Nambé

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Nambé (IPA: [nam 'bej]) is an eight-metal alloy whose major component is aluminum. It was created at Los Alamos National Laboratory in the 1940s and is exclusively produced by the Nambé Mills, Inc., which was founded in 1951 near Nambé Pueblo, some 10 miles north of Santa Fe, New Mexico. The alloy has the luster of silver and the solidity of iron. Nambe has a lower thermal conductivity than silver. Nambé does not contain silver, lead or pewter (a tin and copper alloy) and resists tarnishing. However, it is susceptible to discoloration or pitting with acidic foods or foods with citrus. It is not recommended any food be stored in Nambe metal or held for greater than a few hours due to these concerns (not health). Because Nambé's alloy is a trade secret, the Nambé company does not divulge the rest of the formula. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has declared Nambé safe for cooking and serving.

The metal is often sand cast and polished to a high luster to create aluminum alloy products such as serveware, cookware, bowls, platters, trays, dishes, plates, napkin rings, candle holders, wine bottle holders and coasters.

Similar metal alloys are Carson's Statesmetal and Wilton Armetale.

In 2001 Nambé introduced a line of 24% lead crystal serving pieces along with stemware and glassware. The new crystal pieces remain true to the Nambé artistic style and design. In 2006 the crystal collection included 64 pieces. View Nambe Crystal