Silverware can be bought on almost any cost schedule from a selection of places. Selections are limited only by the thoughts and cost schedule of the consumer. Also referred to as flatware, silverware can be created out of several materials, from gold and platinum to stainless steel.
One of the largest influences in purchasing a set of silverware or flatware is often the cost. For the budget aware, a set of stainless is often thought of an attractive selection. Even within the vertical of stainless selections can range from the under a buck selection all the way above a one or two hundred dollars for a 4 person place setting. Actual silver can run into the thousands for place settings determined on the maker and or artist who creates it.
The immense selection in class and durability makes up for the big pricing disparity. For example, a college student expecting to use only a few pieces in a dorm room might go for the least pricy kind found at a regional price store, while a more grown-up couple or person might select the more expensive variety from a specialty shop or straight from an artisan who creates a special pattern just for them.
Each variety would have positive and negative areas. student budget might not contain the ability to buy a set that would be in use for lots of years and therefore would buy only what they need at the time without worry of loss or damage so would opt for the $9.99 selection supplied at a local discount store. A society hostess might choose to buy a very ornate set of platinum flatware designed especially for her by a talented craftsman and pay thousands of dollars.
The choices are varied for the buyer to get the silverware that matches whatever desires they might have.