We included picks for every decor style, including vintage, modern, and minimalist.
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There’s an art to choosing the right set of gold flatware, whether you’re shopping for your next grand holiday meal or you want to brighten up lunch at home. Because gold flatware is gold-finished silverware made from stainless steel, there are two major factors to consider when buying a set: what grade of steel is used, and what type of gold finish is added. Of course, then there's the fun stuff: choosing the right style. Glossy vs. matte, rose gold, maximalist, or minimalist aesthetics can have a big impact on the decor style of your dining room table setting.
The best gold flatware is scratch-resistant, won’t chip or fade over time, and can be used in a variety of different settings, from formal meals to cocktail parties. And happily, it doesn’t have to cost a fortune, so there’s no need to save it for hosting fancy parties. We spoke with interior designer Arielle Mizrahi and Anam Sadarangani, the founder of the tableware company Sprezz, to help us find the best gold flatware for every budget and style.
This set has a lovely, hand-hammered look to it.
The price only reflects one set; you’ll need to buy multiples to build a full table setting.
Who says luxury has to cost a fortune? This set from India is hand-forged, giving it a special, bespoke appeal. But at under $50, it leaves room in your budget for other special items, like upgraded holiday serveware, a gorgeous new dinnerware set, or even that Dutch oven you've been eyeing all season. This set has a gently rustic look that walks the line between every decor style. It’s a timeless set that will make everyone happy.
Thanks to this set's durable handmade quality, unique hammered design aesthetic, and relatively affordable price point, this gold flatware set easily gets our vote for the best overall set. We guarantee your dinner guests will ask where you got these golden beauties.
Price at time of publish: $49
This set comes with everything you’ll need for four table settings.
It’s made from 18/0 steel, which is more prone to scratching, corroding, and bending.
This Amazon steal delivers luxe looks on a budget. It comes with four full sets of flatware and has a glossy, shiny finish. This set is ideal for students, new homeowners, or anyone on a budget looking to add a little sparkle and sheen atop a favorite tablecloth. The lower-grade stainless steel may result in warping and chipping, but according to enthusiastic reviewers, hand-washing instead of using a dishwasher will help maintain this flatware set's luster over time.
Price at time of publish: $18
This set is finished with gold PVD, a method that is longer-lasting than traditional gold plating.
You’ll pay for the quality! This set is pricey, although it does come with four place settings.
Timeless elegance is the name of the game with this 20-piece set. With fluted handles and a delicate engraved pattern at each end, these forks, knives, and spoons feel like a special occasion. They’ll last for years, too: they are covered in gold PVD, rather than gold plating; PVD results in a more even, attractive finish, as well as better resistance to corrosion and chipping. We also like that this set is all-included. When you consider that four complete place settings are included, the price tag doesn’t seem so high after all.
Price at time of publish: $198
Owing to its rose gold hue and black handles, this set is unique-looking, and will make a big statement.
Only one set is included.
Forget rose-colored glasses: this pretty black-handled set is all we need to put a smile on our faces during mealtime. These pieces have a weathered, antique look that pairs nicely with the warm-toned rose gold. With the knife measuring 8.5 inches, this set is a little more petite than others on our list. They are slightly heavier than the Murray, another Arhaus set on this list. Pair this antique-inspired flatware with a matching set of candlesticks and rustic cloth napkins for the perfectly cozy dinner party vibe.
Price at time of publish: $49
This set is made from the highest-quality stainless steel, and each piece is hand-finish.
It’s a little pricey, although the cost does reflect four full sets.
This hand-finished set comes from a family-owned factory in Portugal and offers extraordinary quality that you don’t have to baby when it comes to washing. You can choose from polished or matte steel, matte black, or (our favorite) matte gold. Whichever colorway suits your fancy, it comes packaged beautifully and includes four 5-piece sets of nicely weighted, elegant flatware.
We like that Year & Day also sells knives, dinner forks, and soup spoons a la carte, so you can replace any lost pieces without buying a whole new set. Pro tip: Add the brand's matching Serving Spoon and Fork Set in matte gold to tie in every element of your tablescape.
Price at time of publish: $225
You get to choose how many sets you want to buy; either a singular 5-piece set or a 20-piece set for four place settings.
It isn’t made from the highest quality stainless steel.
Pottery Barn calls the finish on this set “Champagne gold,” and we think that’s a perfect description: it has a festive feel that will upgrade a holiday table setting or even a minimalist linen tablecloth table setting. Champagne gold is a more subtle hue that enhances your existing serveware and dinnerware, without stealing the show. The trumpet-shaped flare at the end of each handle makes these pieces feel luxurious, although their cost per piece is still on the affordable end of things.
Price at time of publish: Starting at $50
This set has an authentic vintage look, and it’s available in a few finishes.
The classic design won’t suit more modern tastes.
This set was inspired by Georgian design, but you don’t have to be a British history buff to appreciate its antique appeal. The brushed gold is an easy choice for fancy parties and everyday elegance. This set is made to last: it’s designed with 18/10 stainless steel. To protect the gold coating, it’s best to hand wash each piece, even though it’s technically dishwasher safe.
Price at time of publish: Starting at $50
This show-stopping set is one of the most elegant picks on our list.
It cannot be washed in a dishwasher, and requires more hands-on care.
May we just say: wow. With slim, narrow handles and an enviable luster, this flatware is just begging to be placed in a modern home. The weightiest Arhaus set on our list, these pieces feel pleasantly heavy in hand, and have a fresh, clean aesthetic (we love those tidy barrel handles!).
