• Oxidation is often seen on antique pewter.pewter sugar bowl image by hazel proudlove from Fotolia.com
  
  According to the PewterCollectorsClub, early civilizations such as Rome, Greece and Egypt used pewter. Once considered a luxury item, pewter became a symbol of gentility and fine manners to colonial Americans. Pewter is an alloy made of several elements including copper, zinc, lead and bismuth, a brittle metal with a reddish-white color. The main component of pewter is tin.
  
  

Polished

• Polished pewter has a high shine and a smooth appearance. Because pewter does not tarnish like silver or other metals, the brilliance of polished pewter can easily be maintained by cleaning it once or twice a year. Jewelry or other ornamental objects may be made from polished pewter.
  
  

Satin

• Satin pewter has a dull, grainy apearance that may also look rough or imperfect. Satin pewter is well-suited for making utilitarian objects because it endures regular washing with soap and water.
  
  

Oxidized

• Pewter that is oxidized will appear dark. Many antique pieces of pewter will be oxidized. In fact, the high lead content in older pewter encourages oxidation.