Inherited Silver

Walking into a friend’s apartment not long ago, I was struck by the casual elegance of the place. The color scheme was mellow but invigorating, the wall of books passionately pruned. Every piece of artwork was obviously hung with intent, and every bit and bob on every shelf was carefully curated. The place was an aesthetic and functional masterpiece.

How strange it would have been, then, to compliment my friend on the quality of the silver candle holders she’d inherited from her parents. Piece...