If you love the shine, richness and soft patina of real sterling silver, consider starting a collection of silver items. You can make a themed collection around a single type of object like snuff boxes, collect silver designed for a specific use like spoons or collect silver items based on their heritage and age, like antique vanity pieces or jewelry.
Collecting like items:
Collecting different variations of the same type of item makes it easy to search online and traditional auction catalogs for a special piece. Typing in "sterling silver" can yield thousands of listings to wade through, but using "sterling silver perfume vial" will likely narrow the field considerably. It is also easier to get a dealer to keep an eye out for collection items for you if you are very specific about what you want.
Collect related items:
Collecting items that are related in some way allows you to broaden your search field a bit. If you only collect spoons, 
your choices at a flea market or auction may be limited. If you collect silver tableware and serving items of all types, you will have a lot more items to choose from, and more chances to add to your collection.
Collect items from a single era:
Collecting items from a single period of time allows you to use your collection for display purposes. A silver collection containing Victorian tableware, jewelry and fashion accessories will look well displayed in the same location of your home. A mismatched jumble of silver may not show as well, or look as valuable.