Price at time of publish: $49
This set is made from high-grade stainless steel, and comes with a 25-year limited warranty.
With a highly specific aesthetic, this style isn’t for everyone.
Who knew bright white and gold were such a perfect pair? This two-toned set has tapered handles for a highly effective minimalist appeal. It comes with a generous manufacturer’s warranty, so you can be sure this investment piece will go the distance. The gold finish on each utensil is just glossy enough to add a dash of sophistication.
Price at time of publish: $200
This set has a lithe, ethereal quality ideal for gifting and special occasions.
The narrow fork tines and uniquely shaped spoon bowls won’t appeal to everyone.
Elongated, elegant, and unlike any flatware set we’ve seen, the Dragonfly set is a stunner worth gift wrapping. Gentle curving lines are the name of the game here, with a delicately swooping knife blade and teardrop-shaped spoons. The polish on the gold has an understated, grown-up look. We like that the Dragonfly is also available in a single 5-piece set for those looking to create a table with a more specific number of placemats.
Price at time of publish: $250
This set is available in multiple sizes and finishes.
Care requirements are specialized, and require a more thoughtful touch.
No fuss, no fancy bells or whistles, plus a nicely weighted feel make these utensils ideal for whatever — or wherever — you’re dining. They’re well-balanced in the hand and come in four different finishes to suit your style. The light gold has a casual, low-shine finish that won’t feel out of place at a picnic table, a patio table, or even at a backyard barbecue. This flatware set will add a low-key touch of glam to weeknight meals in the backyard, and we think they'll complement any rustic outdoor dinnerware set.
Price at time of publish: $198
High-quality Italian craftsmanship, a PVD coating, and plenty of colors make this a smart and fun purchase.
At over $200 for a 5-piece set, it may be cost-prohibitive to some.
Playful, highly unique, and made to last a lifetime: this cheery set is sure to brighten any meal. It’s made in Italy, and the craftsmanship shows. The colors available are pure joy, including creamy neutral shades like vanilla and sesame, and deeply saturated options like cobalt and ochre, and they all complement the gold PVD-plated finish.
Price at time of publish: Starting at $210
Gold flatware is not solid gold. Instead, it’s stainless steel with a gold finish. Most stainless steel flatware is either designated 18/10 or 18/8, which are both food-grade. 18/10 contains 18% chromium and 10% nickel, as opposed to just 8% nickel in the 18/8 variety. That extra 2% makes a difference in stronger flatware that is less resistant to corrosion and warping. Less common is 18/0 stainless steel, which contains no nickel and is magnetic. It is also food-safe.
Gold flatware will either be covered in gold plating or a gold PVD finish. PVD is generally considered to be a higher-quality material because it’s welded to the steel at a molecular level.
With rare exceptions, you’ll either buy flatware in a set of five or 20. The 20-piece set will get you situated with four place settings. A five-piece set will include everything you need for one place setting, and is the best option if you just want a couple sets, or if your flatware needs are different than multiples of four. That said, it’s a good idea to have at least one more set handy than you need, in case of lost flatware or unexpected guests!
Some of our picks on this list are dishwasher safe, although to increase the lifespan of your gold flatware, hand washing is the best course of action. As with any utensil or dinnerware with a decorative finish, it’s recommended to avoid soaking for long periods or letting them drip dry. If you do choose to use a dishwasher, adding a rinse aid will combat water spots. No matter how you wash your gold flatware, avoid citrus detergents, which can corrode the metal.
Well… yes and no. Says Mizrahi, “The higher the quality, the less they will scratch.” Sadarangani adds, “Gold-plated flatware is more vulnerable to scratching than solid gold or harder materials. Its thin gold plating can easily show abrasions from contact with rough surfaces.” But even the best flatware can become nicked or scratched when handled carelessly.
“Ideally they would be stored in a silver flatware box with velvet lining, separating all utensils,” says Mizrahi. Sadarangani says that if you must store your gold flatware in a stack, a soft cloth or piece of felt between each utensil will minimize the potential for scratching.
“The best way to clean gold-plated flatware is with gentle soap and water and a microfibre cloth,” says Arielle Mizrahi. Struggling to remove stuck-on food or sauces? Don’t reach for an abrasive scrubber, like steel wool. “For challenging spots, use a soft-bristle toothbrush or a cotton swab,” says Sadarangani. The drying process is just as important, too. Sadarangani says: “Pat the flatware dry with a soft, clean cloth or towel. Avoid air-drying to prevent water spots or tarnishing.”
It’s worth noting that neither of these design and decor experts suggest using the dishwasher, even though many manufacturers say their gold-finished goods are dishwasher safe. The strong cycles and harsh detergents can cause damage, corrosion, and even flaking to this delicate style of flatware.
“If the gold plating looks dull or tarnished, gently restore its shine using a gold-plated flatware-specific polish or a jeweler's cloth designed for gold,” says Sadarangani. She also notes that wearing soft cotton gloves helps avoid smudges when handling the flatware.
Rochelle Bilow is a food writer and editor with over a decade of professional experience. Previously a senior associate editor and social media manager at Bon Appétit and Cooking Light magazines, Rochelle is also a novelist, a culinary school graduate, and a former professional baker and line cook. In researching this article, she spoke with interior design and tableware goods experts to learn how to choose and care for flatware.
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