What Is Dirilyte Golden-Hued Flatware?

Description

• The warm golden tone of Dirilyte is due largely to the bronze contained in its makeup. It is not a plated metal and holds the rich color throughout the center of each piece. The mixture of metal alloys that make up Dirilyte is much harder than even sterling silver and holds up well to long-term use.

Prized

• In the early years of production Dirilyte was extremely expensive to purchase, with a five-place setting running as high as $700. It was a popular choice in place settings throughout the 1950s and 1960s, with interest waning in more recent years. As of 2009, an 18-piece starter set could be purchased for around $75. The Dirilyte factory closed down in 1986 and in no longer producing the flatware.

Cleaning

• The flatware can become dulled over time, oxidizing and turning a darker color due to the bronze content. A brass cleaner is a good choice for removing the oxidation and finding the warm bright tone beneath. Be prepared to use some elbow grease to bring out the best in Dirilyte.

Identification

• In order to properly identify your flatware as Dirilyte and not an imposter, look for its mark. This appears in several ways, from the name alone to a combination with a clover leaf. The clover leaf may also appear independent of the name. The mark can be found stamped into the alloy on the underside of the flatware handles.