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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 1980-03-20, Page 40Don't n't e hasty • from page 9 a set of fine c(cystal in addition to your ordinary glassware. Crystal dif- fers from glass because of the substantial amount of lead -mixed with the sil:icasand, lime and other materials used in glass making. As for the amount of crystal needed, you should start out by get- ting a minimum basic place setting of, a water goblet, wine glass and champagne -sherbet glass. Try to get at least six of each, If this is not possible at first, you might go with a dozen all purpose glasses such as --ch-amp ague—tlu t es in = stead. They serve everything beautifully from wine to desserts. You'll find that crystal salad plates and bowls will come in handy and look great with any • setting. The flatware you choose can be sterling, silver plate or stainless steel. Sterling is the standard for nearly solid silver so sterling flatware must be • 921/2 percent silver and 71/2 percent hardening alloy which is mostly copper. Sterling comes in a polished • • • mirror-like "bright finish," or in a softer "Butler finish." If the piece is actually sterling, the word is stamped on the back or bottom. Because itdoesn't require polishing, stainless steel is con- sidered easier to care for than sterling silver. However, when stainless finally does stain (and it eventually does, despite the name), the stains are very difficult to remove. Stainless steel is a harder metal than sterling silver so it is less likely to bend out of shape. Unfor- tunately, as stainless steel gets older, it tends -to show the wear overth —' years. As sterling ages, it develops character and a patina of small scratches that only add to its warmth and appearance. Sterling never .seems to wear out. A nice thing about sterling silver is the more you use it, the less you have to polish it. Sterling that is not used or polished regularly can develop unsightly pits. Some special precautions are generally required to maintain sterling in good condition. Never let it soak over any length of time in water. and dry completely after washing. If sterling contains residue from eggs,, vinegar, salt, fruit . or vegetables, rinse immediately as the acids and sulphur in these foods can tarnish or discolor the sterling silver. The price of sterling silver has soared in recent ?rears .so.a typical.. 5 -piece place setting can cost over $250 today; the price in 197Q was about $75 so its value is ever increasing,. In com-' parison, a 5 -piece' place setting of stainless steel flatware costs roughly $30 in today's market. Although sterling silver is fairly expensive, it is ---froth -- du'ratte— and" beautiful. The new wife can use and treasure a set for years . then pass it down to a bride .of the next generation. Remember to give yourself plenty of time to look around when searching for your perfect tableware. The chosen dinnerware, crystal and flatware will spend many years in each other's company so consider all . factors of quality, durability and beauty and you'll enjoy harmonious table set- tings for years'to come. Get together... With Blackstone- Furniture to choose the right furniture for your home. Page 10 Two sensible guidelines for young married to follow when they make their first furniture ptirchase come from an interior decorating consultant. Remember that furniture makers change their patterns about every, two years, so don't make the mistake of thinking you'll be able to buy'it piece by piece like' you can your silver or china. Buy a whole bedroom suite and— if you choose a fashionable pale yellow or white colour finish as the one pictured here, remember that dark colors such as this navy floral wallpaper and matching spread make the best backgrounds to show off these delicate new finishes. Ask about our layaway plan,. Get it all together at Blackstone Furniture. Quality brand name furnishings for every room...plus accent pieces and lamps to add that finishing touch that's just right for you. And at a price that fits your budget. a' C HARGEX VISA xz:. • : • AO t,3 f'gak'SE€ LACKSTONE FURNITURE Located On West Street Just Off The Square • Kroehler • Kaufman-' • Troister • Vitas __. _• Braemort -- • Sklar • Simmons • Sealy A