Dating back to the Roman times (when only the very wealthy could afford it), pewter is an alloy consisting mostly of tin. It frequently contains small quantities of antimony and copper which have been added for strength and/or colour Although the percentage of tin varies amongst manufacturers, pewter is generally about 91% tin; the higher the tin content, the more silver the final colour of the pewter. Today’s pewter is perfectly safe for eating and drinking, although this was not always the case. At one time, pewter contained lead, but this is no longer the case.

Pewter can be pitted or stained from certain foods such as citrus juice and certain salad dressings so it is important to remember to wash the dish out immediately after use. It is also important to note that pewter is not safe in the oven or near hot flames; it melts at 450 degrees. It is also not dishwasher safe.

Pewter is considered the fourth most valuable metal in common use (coming after platinum, gold and silver) and although modern manufacturing breakthroughs have made it easier to work with, it still requires a great deal of skill and hand craftsmanship to make the items we use today. This explains why pewter is often quite expensive.

Unlike silver, pewter doesn’t tarnish, so it won’t need to be cleaned too often. Unlike silver and copper, pewter oxidizes very slowly and it is this gentle oxidization that gives pewter its lovely patina. Pewter actually benefits from handling- so if you have pewter, USE IT! Handling your pewter is what gives it its patina.

As there are generally three types of finish on pewter, there are three different cleaning methods:

Polished Pewter is a shiny, smooth finish which only needs to be cleaned a couple times of year. A soft cloth and some polish (either a store-bought, purpose-made brand or a paste of vinegar, salt and flour) should do the trick. Rub the pewter in a circular motion to clean it.

Satin Pewter is a bit softer in appearance, not shiny. It has an almost grainy finish and be cleaned using warm water and mild soap. After a few years you may decide you want to buff this type of pewter with very fine steel wool. If you do, please remember to rub in the direction of the grain and don’t press very hard. It won’t take much effort to bring the pewter back to its original appearance.

Oxidized pewter usually has a darker finish and an antique look to it. Washing it with mild soap and warm water is all that is necessary to help your item retain its look.