In ancient and medieval times, kings and emperors didn’t just dine to fill their bellies, they feasted to make a statement. Every item at the royal table, including the plates, had symbolic and strategic value. Silver and gold were the most preferred materials for royal tableware, far outshining common ceramic or clay dishes. Their appeal wasn’t just about extravagance, as these precious metals were believed to offer health benefits, protect against poisoning, and reflect divine favour. Across cultures and continents, dining from silver and gold was an expression of power, prestige, and even protection. Meals were carefully curated ceremonies, often attended by nobles, envoys, and rivals. The glittering plates helped establish dominance and projected a larger-than-life image of the monarch and his empire.
Reasons for using gold and silver utensils to eat
1. Health and hygiene benefits of gold and silver
Long before modern science confirmed the antibacterial properties of silver, ancient royals already believed in its health advantages. Silver was thought to prevent spoilage and contamination, making it the ideal choice for eating and storing food. Many cultures held that it could purify water and ward off diseases. Gold, while less reactive with food, held a sacred place in health systems like Ayurveda, where it was believed to balance energy and improve vitality when used properly. In Indian traditions, eating from gold was not only seen as auspicious but also as a way to absorb trace benefits for the body and mind.
2. Symbol of wealth, power, and divine favour
Gold and silver have always been global symbols of wealth and power. Their use at the dinner table sent an unmistakable message: This is no ordinary host. For kings, eating from precious metals helped assert dominance, both over their court and over rival kingdoms. The Persian kings, Roman emperors, Indian maharajas, and Chinese dynasties all used elaborately crafted golden or silver utensils. These items were often studded with jewels or engraved with emblems, making every meal a declaration of divine favor and political strength. Ceramic, in contrast, was far too mundane for royal stature.
3. Historical and cultural norms
Across centuries, elite households followed a strict hierarchy of materials used for dining. Silver and gold were exclusively used by royalty and nobility, while the middle classes used pewter or copper, and the poor relied on clay or wooden dishes. In medieval Europe, this division was so pronounced that even aristocratic guests would bring their own silver cutlery to banquets. In medieval times, gold-plated thalis (plates) were often part of a prince’s dowry or coronation gift. The use of these metals became part of tradition, a cultural legacy that reinforced social structures and royal lineage.
4. Protection against poisoning
In a time when palace intrigue was common and assassinations by poison were real threats, silverware became an unexpected line of defense. It was widely believed that silver could detect poison, tarnishing or changing color when exposed to certain toxins. Although this is more myth than science, the belief was strong enough for kings to rely on it. Royal food tasters were often backed by silver serving plates and utensils to double the protection. From the French court of Louis XIV to the Ottoman Sultans, this practice offered both practical and psychological security.
5. Durability and heirloom value
Gold and silver didn’t just look royal, they lasted. Unlike ceramic, which could chip or break easily, these metals were long-lasting and could be reshaped, cleaned, and passed down for generations. Emperors often had dining sets engraved with royal seals or personalized patterns, turning them into family heirlooms. The Chinese Ming Dynasty saw the rise of intricately engraved silver plates, while some medieval dynasties included golden utensils as part of their treasure inventories. These weren’t just tools for eating, they were works of art and symbols of legacy.
6. Psychological and sensory appeal
Modern studies in food psychology suggest that the weight, texture, and material of dining ware can influence how we perceive taste and quality. A heavier, more luxurious plate can make food feel more indulgent, satisfying, and valuable. Royals may not have known the science, but they instinctively associated gold and silver with grandeur, elevating even simple dishes to a gourmet experience. A golden plate created an aura of importance, encouraging guests to treat the meal and the moment with reverence.
7. Artistic and religious significance
In many traditions, precious metals were connected with religious rituals and symbolism. Ancient Egyptians believed gold to be the flesh of the gods. In Hinduism, gold is considered pure and divine, often used in offerings to deities. In Europe, chalices used during Christian sacraments were often made of silver or gold. For kings, using such materials was also a way to align themselves with the divine, reinforcing their role as chosen or semi-divine rulers. Eating from these metals wasn’t just luxury, it was liturgy.
