Ginkgo Pendulum 20-Piece Stainless Steel Flatware Set, Service for 4

We registered for this stunning and unique set of flatware as our "fine dining" set.

The elongated and graceful lines of the set have generated a lot of compliments, and the 'frosted' appearance on all but the mirror finish "pendulum" in the handle, and of the knife blades, provide a unique contrast to standard stainless steel flatware.

In all honesty, however, I would be concerned about the durability of the finish if these were used on a daily basis and run through the dishwasher. According to the single piece of literature (a small card about the size of a credit card), the finish is achieved through a process called "bead blasting", and while it discusses how to clean water spots or discoloration, nowhere did I see mention of "dishwasher safe."

In the two sets of 20 that we ordered, I had to call Ginkgo to replace about 7 of the pieces because the ones we received already showed marring and scratches on the bead-blasted surfaces. Each piece was individually wrapped, so this was unlikely caused by the pieces rubbing together during shipping. Because of the "matte" finish on most of the pieces, and the high-polished mirror finish on the rest, the flaws stand out much more than they would on the usual stainless steel finishes.

Ginkgo rushed out replacements immediately, no questions asked, and I was grateful for their prompt and courtious customer service. The 'damage' to the original pieces has given me reservations about the durability of the finish, however. Given the abrasive nature of using a dishwasher, I prefer to wash these pieces by hand after use to preserve their beauty, and use another less expensive set for daily use. This is the only reason I docked the score one star.

I ordered these as a bachelor and wanting something that looked more masculine than lotus flower fantails at the stem ends of my silverware. Working in the field of home and design I always liked the bungalow look and thought these would compliment the rest of my flatware and tableware in that style.

While they are balanced very well, sized proportionately for everyday use (I had read some reviews on Amazon where spoons were too big for yogurt cups, salad forks looked like they were for relish dishes, etc), these are hearty, bold, work very well, sized perfectly, look handsome and are sturdy.

But! They are not the finish that is reflected in the photo. The photo shows, to my interpretation, a slightly more rustic finish that almost looks like a pub finish. Or that you'd find on the table of Hagrid from Harry Potter.

They are not. They are very clean with a satin peen finish. Much like a stainless look pull out faucet from Moen or Grohe that sits on your sink.

I'm keeping them, but I had my sights set on something different and a little less polished (in overall feel-not actual finish).

Gets a 4 of 5. Not because the picture looked different, but because it takes a lot to bowl me over to give anything a 5 of 5. They are great. And I have no misgivings about dishwashing them either.

Cheers!

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