when their dishes are in sharp color-contrast to their food. Being "born with a silver spoon in your mouth" has long been known to have advantages. Apparently, eating off a silver spoon also has its perks — it seems to make your food taste better.Is silver cutlery antibacterial?
It is a well-known fact that silverware helps purify water and protect it from bacteria. Silver has antibacterial properties and using it as cutlery is completely safe. In fact, people boil food and water in their silverware to purify it from any harmful elements that might affect their kids.Is it safe to eat with silver cutlery?
Utensils made of silver have non-toxic properties. Unlike other materials that contaminate the food when heated, due to the chemical reactions, the food cooked in silver is safe.Does silver react with food?
Silver is quite inert, but has a lower electrode potential than gold and so does react with some foods and indeed the mouth, producing a mild metallic taste.Can you use silver cutlery everyday?
Although it's higher maintenance than stainless steel flatware, I've found it quite fun to use "fancy" flatware every day. Plus, according to Replacements, Ltd. using silver everyday has its benefits: "Silver's finish actually improves with daily use, what better reason to use it regularly."Gold and Silver plates \u0026 utensils - Assim al hakeem
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