Herdmar has manufactured high quality flatware since 1911 in Guitars, Portugal, home of that country's fine metals businesses for centuries. A family-owned company, they use only the best quality 18/10 stainless steel for their flatware, which gives each piece a luxurious shine, and makes it easy-care and very durable. "Vintage Gold and Stainless" is a dramatic gold contemporary design, with a two-dimension handle that starts very narrow as it leaves the eating area, then suddenly widens about an inch away, making the remainder of the handle appear to be a separate piece, though it is not. Each handle is completely plated with 7 microns of gold with a matte finish, while the eating end of each piece is in bright stainless steel, for a distinctive 'mixed metals' appearance. The tail of each piece is straight so that the length of the handle is suspended above the table surface for a stylish feel. Each handle is a heavy gauge 3mm to 4mm thickness, and every piece is dishwasher safe. The tines of each fork are narrow and straight, giving the forks a light appearance, and both the place spoon and teaspoon have an unusual leaf-shaped bowl. The dinner knife has a solid handle and a serrated cutting edge, with a longer and narrower blade than you might be used to. Each piece except the knife is hallmarked "Herdmar 18/10 Portugal" on the back of the handle; the knife is marked Herdmar on the blade.