Archive for the “Traditions” Category

The 2019 Gorham Silver Snowflake & Collector’s Set

For fifty years, Gorham has been making the holidays a little merrier and brighter with the production of their annual silver snowflake Christmas ornament. Each year, Gorham fans eagerly await the roll out of the new snowflake to see how it differs from earlier designs.

Like nature’s snowflakes, no two ornaments are alike. Families collect each new ornament and eventually pass their treasured collections on to the next generation. For many, it would not be Christmas without a beautiful Gorham Silver Snowflake hanging from the branches of the family tree, perfectly reflecting its twinkling lights.

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Choose American-Made Silverware for Memorial Day

On Memorial Day 2019, millions of Americans will turn their thoughts toward loved ones in uniform who have passed away. This day carries especially strong associations for families of U.S. service personnel who died while serving the nation. Across the United States, people share a day of love and remembrance on May 27 dedicated to these individuals.

Choose Liberty Tabletop for Your Memorial Day Occasion

People often gather for backyard picnics or barbecues on Memorial Day. In many places, these informal gatherings allow people to spend time outdoors enjoying the arrival of warmer weather while also sharing a spirit of community and patriotism. Some of these celebrations this year will add a unique, meaningful symbolic gesture: the use of high quality American-made silver flatware.

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Making Mint Juleps for the Kentucky Derby

On the first Saturday in May, Louisville is besieged with visitors that have come to witness the most prestigious thoroughbred horse race in America. From a birds-eye view, Churchill Downs Race Track becomes a moving flotilla of expressive hats showing a flash of silver cups.

Surrounding a dirt race track are stands full of race enthusiasts, socializing as they wait to see who is going to become the winner of the first leg of the Triple Crown trifecta.

This “Run for the Roses” race is full of traditions that date back to 1875. It has run every year since. Three-year-old papered thoroughbreds gather to race a mile and a quarter for the most exciting two minutes in American sports.

Crowds fill the infield singing “My Old Kentucky Home” by Stephen Foster during the post parade, then toast the winner with the traditional Mint Julep libation. The late afternoon sun sparkles on the specially designed silver Mint Julep cups as race traditions are upheld.

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6 Reasons Framed Gifts are a Great Idea

There is someone special to you, and you want to let them know how much you care. But, maybe, you aren’t sure how. With Easter, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day right around the corner, how do you express your fondness?

The answer might be in a picture frame. Framed gives are ideal for many reasons. For starters, the possibilities of what can be framed are endless — much like the frames themselves. Before brushing aside this idea or deeming it unoriginal, you may want to consider the countless number of things you can frame as a gift.

  • Tickets to an event you attended together (i.e. movie, concert, musical)
  • Cross-stitched or other handmade gifts
  • Their favorite CD or vinyl album
  • A page or passage from their favorite book
  • A pressed version of their favorite flower
  • And, of course, photos of the two of you
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Order Your Baby’s First Christmas Ornaments

Baby’s first ornaments

Silver Plate Baby Elephant Ornament with Gold Plate Heart and Red Hanging Tag

Baby’s First Christmas Elephant

The crackling fire, home-baked treats and classic movies are nice, but nothing makes the holidays more special than a new baby.

Baby’s first Christmas ornaments sell out quickly, so browse our selection and order your favorite soon. Just add the ornament to your shopping cart. Choose the engraving option to view our distinctive scripts. Your personalized gift will be treasured for years to come.

Here’s a peek at the 2019 collection to get you started.

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Holiday Snow Globes

The Timeless Tradition of Holiday Snow Globes

The first snow globe was invented quite by accident. An Austrian scientist named Erwin Perzy was attempting to develop a powerful surgical lamp. Particles floating in a well-lit flask of water sparked his imagination. The snow-globe shop he opened with his brother in Vienna is still a bustling business today.

Snow Days Ice Skating Snow Globe

Snow Days Ice Skating Snow Globe

Snow globes fascinate people of all ages. They’ve been featured in numerous films. The title character of “Citizen Kane” was clutching a snow globe in the opening scene when he mysteriously whispered, “Rosebud.”

You may not need such a plot device, but we have a wide assortment of snow globes for giving as gifts or blending into your holiday décor. Remember to add an engravable silver tag to make your gift more personal and memorable.

