Can I buy directly from Lunt Silversmiths? |
Yes. You can buy from selections of our most popular products right here on this website. Click on categories of interest or use the search function to find items you want to browse or buy.
We are also fortunate to have extensive representation throughout the U.S. retail community and are proud of our relationships with the top department, specialty, and jewelry stores in the country. A hands-on introduction to our products can certainly be the best way to shop them. To find a retailer near you, please click here for our Dealer Locator. |
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How do I find a Lunt retailer near me? |
Simply click on the "Find Local Retailers" link on the left hand menu of our website. There you can enter your zip code and find local retailers within that region. Click here to go directly to our Retailer Locator. |
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Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver combined with 7.5% of an alloy such as copper or zinc which adds strength to the metal. The name comes from the Easterling area of Germany where the original silver craftsmen lived. Regardless of the differences in pattern or design, the quality of sterling is uniform throughout a piece. It is illegal to stamp a piece of silver as sterling if it does not conform with the minimum 92.5% purity standard. |
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Silverplate is a term for metal products made from a base metal that has been coated - actually, electroplated - with a thin layer of silver. There are no specific legally-mandated quality standards for silverplated products, which can be made from a variety of base metals and thicknesses of silver. Heavier thicknesses of silver enhance wearability over time. Silverplate will tarnish much like sterling, and the care of silverplated products is similar to care for sterling silver. Silverplated products can be magnificent, but do not have the intrinsic value of solid silver items, which by definition are made entirely from precious metal. |
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What is holloware? |
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Occasionally sterling silver, silverplated and stainless steel tableware is referred to as holloware. This is a general trade term, originally referring to anything that you can serve from such as trays, bowls, pitchers, coffee pots, tea pots, trivets, etc. The term eventually extended to other kinds of tableware including frames and lighting like candlesticks, etc. Holloware as a term is distinguished from flatware, which refers to eating and flat serving utensils. |
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How do I care for my silver? |
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Silver care requires very little effort if you understand the issues of tarnishing, storage, and the process of using your sterling tableware and personal accessories. These issues are addressed below as individual FAQ's. The answers below will assist in keeping your silver at its gleaming best! |
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What causes silver to tarnish? |
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Tarnish is caused by food particles and/or gasses in the air. Silver tarnishes because it undergoes a chemical reaction with sulfur-containing substances. Silver combines with sulfur to form silver sulfide, which is black, and darkens the silver. |
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How do I keep my silver from tarnishing? |
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Many people are concerned about their sterling silver tarnishing, but if you use it every day, it will actually tarnish less. Frequent use removes the need for polishing. Over time, your sterling items will develop a warm, rich tone called a “patina”. A slightly darker shading (oxidation) in the design will develop and enhance the definition of the pattern. Rotate the pieces evenly so that the patina develops across your entire collection. |
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How do I clean my silver? |
Silver should be cleaned immediately after use, especially after contact with food that may cause corrosion or contain acids such as eggs, tomatoes, mayonnaise or salt. Wash in hot soapy water using a mild soap and rinse in clean hot water. Dry immediately to avoid spotting. Avoid lemon scented detergents and those containing chloride. They can be harmful to the silver.
Do not soak your silver overnight. Prolonged immersion in water may damage the metal. Washing in a dishwasher is not recommended, as the extreme temperatures may loosen hollow-handled pieces like your knives. If you do use a dishwasher, it is recommended to remove the pieces before the drying cycle. |
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How should I store my silver? |
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Your silver should be stored in an airtight silverware chest or in bags made of tarnish resistant cloth, as exposure to air will accelerate tarnishing. Storing loose in drawers can cause scratching, and some woods contain acids that will stain the silver. Keep silver away from dampness and direct sunlight. Do not wrap in plastic, newspaper or foil or bind with rubber bands. |
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What is the best way to polish my silver? |
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Polish with a soft cloth with any brand name silver polish, following directions. Dips are not recommended -they will remove the oxidation (darker shading) within the intricate recessed designs in the patterns. |
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Stainless steel is a low carbon steel which contains chromium at 10% or more by weight. The addition of chromium is what gives the steel its unique stainless, corrosion resisting properties. |
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What is 18/10 Stainless Steel? |
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18% chrome for maximum corrosion resistance and 10% nickel which adds to the luster. 18/10 stainless steel construction is the finest stainless steel available. All Couzon and Lunt stainless steel flatware is made from high grade 18/10 stainless. |
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What affects the pricing of stainless patterns? |
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There are many reasons for price differences but the primary ones are:
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How do I care for my stainless steel flatware? |
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Stainless steel is completely diswasher safe and easy to maintain. To ensure your stainless steel flatware lasts for many years, follow these few simple suggestions:
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If washing by hand, wash in hot, soapy water using a mild dishwashing detergent. Rinse in hot water and dry immediately.
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Avoid soaking stainless flatware in water for a prolonged period of time or overnight.
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When loading your dishwasher, make sure knife blades don't come into contact with other utensils. This will prevent the blades from nicking or scratching other pieces.
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Do not pour detergent directly onto flatware.
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If a detergent film build should up on your flatware, wash them, either by hand or in the dishwasher, and hand-dry immediately to remove the film.
