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Q. What is the difference between sterling silver and other grades?
A. Pure silver is too soft for functional use, so an alloy must be added. Sterling silver is a mixture of 925 parts silver to 75 parts copper (for hardness). This mixture is the accepted standard; legally, only pieces of this composition can be stamped "STERLING." Inferior silver generally has less pure silver and more alloy than sterling.
Q. What is the best way to take care of sterling silver pieces?
A. Gorham Sterling Silver requires minimal care. Wash promptly after each use in hot sudsy water and rinse with hot water. Dry with soft towel and put away when cool. If you use an automatic dishwasher, remove your Sterling Silver after the wash cycle and dry it with a towel to avoid unsightly "detergent spots." Check your dishwasher operating manual; if it has an anti-spotting injector, you can leave your Sterling Silver inside during the drying cycle. But avoid the prolonged soaking generally experienced with "rinse and hold" or equivalent cycles.
Q. Should I polish my Gorham Silver?
A. Yes, occasionally. With one application, Gorham Anti-Tarnish Silver Polish restores the brilliant luster and keeps your Sterling tarnish-free for months. It is available in both a 12-ounce bottle or disposable polish cloths.
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Q. What is a patina?
A. Over time, various metals including silver gradually acquire a mellow "patina," consisting of tiny microscopic lines that produce that wonderful, soft, glowing finish. This is natural and desirable, for it gives Sterling Silver the vintage look of a fine antique.
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Q. What is the best way to clean silverplated holloware?
A. Wash by hand in hot, soapy water and dry immediately with a soft cloth.
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Q. How do I clean my Gorham crystal?
A. We recommend mild soap and warm water to wash and a soft cloth to gently pat dry. Try not to scrub or use any abrasives. Keeping crystal in a curio cabinet behind glass helps to prevent dust buildup.
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Q. Do Gorham pieces ever appreciate in value?
A. Absolutely. A visit to SpencerMarks.com, an online company that sells silver pieces to collectors, is offering a set of Gorham Aesthetic Movement Sterling and Enamel Egg Spoons for $895. They were crafted by Gorham in the 1880s. SpencerMarks sold a Gorham "Milan" Pattern Sterling Orange Knife, also from the 1880s, for $165. Numerous other examples can be found in books on antique silver and collectibles, as well as many other websites.
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Q. How do I find missing pieces from a collection?
A. You may find them right here in the Gorham website. If you are unable to locate a missing piece, write to: Gorham, 100 Lenox Drive, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648. There is no guarantee we'll be able to supply a piece missing from a discontinued pattern or collection.
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Q. Where do I go to buy Gorham flatware and crystal?
A. Gorham flatware and crystal are available at select retail stores.
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Q. Do Gorham pieces come with a guarantee?
A. Gorham hereby certifies that all pieces purchased through participating dealers of Gorham china or crystal are covered by a Lifetime Replacement Program from the date of purchase for any breakage that may occur. However, if an item is not active, a piece with a coordinating design may be substituted. Under the provisions of this program, broken pieces must be returned to Gorham with a check for 50% of the suggested retail price at the time of replacement, along with shipping and handling charges and necessary sales tax. Your exact amount can be determined by calling the Gorham Consumer Service Department at 1-800-446-7426. The program warranty card must be completed in full, at the time of purchase, and returned to Gorham for it to be valid. This program is not valid where prohibited by law.
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Q. What is full-lead crystal?
A. Lead crystal is made from a mixture of silica (sand), potash and lead oxide. Full-lead crystal must contain at least 24% lead oxide. Lead crystal contains less than 24% lead oxide.
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Q. What is in a Gorham 4pc serving set and a 3pc hostess set?
A. 4 pc serve set: 1 sugar spoon , 1 butter serving knife, 2 tablespoons
3 pc hostess set: 1 cold meat fork, 1 gravy ladle,1 pierced tablespoon
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Q. What are Double On-the-Rocks and Double Old Fashioned glasses?
A. These barware pieces usually hold from 6 to 12 ounces and are most often used for straight pours or mixed cocktails.
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Q. What is a Hiball glass?
A. A Hiball glass typically holds 12 ounces and is used for all standard mixers, such as gin & tonic.
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Q. What exactly is a wine glass?
A. Some people prefer wine glasses for each varietal; others use separate patterns for red and white wine. Our Wine Glasses are more appropriate for white wine, and our Balloon Wine glasses for red.
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Q. What is a Goblet?
A. A Goblet is slightly larger than a wine glass. When serving wine, be sure not to overfill the glass. The air above the wine's surface is where the bouquet, or aroma, will accumulate and concentrate.
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Q. What is a Champagne Flute?
A. A Champagne Flute is tall and thin to preserve the champagne bubbles. You should hold the flute by its long stem, not the bowl, to keep the champagne cool.
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Q. What is an Iced Beverage glass?
A. It's designed to hold just that your favorite beverage on ice. These glasses are generally larger in size, to accommodate both ice cubes and the beverage.
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