Mexican Pewter is a combination of various alloys mostly a lead free non-toxic alloy of aluminum. The beauty of mexican pewter is that you never have to polish and it never tarnishes therefore needs little maintenance. Mexican Pewter is safe to use to serve food and can be used in the oven for up to 350 degrees. Mexican Pewter is different from American and English pewter. English and American Pewter are a combination of a variety of alloys. The finish work on Americand and English Pewter is also more refined and defined. Mexican Pewter can be a less expensive substitute because it offers the durability and look of silver at less price. About three years ago, I was on an expat assignment in a small town in Mexico and I I spent a lot of time browsing small shops in a town near Guadalajara. I had an interest in the arts and crafts of the Mexican people. I found that there is a lot of skillful artisans in Mexico. I was particularly attracted to the craft of mexican pewter. I bought a few pieces and used them when entertaining. I made a few contacts in the pewter industry and decided to sell mexican pewter when I returned to the States. I found that all the pewter factories basically use the same technique, the same molds and they coorporate with each other to sell their merchandise for basically the same price. There is a difference in quality though, some manufactures are very skillful in the last process, polishing, and that's critical. I toured a lot of factories until I found a supplier that had the quality I was looking for. This supplier's molds were better than other manufactures and his product has less flaws. I have tried to buy from other suppliers for variety but so far I have been disappointed, their quality is inferior to my primary supplier. All the mexican pewter sold at stores like Macy's comes from the same manufacturers that supply small businesses like my own. However, at a major retail store the item will be priced for example at $100 but a small business owner like myself can sell it at half price. Mexican Pewter make great wedding, bridal shower and house warming presents and the best thing is that there is a certain elegance about pewter. One of my suppliers has recently introduced a FDA approved black mexican pewter which looks to be a very exciting new product. When I have more information about this new process and a sample, I may start selling this beautiful new form of mexican pewter. Check my Ebay store for beautiful pewter items at great prices.