Hester Bateman the Female Silversmith
The silversmith profession appears to be dominated by males, however I soon began to unearth the female silversmiths. From Elizabeth Eaton/Jones/Cooke to Mary Chawner, like a beautiful blossom at the beginning of spring my eyes opened to the ladies of the prior centuries getting involved in this time honoured craftsmanship. I did however chose my […] ...Read More...
Luxury Gifts for Writers
Writers don’t need a lot. However, that doesn’t change the fact that they might well want quite a bit. Here at AC Silver, as we write, we can’t help but wish we had a few of the items in our stock for our desks at home, ready and waiting to inspire us to write up […] ...Read More...
Valentine’s Traditions from Around the World
History of Valentine’s Day “There is only one happiness in life: to love and be loved” – George Sand. Aw! It’s the most wonderful time of the year- for those in love at least. Yes, Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, as you will undoubtedly have guessed if you have dared to venture out of the […] ...Read More...
What is a Marriage Casket?
In these modern times, a betrothal is typically marked with the presentation of an engagement ring (and hopefully an enthusiastic ‘I will!’). Contemporary rituals surrounding engagement have, perhaps thankfully, moved away from customs of the past. These included booby-traps, beating up the groom and…selling yourself into the slavery of your in-laws? (Yes, these things really […] ...Read More...
Welcome to the AC Silver House of Horrors
A Haunting Tale …The AC Silver House of Horrors… …Something has been causing trouble. All around, you can’t miss it; there’s something spooky in the air. Something has been sneaking around our stock, wreaking havoc and running amok. It sends a shiver, makes you chill, raises everybody’s hair. The animals used to be so calm, […] ...Read More...
What is a Compote Dish?
Fruit stewed or cooked in a syrup, usually served as a dessert. A dish with a base, stem and often a lid, crafted in glass, china, or silver. Its purpose is to serve fruit, nuts, sweets, etc. Often a compote dish might be described as a tazza or as a comport dish. Therefore, in order […] ...Read More...
How to Make Tea Using a Spirit Kettle
Spirit kettles started appearing during the late 1600s, a time when innovation surrounding tea-drinking was at its peak. At this time, teapots were very small and didn’t contain so many tea leaves; this was because tea was still an expensive commodity that had to be used sparingly. Despite this, people were obsessing over this new […] ...Read More...
Types of Forks
There are many different varieties/ types of fork. Possibly the most important and widely used ones are the dinner, fish, salad, dessert, and the seafood fork. The shapes of these particular forks accommodate specific foods. Forks which have long tapered tines are made to spear pieces of food, such as steak. Those with a wide […] ...Read More...
The AC Silver Animal Shelter
According to statistics within Britain, most people do not feel adulthood begins until the age of 29; with more ‘young adults’ staying at home with their parents, wanting to travel the world and being unenthusiastic in their career planning. I personally like to keep up to date with statistics and as I am now 30 […] ...Read More...
Weighted Silverware
It’s important to establish one thing – weighted silver doesn’t actually refer to the silver itself but rather the construction technique. Interestingly, the silver used in a weighted item is the same as in any other. So, then the question is…what is different about weighted silver? Weighted simply means that there is a solid core […] ...Read More...
