Sterling silver finds its way into all sorts of home furnishings including classic wine openers, lighting fixtures, and, most famously, flatware. The silverware you put out on your table can be indicative of your eye for quality. There's a good reason that the cliche about putting out your finest silverware has endured so long.

Of all the sterling silver designs out there, none is as well regarded as the Grand Baroque style. Developed in 1941, Grand Baroque is, as its name suggests, a highly ornate style that draws on classic lines such as those found in Renaissance-era acanthus leaves and pillars. Settings come as small as five-piece arrangements that include a place fork, salad fork, place knife, and teaspoon, and as large as 66-piece packages meant to accommodate parties of 12 or more.

Other Sterling Silver Designs

Aside from the Grand Baroque, there are dozens of other styles that are popular for sterling silver flatware. The Chippendale and Old Newbury are two of the more unadorned versions that rely on simple geometric beauty for their appeal. The Georgian, French Provincial, and King Richard styles, on the other hand, look to the intricate detail of florals and columns for their unique cachet.

Most contemporary furniture stores carry at least a few different settings to choose from. If, however, you're looking for antique silverware, you're better off avoiding the home furnishing stores altogether and seeking out a vintage shop that specializes in hard-to-find flatware. Many online auction sites offer family heirlooms that have been passed down over generations and are now up for sale for any of a variety of reasons.