Some of the earliest silver plate or vessels are from
the period of about 2500 B.C. from Mesopotamia. Since that
time silver has been used extensively in the casting of
silver plate in many cultures around the world both for
utilitarian value and as an expression of wealth or status.
Both ancient Greece and Rome crafted many examples of
fine silver work, and as techniques spread, the Far East,
North Africa, Medieval Europe, then later Mexico and
North America all developed unique signatures of custom
silverware.
Common examples, both new and ancient are plates, platters,
trays, goblets, cups, chalices, bowls, teapots, forks,
spoons and knives, candlestick holders, decorative boxes
and figurines and are found around the world throughout
all cultures, countries and ages.
Silverware accounted for the usage of approximately
60 million ounces in 2007, or about 8 - 9% of production
from the year. This off take has been consistently declining
the last ten years ranging from a high of 115 million ounces
in 1998 to a low of 60 million ounces in 2007.
