Pewter Information and Care Tips

A Brief History of Pewter

Modern pewter is an alloy consisting mostly of tin (the 4th most precious metal after platinum, gold and silver), with small amounts of antimony and copper added for strength and color.

Pewter’s history probably begins when the Sumerians used tin in producing bronze (a copper-tin alloy) nearly 4500 years ago. The oldest known pewter is from Egypt about 3500 years ago. Pewter was used in Rome, France, China and Japan prior to being introduced to England during Rome’s occupation in the 1st century. Valuable metals found in England – including tin – were a motivation for Rome’s occupation, and the occupying Roman soldiers crafted pewter items from the tin.

During the 12th century, pewter was only within the reach of the wealthy, and was used primarily as fine tableware. Following the “Dark Ages,” pewter increased in popularity, replacing clay, leather and wood for many common household uses, and was also used for small decorations and toys (“trifle”). By the end of the 16th century, interest in pewter crafting spread to other countries. However, mass production of pottery toward the end of the 18th century, followed by electroplating in the Victorian Age, drastically reduced the demand for pewter. But toward the end of the 19th century, the Arts and Crafts movement brought a renewed interest in the craft of pewter.

Today, fine pewter – particularly Italian pewter – is enjoying a Renaissance, as people rediscover its unique glowing beauty and practicality.

Types of Pewter - Things to Look for When Choosing

European pewter/Italian pewter – The European Union has the world's highest quality standards for pewter. All of our pewter is Italian, handmade by select artisans in the North of Italy, is food-safe, and has a high tin content of at least 95% (as indicated in the hallmark stamp), maximizing its quality and silver color.

Aluminum alloy pewter (“fake pewter” or “Mexican pewter”) – This is not true pewter. It’s made from a cheap aluminum-based alloy, manufactured primarily in Mexico and Asia. It’s easy to differentiate because it’s hard, not malleable like true pewter.

“Pewter finish” metalware – “Pewter” refers only to the color or finish, not the material.

“Made in USA” pewter – American pewter typically has a lower tin content than European pewter, and is of lower quality and therefore less expensive. It may also contain bismuth, which is not allowed under the stricter European Union standards.

General Care Tips

• Because pewter is a soft metal with a 450° Fahrenheit melting point, it should never be exposed to high temperatures such as a stovetop, oven, microwave or open flame.
• Remove all food and liquid after use, and never store leftovers in pewter dishes. Pewter can be pitted or stained by acidic or salty foods.
• Before serving highly acidic or salty foods, wipe or spray the inside of the dish with a light coat of vegetable oil.
• Remove wax from candleholders by running under hot water.
• Remove surface scratches by gently buffing with silver polishing cloth. Remove deeper scratches by buffing with fine #00 steel wool. Avoid using a knife to cut on the serving trays or platters. Pewter is malleable, and will scratch.

Polishing

Unlike silver, our polished food-grade Italian pewter requires little care, requiring only occasional cleaning to prevent it from slowly oxidizing to a dusky patina. Clean it using a very soft cloth and some general-purpose metal polish. You may use a commercial polish, or you may use a mixture of 1 teaspoon salt, 1 cup vinegar, and flour to make a paste. Rub it gently with a soft cloth, using circular motions, let it dry for 15 minutes to an hour, rinse with warm water, then dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.

Washing

After serving food, hand-wash your pewter in warm water with liquid dish soap (non-citrus based). Be sure to dry it completely to prevent water spots, and buff with a soft cloth. If spots do occur, they can be removed by polishing, or by gently rubbing with #0000 steel wool in small circular motions.

Crystal and Glass

Items containing crystal or glass should not be soaked. Prolonged immersion in hot water may weaken the bonds due to expansion and contraction.