By Carly Zinderman Mar. 2nd, 2011

Opening in April, Rau Antiques is co-sponsoring the special silver exhibition at the Headley-Whitney Museum in New Orleans.

The Discerning Eye of the Collector: American and European Silver from the Granger Collection showcases silver from the royal antiques of the reign of King George III (a silver service for 60) to everyday silver from American Colonial times.

Highlights from the collection include Paul Storr's silver-gilt centerpiece which weighs in at 640 ounces (20 pounds), a rare set of 12 Apostle Spoons dating from 1640, King George III's massive sterling set for 60 and dating from 1783, Paul Storr's candelabra and candlesticks.

Many of the stunning pieces in the exhibit are from the collection of Gordon Granger and his wife, which were purchased from Rau Antiques, the country's leading antiques and fine arts dealer for 18th and 19th centuries.

The Grangers collect silver from the world's best-known silversmiths, including Paul Storr, George Smith, Paul Revere, Hester Bateman (the only American Colonial female to rise to world renowned status as a silversmith) and Paul de Lemerie.

The special exhibit gives both collectors and appreciators of the luxurious material a chance to see the immense craftsmanship of one of the world's most sought-after metals.

More information about the exhibit can be found at www.headley-whitney.org.