What Is Pewter?
Pewter is one of the oldest metals used by humans — a malleable, silver-toned alloy made primarily from tin. It has been used in homes, churches, and royal households for around 3,000 years, and today's lead-free English pewter is a world away from the heavy, tarnishing metal of the past. If you've ever wondered what pewter actually is, whether it's safe, how it's made, or how it compares to silver, this guide covers everything you need to know.
A Brief History of Pewter
Pewter has been in continuous use since at least the Bronze Age. In medieval England it was the everyday tableware of choice — plates, tankards, and spoons were all made from pewter before ceramic and glass became widely available. The Worshipful Company of Pewterers, one of London's oldest livery companies, received its first Royal Charter from King Edward IV in 1474, giving it authority to govern the trade across the whole kingdom.
By the 20th century, lead was removed from pewter's composition entirely. British Standard BS5140 (1974) and the European directive BSEN611 (1994) formalised this, and modern English pewter is now certified lead and nickel-free.
What Is Pewter Made Of?
Modern pewter is a tin-based alloy. The exact composition varies by grade, but high-quality English pewter typically contains:
- 85–99% tin — the primary metal, giving pewter its characteristic lustre
- Copper — added as a hardener
- Antimony — also a hardener, and helps produce a bright finish
At Glover and Smith, our pewter is 95% tin, 0.5% copper, and 4.5% antimony — made to our own specification. It is certified lead and nickel-free, food safe, and suitable for sensitive skin.
Lower grades of pewter contain less tin and can show a yellow tint or be prone to shrinkage when cast. Our 95% tin pewter is the fourth most expensive metal in common use, after platinum, gold, and silver.
What Is English Pewter?
"English Pewter" is not just a marketing term — it refers to a strictly controlled metal alloy specified by BSEN611-1 and British Standard 5140. It must be predominantly tin, with copper and other metals making up the balance, and is guaranteed free of lead and nickel. Not all pewter sold in the UK meets this standard; English Pewter does.
How Is Pewter Made?
Pewter has a low melting point — around 247–290°C depending on composition — which makes it ideal for casting. At Glover and Smith, our pewter becomes liquid at 247°C and workable at 290°C.
Each piece is cast by hand in our Salisbury workshop using traditional techniques. Once cast, pieces are finished by hand — trimmed, polished, and where required, engraved. The low melting point means fine detail can be captured in the mould that would be lost in harder metals, which is why pewter lends itself so well to nature-inspired designs: feathers, leaves, acorns, and animal forms all cast beautifully.
Ed Glover has been making pewter since 1994 and is a Freeman of The Worshipful Company of Pewterers — one of the City of London's oldest livery companies.
Is Pewter Safe?
Is pewter food safe?
Yes — modern lead-free pewter is completely non-toxic and food safe. Our 95% tin pewter is certified lead and nickel-free, and is safe for use with food and drink. This is why pewter spoons, egg cups, and bowls make such practical gifts — they're designed to be used every day.
Is pewter safe for sensitive skin?
Yes. Because our pewter is certified nickel-free, it is safe for people with sensitive skin or metal allergies. This applies to all our pewter jewellery — necklaces, earrings, and bracelets — as well as wearable accessories.
Does pewter contain lead?
Modern English pewter does not. Lead was removed from pewter's composition by British Standard BS5140 in 1974. Our pewter is independently certified lead-free. Antique pewter (pre-1974) may contain lead and should not be used for food or drink.
Does Pewter Tarnish?
Lead-free pewter does not tarnish in the way that silver does. It develops a gentle, warm patina over time — which most people find adds to its character rather than detracting from it. Unlike old pewter (which went grey due to its lead content), modern English pewter retains its lustre with minimal care.
How to Clean Pewter
Pewter is one of the lowest-maintenance metals you can own. Simply wipe with warm soapy water and dry with a soft cloth. No polishing, no specialist products. We do not recommend dishwasher cleaning.
If your pewter has oxidised over time, try this traditional cleaning method:
- Mix 1 tsp salt, 1 cup white vinegar, and ½ cup flour into a paste
- Apply to the pewter and leave for up to an hour
- Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth
Pewter vs Silver — What's the Difference?
Both are silver-toned metals with a long history of use in the home, but they differ in several important ways:
- Composition: Silver is a pure element; pewter is a tin-based alloy
- Price: Pewter is significantly more affordable than silver, while still being a premium metal
- Maintenance: Silver tarnishes and requires regular polishing; pewter does not
- Weight: Pewter is lighter than silver, making it comfortable for jewellery
- Appearance: Both have a warm, understated lustre — pewter's is slightly warmer and less reflective than polished silver
For gifts that will be used and appreciated daily without the upkeep of silver, pewter is an excellent choice.
Is Pewter Sustainable?
Tin — pewter's primary component — is a plentiful, non-toxic resource. Tin mining has little or no environmental impact compared to many other metals. Lead-free pewter is the favourite metal of the World Wildlife Fund. It requires no polishing chemicals, no specialist cleaning products, and lasts a lifetime with minimal care.
Who Uses Glover and Smith Pewter?
Glover and Smith are members of The Association of British Pewter Craftsmen. We have designed and made pieces for:
- Prince Charles' Highgrove Estate
- The National Trust
- The National Gallery
- The British Museum
- The National Trust of Scotland
- The National Galleries and Museums of Scotland and Wales
- Salisbury, Ely, Canterbury and Exeter Cathedrals
- Bath Abbey
Every piece we sell is made to the same standard as the work we produce for these institutions — handmade in Wiltshire, from certified English pewter.
Pewter as a Gift
Because pewter is the traditional material for a 10th wedding anniversary (the tin anniversary), our pieces make particularly meaningful milestone gifts. Browse our full 10th Anniversary Tin Gift Collection, or explore our range of personalised and engraved pewter gifts for any occasion.
For more detail on the material itself, including our composition and certifications, see our What Is Lead-Free Pewter? page.
Shop Handmade English Pewter
All Glover & Smith pieces are made from certified lead-free English pewter — 95% tin, nickel-free, and food safe. Handmade in Salisbury, Wiltshire since 1994.
Shop All Pewter Gifts → | 10th Anniversary Tin Gifts → | Personalised Pewter →
About the author: Ed Glover is a Freeman of The Worshipful Company of Pewterers and has been making pewter since 1994. Every piece at Glover and Smith is made by hand in Wiltshire using traditional techniques passed down through generations of British craftspeople.