Frequently asked questions about Delia Pewter

WHAT IS PEWTER?
Pewter is an alloy of metals with tin as the main ingredient.

WHAT ARE THE OTHER INGREDIENTS?
Generally we use an alloy of tin, antimony and copper.

We sometimes use an alloy containing silver.

DOES PEWTER CONTAIN LEAD?
All Delia Pewter alloys are lead-free. It is possible for pewter to contain lead. Traditionally lead was used extensively since it reduces cost and makes the metal easier to work with. In recent years the use of lead in pewter in North America has declined dramatically.

IS IT SAFE TO PUT FOODSTUFFS IN A PEWTER BOWL?
Our pewter is food-safe. However, we do not recommend putting wet ingredients which contain acids into our bowls. Acids could spoil the finish and oils may be difficult to remove from the surface. Dry foods would be perfectly acceptable.

MOST PEWTER I SEE IS DULL AND GREY.  WHY IS THIS?
Pewter which contains lead will go dull over time. The brightness of our work is a natural finish which is the result of a combination of the alloy we use and our finishing process.

SILVER TARNISHES. WILL A PIECE OF DELIA PEWTER TARNISH?
It should keep its shine for years. In a corrosive atmosphere it may go a little duller over time. If it does, the finish can usually be restored with soap and water followed by a rub with a silver cloth. We do not recommend putting pewter into a dishwasher.

CAN I USE SILVER POLISH ON A PEWTER BOWL?
Because of the finish we do not recommend the use of silver polish. It may be difficult to remove the residue from the textured design.

WILL PEWTER MELT ON A STOVE?
One of the most common ways in which teapots and coffee pots were ruined in the days when pewter was a major material for household objects was by their being placed too close to an open fire to keep the contents warm. All pewter has a low melting point and will melt at a temperature below the cooking point of a pizza. So, the answer is, do not put pewter objects close to an open flame or close to any other high temperature source.