What a changing world we live in! During the early years of American expansionism, our Great-grandmothers and Grandfathers of the Old World brought over here tangible siver relics and treasures to keep memories alive. Other emigrant Families brought to America something precious of the world they came from as well, the traditions of their country. Today when we see these ancient pieces of family silver from that era tucked away in the attic or at the back of an old buffet, it no longer holds the mystique or prestige that it once did for past generations. We’ve become a people who thrive on low maintainance lifstyle, rather than appreciating beauty for it’s own sake.

The couples of today aspire to maintaining a lifestyle that often surprises their extended family members with the casual approach they take to decor. No longer does a young bride want to be polishing silver before every family gathering, or worry about priceless Belgian lace tablecloths and kool-aid stains. Nor does she want to wash her mothers china by hand and iron cloth napkins. Dishwasher friendly is the high point of todays treasures. Candlesticks are usually made from glass and tucked away in a cupboard somewhere for a power outage, and if it has to be cleaned, we probably won’t use it.

What we can never lose though, is sight of why family silver was coveted. It made for continuity. It lasted a lifetime or two, sometimes many. Sitting down with our great grandmothers china and silver keeps something of a connection going between her world and ours. Family silver is the precious medal that holds our generations together.