Since the change from crafting wares of pewter, (the "poor man's" silver) to electroplated silver occurring at the height of the Victorian period, the pieces made in the new ware are always more elaborate in design than the earlier pewter, which was generally very plain and simple. Not only are the silver-plated pieces ornamented with Victorian details but they are often embellished with florid engraved decoration. Details which are no longer used! Many of these fine Victorian silver pieces were electroplated quadruple silver. Today, these pieces are becoming more scarce as collectors are quickly purchasing and keeping these pieces themselves. Fewer and fewer fine pieces are available on the "open market".