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Silverware is an informal term that is used for a variety of household implements: household silver, candlesticks, dishware, flatware made of sterling silver or silver plate. In the United States, the term silverware tends to be used as synonymous with cutlery, so tableware called silverware is sometimes made of stainless steel or other materials. Silverware may also refer to the household silver such as dishware, silver tea service, other items made of silver. A silver tea service is generally an opulent tea set made of sterling silver or silver plate. Silverware made of real silver requires a good deal of care, as it tarnishes. Silverware should be hand polished, since careless or machine polishing can ruin the patina of silver, or completely erode the silver layer in silver plate.
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