Tin is the main component in pewter representing between 90-95% of the alloy. After platinum, gold and silver, tin is the fourth most precious metal in common use to day. It is the tin that imparts a fine sheen and malleability. Over time and with handling it develops a distinctive, warm patina. The more it is used, the better it looks.
Copper and
antimony act as hardening agents in the alloy and make pewter a durable
material.
The high quality pewter alloy we use contains no lead and therefore is safe for food and drink.
Pewter
has been in wide use in Europe since the 2nd century AD, when the Romans
introduced it during their expansion. It will last for generations if
cared for properly.
Pewter
Care: Today's pewter does not tarnish easily and if care
instructions are followed the finish will not deteriorate. Pewter should
be cleaned with warm soapy water, rinsed, then towel dried.
Certain conditions will cause pewter to oxidize and darken. Pewter does not tarnish like silver or copper. Do not wash pewter in an automatic dishwasher as the heat and detergent can be harmful to the finish.
If your pewter ends up being washed in an automatic dishwasher, or it becomes tarnished by other means, then using a good quality pewter pollish should restore its original lustre!
Pewter
should never be used in an oven, microwave or on the stovetop and should
not be exposed to a direct flame.
