Skilled manufacturers responded to the popularity of sterling silver flatware by producing sets of it in a wide assortment of attractive patterns. Because these were functional objects designed for regular use, complete sets of sterling silver flatware sets are not as easy to find as individual pieces. Stylish collectors take this challenge in stride, buying a mix of different patterns that complement each other or scouring eBay and web sites of reputable sellers for individual pieces that are missing from their set.