Silver objects could be gilded at any point , not just when first made .
Items regularly handled , such as toilet service sets for dressing - tables or tableware , often needed regilding after a few years , as the gold began to wear off .
Silver objects could be gilded at any point , not just when first made , and items regularly handled , such as toilet service sets for dressing - tables or tableware , often needed regilding after a few years , as the gold began to wear off .