So if you’ve been following me blog for the last few years – okay, let’s be honest, for the last few DAYS – you’ll know that I have a love of all things gold. Kinda like a less flashy (and less ‘flakey’) version of this guy.
And that love extends to even every day items like cutlery and utensils (you can see my set of gold utensils here). I have a set of gold cutlery that I scored off eBay for a song nearly 5Β years ago and I have proceeded to use that same set of cutlery in every single table setting I’ve done over the years ever since.
I think it’s time for a new set, don’t you think??Β
But I was starting to tire of it – not for it’s ability to transform any table setting into something a little extra special – but of that fact that I hadn’tΒ used anything else in years… and well, I like a little variety in my life. Also, the set I have is gold electroplated over stainless steel. Which means that over the years of using it (even though I only use it on occasion and even though I’d only ever hand washed it) the finish had started to fade on some of the pieces which made me very sad.
Well, way back in November last year, I saw Julia’s Thanksgiving table setting and I had an epiphany. I simply HAD to find a set of gold bamboo cutlery for myself. (Go on and click that link – it opens in a new window and you can have a look once you’re finished here. It’s gorgeous).
So for the last 8 months, I’ve had a saved search on my eBay for ‘gold bamboo cutlery’. It so rarely came up and there was one point where I nearly won a set for around Β£20 but someone used those sniper sites and outbid me by 1p with 3 seconds left to go. I was very very sad. But I realised something. Within the listing it had referred toΒ the set as ‘bronze’. Hmm. Had I been searching for the wrong thing? I started a new search for ‘bronze bamboo cutlery’ and lo and behold, more choices suddenly appeared. So there’s a little hint for those looking – use the search term ‘bronze’ rather than ‘gold’.
After this realisation, I continued looking for a bargain – and a bargain I found. A six place gold bamboo cutlery set for Β£25. Oh yeah, come to mama.
See my tips on becoming an eBay ninja here!
I adore them. The fact that they are solid bronze means they won’t wear like the plated ones and they came in so much cheaper than a lot of the new plated versions that are available online that I’ve heard horror stories about. They simply require a polish with a metal cleaner if they lose their lustre and they’ll be good as new.
My gold bamboo cutlery set is presumably from the 1950’s or 1960’s going by the little ‘guarantee’ that was included in the box. Unfortunately, the name of the manufacturer isn’t actually listed but it does say that it was made in Thailand and distributed here in the UK. I did a quick search on Google to see if I could find out more but unfortunately, my trail went cold.
If you come upon a set like this at a good price, then why not treat yourself to something a little special to shove food into your face? I mean, we eat every single day of our lives, 3 times a day presumably. Why do we take so much care and attention when buying a top Β you might wear 10 times and yet we don’t pay a jot of attention to what we use thousands of times over the years? A pretty set of cutlery, in my mind at least, is a better investment ;)
Now, despite the fact that these are solid bronze, I will still be hand-washing them. Anything vintage like this requires just a little extra care but isn’t the fact that they are a little special worth it? I think so.
I can’t wait to do a table setting now with these. And I’m going to be teaming up with an incredible textile designer to bring you a summer table setting very soon so stay tuned for their big debut.
In the meantime, would you spend 6 months searching for a special set of cutlery? Perhaps you have a set yourself that you love? I’d love to hear if so!
OH yes!! This is on my list to find one day. So glad you found some!! Is there nothing more chic than gold bamboo cutlery?!! The answer is no, no there is not :) xo
Oh wow what a great bargain. I love it and thank you so so much for the link back.
OMG I LOVE these! Absolutely stunning!! Didn’t even know I wanted such cutlery until now. Thanks so much for introducing me to the joy of bronze bamboo tableware x
Major score! The cutlery set is so glamorous!
xx
E-bay win!! These are just fabulous. Great tip about searching for bronze too thanks. x
Another search term is Dirilyte (or Dirigold) which is a name ‘brand’ of gold colored/bronze plated flatware and serveware that was very popular in the 40’s and 50’s. I was born in the 50’s and my baby cup is Dirilyte. That and my mother’s pink canisters with roosters on them were as trendy as we got.
Now those are special, and i’m sure worth every penny, and definitely worth the time you spent looking.
Would i spend that long looking for something, yes especially if it was something I really wanted, and when i get like that i’m like a dog with a bone lol. Nice one Kimberly, they are beautiful xxx
I’m in LOVE with these and now MUST HAVE my own set of bronze cutlery! Can’t wait to see your upcoming table setting! xoxo Karen
These are gorgeous!! And Β£25 for a 6 piece set of any cutlery is a great price – let alone for fancy solid bronze ones! What a bargain! Good hunting – they’re amazing! xx
LOVE these Kimberley. SCORE!
Fantastic cutlery…would love to score those beauties myself.
I think our luxury table napkins would be a great addition to your table setting.
Great post xx
Hi.Just read this and was very interested! I bought a place setting of the same bamboo bronze way back in the 80’s.Pre computer days,they were advertised in a magazine and a set was sent to me each month.After 5 sets ,the firm went bust and I was left well miffed. Then last year I had a search online and found a six place setting that someone had in a box in the loft since the 70’s.Oh,deep joy! Its got salt and pepper pots ,6 fish knives ,6 little coffee spoons ,just 6 of everything! It all comes out at xmas and special dinners,and is beautiful,so I share your joy.
Oh my goodness, what a great bargain!! Sounds like an amazing set and so happy for you ;) They are just gorgeous, aren’t they? Love mine too! xxx
I know this is an older post but I just picked up some of this at an auction and was trying to find out a bit more about it. The lot I bought was 150 pieces including serving utensils which I paid $60 for. I loved them when I saw them and they were coming home with me regardless of price :) Now I’m off to see if I can find the table settings you used them in.
Oh wow, that sounds like an amazing bargain! Well done you! You can see a few table settings where I used them here :)
https://www.swoonworthy.co.uk/2016/08/eclectic-boho-glam-table-setting.html/
https://www.swoonworthy.co.uk/2016/12/glam-christmas-table.html/
https://www.swoonworthy.co.uk/2017/02/valentines-day-table-breakfast.html/
Hope that helps xxx