A Guide to German Silver Gifting Sets

German silver contains no silver at all: it's an alloy of copper, nickel and zinc, named for its bright, silvery appearance rather than its composition.

It's a popular choice for gifting because it offers a formal, silver-toned finish at a different price and durability profile than sterling silver, while still presenting well in gift packaging.

For weddings and festivals, pooja sets and plate sets are the most commonly gifted German silver items, typically boxed rather than sold as loose pieces.

Because the finish is mirror-polished, German silver shows fingerprints and water spots more readily than brass: drying pieces immediately after washing keeps them looking their best.