The tradition of engraving silver cutlery to identify the owner is a long one and would have originally started when the custom was to carry your own knife, fork and spoon with you when you dined away from home. With the advent of complete matching sets of sterling silver flatware, the idea continued to be popular and we find silverware sets where every single piece carries the original family crest. These enigmatic and historic heraldic engravings add charm and individuality to any silverware set and today crested flatware is highly sought after.