According to the definition, it is an alloy containing between 85%- 99% tin, and the rest is formed by various amounts of lead, bismuth, copper, antimony or silver.
More specifically, an alloy is a mixture of elements which lead to a whole new metal once they are combined. In the same way, depending on the elements combined the pewter can have a higher or lower level of hardness.
Pewter was discovered since more than 2000 years ago and since then it was used to create various pewter objects. Some of the oldest pewter items are found in museums and during all this time these pieces were beautifully preserved.
Generally, the pewter alloy is the result of a mixture of metals and the chemical specifications can vary.
More specifically, when it comes to the metal proportions used to create the pewter alloy, in the case of European casting alloy this mixture contains approximately 94% tin, 5% antimony and the rest of 1% is copper.
Likewise, in the case of Asian pewter alloy the mixture is creating based on the following chemical specifications: approximately 97.5% tin, 1.5% antimony and the rest of 1% is copper. This combination created a softer pewter alloy softer and it is used in Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore.
While antimony, bismuth and copper are used to increase the hardness of the pewter alloy, lead is used for low grade pewter art pieces and it can reach even 80% lead.
The pewter alloy can be used for manufacturing all type of items: flatware, hollowware and even jewelry items. However, in order to make the pewter alloy more malleable or brighter, the chemical specification may vary accordingly.
At Pewters.net you have the possibility to create your own pewter item by using our skills and your innovative ideas. In addition, the antique pewter articles are great pewter collectables which can be used for home decoration and home design.
A pewterer is an experienced craftsman who is able to create new pewter items. Each pewterer has his own marks: hallmarks, touch marks, labels or catalogue marks, whole the verification mark must exist on all pewter items created after 1530.
If you have a passion for pewter items, then you can anytime become a pewter collector by simply starting to collect such items. The pewter collector is someone who collects modern and/or antique pewter items and this pewter collection can last for a lifetime.
The value of a pewter item depends on many factors such as: the origin, the pewterer’s marks, the aesthetics, the design, the size and many other aspects. Therefore, you should first determine the origin based on the pewterer’s marks and then evaluate the aesthetics: analyze the surface of the item, check whether the pewter piece is affected by corrosion or oxidation and so on.
In addition, you can also check the sale prices of other antique pewter items similar to your own. You can find out more about this topic from our pewter pedia categories.
Whether you want to purchase or sell pewter items there are various possibilities you can choose from. There are two main options: face-to-face negotiation or online purchasing/selling.
We have created a separate section called “Pewter Collectors” where you will be able to get informed regarding the safest locations for such transactions.
Whether you have one antique pewter item or a whole collection, the pewter items must be cleaning once a while. There are various methods to clean, repair and improve the pewter items and within the section “Pewter Clean & Care” you will be able to find all information you need.
The pewter items must be cleaned in order to maintain their beauty and in case of damages, the pewter pieces can also be repaired or improved.
The polishing process is part of the cleaning procedures and the pewter pieces should be polished once in a while but using the finest abrasive material. Depending on the situation, there are various materials used for polishing pewter.
Some pewter items are polished to improve their brightness, while other pewter items require polishing to eliminate corrosion or oxidation traces.
For further information on this topic, do no hesitate to read the “Pewter Clean & Care” section where you will be able to find out more about the techniques used for polishing pewter items.
All the pewter products offered by Pewters.net are 100% authentic and original pieces.
All our pewter items are manufactured using 100% lead-free pewter. In this way, by purchasing our products you can start using the products with confidence and with not worries about the dangerous effects produced by lead in contact with food or beverages.
We at Pewters.net are aware of the fact that it is sometimes difficult to decide only upon one pewter item and for this reason you can now enjoy our wholesale discount.
For orders containing more than 5 items, our customers will enjoy the wholesale discount, paying less and maximizing their satisfaction.
At Pewters.net you can do more than personalizing the pewter items using our customization services. You have the opportunity to develop your own pewter item and using our experts’ skills, to create pewter pieces according to your needs, requirements and preferences.
Then, you can personalize the pewter item using your initials or any other message you prefer. All our antique pewter articles are collectables and a great alternative for home decorating, while being the best match for your home furniture and home design.
The great news is that at Pewters.net you do not have a minimum number of pewter items imposed. Therefore, you can order one pewter piece and even 100 pieces if you want.
However, if you will order more than 5 pewter items you will make a wise investment since you will enjoy our wholesale discount.
All our pewter products are handcrafted and for this reason you can be confident that the designs and themes created are true works of art. Using the traditional methods, all the pewter items are handmade and manufactured using 100% lead-free pewter alloy.
The pewter products are manufactured and created under the SOL ART pewter logo and once you will received the pewter articles you will also find a quality certificate.
In this way, you will be able to collect and purchase only original pewter articles and the SOL ART pewter logo is the proof.