Sterling Silver
Made of at least 92.5% pure silver, sterling flatware is a true heirloom. It is an expensive investment but think of how it will be passed down generations to come. Also, compared to other materials, sterling silver makes for the most elegant and formal of dinnerware. It is highly recommended to keep sterling flatware in felt pouches when not used for longer periods of time.
Silver-plated
Considered as a less-expensive alternative to sterling, silver-plated flatware is just as durable and offers the same amount of elegance. It has a 100% silver coat on top of another metal such as nickel or brass. Keep in mind the thicker the silver coat is, the better quality the flatware is.
Stainless-steel
Stainless-steel flatware sets are the most common you can find on the market, so it is important to understand how to determine which is of good quality. If you look at the back of a fork or a spoon, you will notice there are different numbers engraved, ranging from 18/10 and 18/8 to 18/0. These numbers indicate the percentages of the different metals added to the steel. The numbers 18/10 mean that there is 18 % chrome and 10% nickel. This is the best grade you can find because the higher the nickel content is, the more protection the flatware has from corrosion; 18/8 would be mid-range flatware and 18/0 is the most prone to rust and obtain damage.
Acrylic-Handle Flatware
The main benefit of acrylic-handle flatware is that you will have a huge variety of styles and patterns to choose from. They can look stunning on formal occasions as well as everyday use.
Pewter
Pewter sets are a great option for vintage and retro lovers. They provide a rustic feel and beautiful patina. Best of all, they do not need to be polished.