For more than 150 years, Gorham Silver has been known as one of the preeminent silver companies in the world, its pieces valued for their quality, timeless style, and craftsmanship. Gorham silversmiths have developed a reputation as uncompromising artists, and have gained fame for producing a multitude of exquisite patterns, including Chantilly, Strasbourg, Buttercup, Fairfax, Melrose, and hundreds more. Chantilly, the world's best-selling flatware pattern, helped Gorham become a household name. More recently, Gorham has expanded its product range to also include fine china and crystal.

Jabez Gorham started Gorham silver in 1831 in a shop on Steeple Street in Providence, Rhode Island. Born to a family of eight, he was apprenticed to New England silver patriarch Nehemiah Dodge at a very early age. Dodge is known as one of the founders of the silver and jewelry crafts industry in 18th century New England. After his seven-year apprenticeship with Dodge, Jabez formed his own business and quickly established a name for himself. He created the "French filigree" chain, as well as a wide selection of handcrafted pieces; however, Jabez did not hit his stride until his business began producing "coin silver" (silver made from melted coins) spoons. The spoons' popularity spread like wildfire throughout the Northeast, and Jabez Gorham was on his way.

Jabez quickly recognized the firm's potential if he could secure additional capital. With the addition of several investors, he was able to take a sabbatical from his leadership duties, and brought his son John aboard to run the company. John was an accomplished businessperson, and soon expanded the company in many sectors including silver hollowware. John took total control of the company when Jabez retired, and took it to even greater heights. By 1875, there were over 400 employees, and in 1890 Gorham moved to a campus of over 30 acres in Providence. A modern office building was designed for Gorham in 1905 by renowned architect Stanford White, and was located on Fifth Avenue in New York City.

Gorham has established an amazing clientele of famous people. The White House has used Gorham silver services during many administrations. Mary Todd Lincoln purchased an impressive tea and flatware service for use in the White House, Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant asked Gorham to commemorate the country's one-hundredth anniversary with a spectacular Century Vase that contained over 2,000 ounces of sterling silver, and the Bush family chose Gorham's Chantilly as the flatware service on Air Force One.

Gorham's patriotic work extends far beyond flatware and hollowware. Gorham artisans sculptured the famous monument of George Washington in the Capitol's Rotunda, the statue of Theodore Roosevelt that overlooks the Museum of Natural History in New York, and the famous "Independent Man" atop Rhode Island's domed state house.

As mentioned earlier, Gorham has recently moved into other dinnerware product areas. They now produce very delicate yet versatile, china patterns, as well as high quality crystal pieces. Gorham silver, through innovative design and quality craftsmanship, has earned its reputation as a premier producer of fine dinnerware. We carry a large selection of Gorham silver, crystal, and china patterns, and invite you to browse available inventory on our web site.