About Our Metals
Every piece we sell is sterling silver, pewter, or cast aluminum. Each metal needs a little different care, so find yours below. A few easy habits keep it looking its best.
Not sure which metal you have? Email us at nikki@templetonsilver.com with your order and we'll let you know.
Sterling Silver
What Is Sterling Silver?
Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver, and it's known for its high value.
Is Sterling Silver the Same as Silver Plate?
No. Silver plate is a thin layer of silver over a base metal, so it's worth less. We only sell sterling silver, never silver plate.
How Do I Clean Sterling Silver?
Wash it by hand in warm water with a mild soap and a soft cloth. Then dry it with a soft cloth. Never put sterling silver in the dishwasher, and keep it away from open flame and high heat.
Will Sterling Silver Tarnish?
Yes. Over time, air can turn sterling silver a dull gray or black. A good silver polish takes it right off. Always put the polish on with a soft cloth so you don't scratch the piece.
How Should I Store Sterling Silver?
Store it flat or upright so it doesn’t warp. Keeping it in a tarnish resistant bag or the box it came in slows tarnish down.
Pewter
What Is Pewter Made Of?
Our pewter is lead free. It's 93% tin, and the other 7% is antimony, copper, and bismuth.
How Do I Clean Pewter?
Wash it by hand in warm water with a mild soap and a soft cloth. Then dry it with a soft cloth. Never put pewter in the dishwasher, and keep it away from open flame and high heat.
Will Pewter Tarnish?
Pewter doesn't tarnish the way silver does, but it can get a little dull over time. A good pewter polish brings the shine back.
How Should I Store Pewter?
Store trays flat and cups upright so they don't warp. Keep your piece in the wrapping it came in. Tissue paper can leave fine scratches, so skip it.
Cast Aluminum
What Is Cast Aluminum?
Cast aluminum is made by pouring melted aluminum alloy into sand molds. It cools and hardens into a sturdy piece, then gets polished to its finish.
Some of our cast aluminum is handmade from 100% recycled aluminum. Those pieces are tested and certified lead free, and they won't tarnish.
Why Does My Cast Aluminum Piece Have Small Marks?
Our recycled aluminum pieces are made by hand, so slight imperfections and cooling marks are normal. Those little marks are part of what makes a handmade piece.
How Do I Clean Cast Aluminum?
Wash it by hand in warm water with a mild soap, then towel dry it right away. Don't let it sit in water for long. Never put it in the dishwasher or the microwave.
To bring back the shine or buff out scratches, use a good polishing cloth or a metal polish that isn't abrasive.
Can I Serve Food on Cast Aluminum?
Yes, just don't store food on it. Try not to leave acidic foods sitting on it for long. A light coat of vegetable oil or cooking spray helps prevent stains. Cutting right on the surface will scratch the finish, so use a cutting board.
Can Cast Aluminum Go in the Oven or Freezer?
Yes, both. For hot foods, warm it in the oven to 350°. For cold foods, chill it in the fridge or freezer first.
For Every Metal
Can I Put Metal in the Microwave?
No. Never put any metal in the microwave. It can spark and start a fire.
Can My Piece Go in the Dishwasher?
No. Every piece we sell is hand wash only, whether it's sterling silver, pewter, or cast aluminum.
How Do I Clean an Engraved Piece?
Clean it gently by hand with a soft cloth and a little polish. Rub in the same direction as the piece instead of across the engraving, and use a soft toothbrush to lift polish out of the lettering. The engraving is cut into the metal, so polishing won’t wear it off.