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If stubborn stains or rust occur, use a non-abrasive stainless or metal polish paste or cream to clean item.
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Avoid abrasive cleansers or pads.
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Avoid any detergent that contains lemon. |
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Why do stains occur on some stainless? |
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Unfortunately, stainless is not stain proof. Discoloration can be caused by ingredients found in tea, coffee, salad dressing, vinegar, and salt. Pitting or spotting can be caused by hard water and foods with a high salt content (such as butter). If stubborn stains or rust occur, use a non-abrasive stainless or metal polish paste or cream to clean item. |
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How much is my silver worth? |
The best option for determining the value of your silver is a certified appraiser. Many jewelry and specialty stores offer professional appraising services. So do many antique dealers. To locate a Lunt, Cunill, or Couzon retailer in your area who might offer such services, click here for our dealer locator.
There are many factors that determine value such as product condition, age, weight, special or limited editions, and precious metal content.
Lunt does not appraise its own or any other silver products.
You can also let the market determine the value of your silver if you wish to sell it. This can be done at auction, or via a number of online sites such as eBay.
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Lunt is closely affiliated with Roger Jette Silversmiths in North Attleboro, MA. They specialize in the repair and restoration of sterling silver, silverplate, karat gold, and goldplated products. Roger Jette is familiar with all Lunt products past and present, and in many cases uses original parts supplied by us for refurbishing certain products such as knife blades and teaware. Founded in 1963, Roger Jette has been serving the silver and gold communities for 45 years.
We recommend them as your top resource for repairing or restoring your Lunt silver pieces.
Some of the services Roger Jette Silversmiths provides include:
- Refinishing and repolishing of sterling flatware sets
- Repair of karat gold items
- Silver plating
- Gold plating
- Removal of dents and scratches and refinishing of surfaces
- Restoration of tableware products such as tea sets
- Reblading of knives
- Restoration of dresser sets including new mirrors and brush parts
- Refurbishing trophies
- And more...
To obtain a quote for any of these services you can insure and send your piece(s) to:
Lunt Silversmiths
c/o Roger Jette
P.O. Box 613
52 Orne St.
N. Attleboro, MA 02761-2445
For more contact information details on the process of receiving quotations for repairs and restoration, please click here. |
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How can I identify my Lunt sterling pattern? |
We have been manufacturing sterling flatware patterns in our Greenfield, MA facility for over 100 years. To identify a Lunt pattern and access some history of Lunt sterling, please visit our Sterling Pattern Archive from the left hand menu of our website. Or, click here to go directly to the Sterling Pattern Archive. |
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Where can a buy discontinued Lunt flatware patterns? |
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There are many companies and also e-tailers that sell discontinued flatware patterns from a variety of manufacturers. There is a large secondary market for older patterns, and a search on any popular search engine will deliver many options for buying discontinued Lunt sterling patterns.
Because sterling doesn't chip, crack, or wear out, even old patterns can be refurbished to like-new condition! |
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Many retailers - and now e-tailers - have Bridal Registries which function to let friends and family know your preferences for patterns for your table. You can register for Lunt and Couzon flatware along with any number of items for your home. Some tips for using a Bridal registry follow below. |
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When and where do I register? |
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You should register about 5 - 8 months before your wedding. This will give stores plenty of time to post your registry prior to any showers or parties. It is a good idea to make an appointment to meet with a store's bridal consultant prior to filling out your registry. We also recommend that you visit stores before your appointments to look around and make notes on your selections.
Choosing where to register is strictly a matter of personal choice. Most department stores have bridal registries, as do "home" stores. And now, most stores' services can be accessed online. It is best to minimize your registry locations to 2 or 3. This gives your guests some options but doesn't confuse them. Try to register for the same items at all locations or you may end up with duplicates.
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How do I select a flatware pattern? |
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Most brides register for two flatware patterns - one for everyday use, and one for formal entertaining. Prior to selecting patterns, you should decide what metal suits you best - sterling, silverplate, or stainless steel. Next, choose a pattern that coordinates with your china and crystal. The general guideline is that one of the three should contrast with the other two. For example: ornate china, ornate crystal, simple design flatware. |
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How many place settings do I need? |
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We suggest that you register for at least 8 place settings and a basic hostess set of serving pieces. A five-piece place setting is standard, and consists of teaspoon, place or dinner fork, place or dinner knife, dessert or soup spoon, and salad fork. The difference between "place" and "dinner" size is size, with "place" pieces being about 1/2" smaller than "dinner." You may also hear the term "continental" sizing. This refers to the oversized pieces commonly associated with European designs.
The basic hostess serving set can include from 4-6 pieces consisting of a butter knife, serving spoon, pierced serving spoon, cold meat fork, gravy ladle, and pie/cake server.
Bridal registry is a complimentary service offered by your retailer. Your guests will appreciate the convenience it will offer them in selecting your gifts - and you can enjoy receiving them! |
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How do I become a Lunt Retailer? |
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If you are interested in becoming a Lunt companies retailer, you can click on "Dealers Entrance" from the top menu on this site and follow the prompts to apply. You can also call us directly at 800-242-2774, and our customer service representatives will assist you and answer your questions. Thanks for your interest in our products! |
