Restoring and Caring For Your Antique Silver Antiques are always collectibles - whether as family heirlooms, or as symbols of your aesthetic taste as well as your power to purchase them. Silver is one of the stronger 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 their 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 also to take care of your regularly used silver yourself -
1. Consult experts before choosing restorers. Shops that sell antiques could be good to see, while museums will definitely be aware of experts in silver restoration.
2. Don't remove all engravings. Just as an existence without mistakes is a remarkably boring one, a silver artefact loses part of its history should 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.
Antique Silver3. Aluminium tape - a skinny layer of aluminium with a sticky backing - is ideal to correct damaged screw threads. Wrap a layer within the damaged thread, and redefine the thread together with your fingernail to really make it more secure.
4. Store your silver in conditions of low humidity - 45% is the perfect level of humidity. You can put your silver in a showcase containing activated carbon, silver salts, tarnish-reducing paper or silica gel to help keep humidity low without making use of a dehumidifier.
5. Do not put your silverware within the dishwasher. Instead, wash it manually with phosphate-free soap, and wipe it dry without allowing water to evaporate on its surface. This can ensure that it stays shiny and new, without developing spots or discoloration.
My Family Silver6. 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's developed that familiar brassy tinge with age.
7. Silver jewelry should be worn regularly, to keep its shine intact. Be cautious with necklaces, though - some people find that silver tends to discolor on their necks very quickly, especially in warm weather. Stick to wearing silver only in winters to avoid damaging antique jewelry with repeated cleaning and blackening.
8. Don't expose your silverware to too much salt, as salt will corrode silver to an enormous degree. Silver salt shakers ought to be washed and dried very carefully whenever they aren't getting used.
Silver is remarkably low-maintenance compared to other precious materials, so not be afraid to apply your antiques. As i've already explained, silver stays within the better of conditions when used regularly - stowing it away will only result in stains due to humidity or other chemicals. Keep your silver polished as well as in good condition, and they will definitely last you for life and much more.