Silverware

Antiques are always prized possessions - whether as family heirlooms, or as symbols of your own aesthetic taste and your power to purchase them. Silver is one of the more durable materials in which antiques are available, but keeping these antiques in their shining glory is still quite a daunting task.

If you have recently laid your hands on a precious antique silver artefact, make sure that only the most careful and expert people get to take care of it. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right people, and to take care of your regularly used silver yourself -

1. Consult experts before choosing restorers. Shops that sell antiques would be good to consult, while museums will definitely know the experts in silver restoration.

2. Do not remove all engravings. Just as a life without mistakes is a remarkably boring one, a silver artefact loses a part of its history if you remove important engravings. If you do choose to remove engravings, check that the material is thick enough to permit it without damage or distortion. Only an expert silversmith should attempt engraving removal or re-engravings.

3. Aluminium tape - a thin layer of aluminium with a sticky backing - is perfect to repair damaged screw threads. Wrap a layer over the damaged thread, and redefine the thread with your fingernail to make it more secure.

4. Store your silver in conditions of low humidity - 45% is the ideal humidity level. You can place your silver in a showcase containing activated carbon, silver salts, tarnish-reducing paper or silica gel to keep the humidity low without resorting to a dehumidifier.

5. Do not put your silverware in the dishwasher. Instead, wash it by hand with phosphate-free soap, and wipe it dry without allowing water to evaporate on its surface. This will keep it shiny and new, without developing spots or discoloration.

6. For silver vases or articles which are not used regularly, a good polishing with tooth powder and a soft cloth will restore its shine - even if it has developed that familiar brassy tinge with age.

7. Silver jewelry should be worn regularly, to keep its shine intact. Be careful with necklaces, though - some people find that silver tends to discolor on their necks very quickly, especially in hot weather. Stick to wearing silver only in winters to prevent damaging antique jewelry with repeated cleaning and blackening.

8. Do not expose your silverware to too much salt, as salt will corrode silver to an enormous degree. Silver salt shakers should be washed and dried very carefully whenever they are not being used.

Silver is remarkably low-maintenance compared to other precious materials, so do not be afraid to use your antiques. As mentioned before, silver stays in the best of conditions when used regularly - stowing it away will only result in stains due to humidity or other chemicals. Keep your silver polished and in good condition, and they will definitely last you for a lifetime and more.