Leni
If you decide to commission a frame, be aware the process is not cheap. This frame cost me the equivalent of about 325GBP. I ordered it on May 20, 06, and it was ready to be picked up yesterday. Silverplate is not cheaper, it just involves different work. As the silversmith explained it to me, whenever he makes a solder, all previously welded pieces have to be resecured, because the entire piece has to be heated up in order for the weld to hold. After that weld is done, the entire piece has to be polished before the next weld can be attempted, or the weld will not hold. The solder will only hold on a clean surface. The little cup feet had to be cast, and then have a cap put on the tops of each one, then each was welded to the frame separately. It was a lengthy process. The silversmith is open Wed-Sat, and he does his bench work on the days he is closed. With silver, the cost of the materials is less than gold, but the labor is higher. Gold is much easier to weld, it just costs more to work with.