FINE DETAILS Explaining the terms

Here's what's what with silver:
Sterling silver: An alloy composed of 92.5 percent pure silver and 7.5 percent base metal.
Silver plating: the process of coating a piece made from a base metal, such as copper with silver.
Hallmark: Stamped letter or emblem indicating origin, designer, manufacturer or year of production.
Flatware: Eating utensils and serving pieces.
Hollowware: Serving dishes and accessories that are relatively concave.
Repousse: Raised design created by pushing out a hammered area
Chasing: Relief design made by hammer and punch.
Double struck: Flatware that has patterns on both sides.
Patina: Glowing color change acquired over time from handling and natural oxidation.
Once you know your way around silver, try your hand at collecting. Here's three ways to collect vintage silver:
Collect a single type of piece such as sugar tongs, pickle forks or demitasse spoons in many different patterns.
Collect pieces monogrammed with your family's initials -- traditionally the first letter of a man's surname or a woman's first name.
Collect one place setting -- knife, fork and spoon (or those plus salad fork and soup spoon) -- in many different patterns.
Here's a list of items you'll need to polish silver:
Equipment: Cotton gloves, mild silver cream or foam, small sponge, old toothbrush, small container half filled with warm water and soft cotton cloth.
This method to get your silver gleaming:
Pour a small amount of cream on sponge.
Apply a thin coat of cream evenly on the piece. Rub in gentle circular motions.
Use the toothbrush to remove tarnish from recessed areas.
Rinse well in warm water.
Dry by rubbing the piece thoroughly with the soft cloth.