Nativity Snowglobe

Nativity by Reed & Barton – Express your faith with this lovely piece featuring Mary, Joseph and tiny Jesus in the manger. The silver plate base depicts the shepherds and wise men looking on from afar. The musical snow globe plays “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” It is 6 ½ inches tall.


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Christmas In July at Silver Superstore!

It’s Christmas In July At Silver Superstore!

It’s an exceptionally hot summer, but one way to beat the heat is to look forward to Christmas. The idea of gently falling snow and glistening icicles has never seemed so appealing.

If you collect or make gifts of annually issued Christmas ornaments, it’s never too early to snatch up the new editions. The unique heirlooms start selling out before many collectors finish their Thanksgiving leftovers. Too, you should factor in time for custom engraving and shipping. Engraving makes any keepsake more personal.

We offer an impressive collection of finely crafted ornaments made by the world’s most respected silversmiths. Here are three popular designs, all made right here in the U.S., that are sure to delight year after year.

Wallace Sleigh Bell

2018 Wallace Sleigh Bell

A 16-year-old spoon-maker named Robert Wallace set up shop in the early 1800s. Wallace first issued its whimsical sleigh bell, which is often the top-selling ornament, in 1971.

As always, the three-dimensional motif circles the center of the round bell and frames the year. The 2018 Wallace Sleigh Bell features both holly and Santa Claus. The 2 3/4-inch silver-plated bell has a light, merry ring. The Wallace mark is stamped on the bottom.

We also offer the 24th-edition sterling silver version. The bells look as pretty collected in a bowl as they do dangling from a Christmas tree.

Each ornament comes with both red and white ribbons for hanging, a protective pouch, a gift box and a brochure. Because of their dainty size, we recommend limiting engraved messages to one line.

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A Brief History Of The Wallace Candy Cane

A History Of The Wallace Candy Cane

The 2021 Wallace Candy Cane is just one of the many classic ornaments that we offer at Silver Superstore. This piece has been released annually for decades, but where did it get its start?

A Brief History Of The Candy Cane

The 2021 Wallace Candy Cane ornament in gold plate and enamel with red ribbon.
2021 Wallace Candy Cane

If a legend dating to 1670 is to be believed, the first candy cane was the brainchild of a German church choirmaster. Hoping to keep the little ones quiet during a reenactment of the Nativity, he asked a local confectioner to make what he described as “sugar sticks” for them.To justify doling out treats in church, the choirmaster suggested adding a crook at the top; with any luck, that would inspire the children to reflect on the humble shepherds in the scene.

This lovely story may have some basis in truth, but the first stick candies didn’t debut until confectioners competed for prizes at an exhibition in Massachusetts in 1837. The earliest recipe for a straight peppermint candy stick was published in 1844, and there’s mention made of a candy cane in an 1866 literary work. Candy canes as we now know them didn’t show up on Christmas trees until the early 1880s.

They’re still showing up today.

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The History of Hafnia By Yamazaki

The Distinguished History Of The Elegant Hafnia Flatware Line

Timeless Japanese design and Nordic practicality are a match made in heaven. Just take a look at the Scandinavian-influenced Hafnia flatware line by Yamazaki.

The brushed finish is simply gorgeous. Not only are the pieces unusually striking, but their weight and the curvature of their upturned handles make for the most comfortable silverware that we offer — and we offer more than 500 patterns.

As more and more manufacturers expand their brands to reach diverse markets, Yamazaki remains true to its roots. For 100 years, the fine stainless maker has stuck to its core competencies and catered to its loyal customers.

At Yamazaki, innovation thrives. Service is personalized. There are no compromises on quality. The Yamazaki collection reflects the passion of its leadership and is aptly named “The Art of Dining.”

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A Closer Look At Mepra Flatware

The Long, Colorful History of Mepra

The designers and craftsmen at Mepra go to impossible lengths to turn out deceptively simple-looking designs. Handling a piece of Mepra flatware is akin to admiring the work of a skilled, studied architect.

The brand name alludes to the company’s commitment to quality and tradition. Mepra is shorthand for Metallurgica Prandelli. Metallurgy is a branch of science and engineering concerned with the study of metallic elements. Prandelli is the family name, and that’s far more interesting to most people.

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