Cleaning and Caring for Antique Silverware

Collectible silverware is one of the great joys of the ancient world. There is something exclusively personal about it. Unlike many antique collectibles, silverware is not just for display and storage. Silverware is a valuable antique that you can use. The practical simplicity of the cutlery adds to the beauty of its elegant materials. There is life for the objects destined to the daily use that connects the collector with the past.

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One of the best features of silver is the fact that handling and polishing can actually improve its appearance. Over time, the silver pieces will develop patinas that make each set unique and distinctive.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Unfortunately, the silver tarnishes quickly and can acquire very unpleasant shades of brown or even purple. If a set of cutlery is stored in an environment where there is a lot of salt in the air, this process can occur at an alarming rate. Careful care of cutlery is vital to maintain the value of your silverware and long-term beauty.

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Washing the silver after each use may seem obvious, but simply throwing them into a sink with soap filled with water is not enough. Each piece should be washed one at a time with great care. Acidic foods such as fruit juices and salad dressing can cause stains on silver and special care should be taken when cleaning old silverware for this type of food.

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You must clean each piece completely with hot water and soap. Rinse with hot water and dry completely before moving on to the next piece. Resist the temptation to leave the cutlery aside so they dry in the air or dry out at once. Letting the cutlery dry itself will leave water stains and make your polishing tasks much harder.

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Everyone has seen a movie where the butler puts on white cotton gloves before polishing the master's silver. Those gloves are not an expression of haste or an attempt to protect the delicate hands of the polisher. The gloves are intended to protect the silver from the polisher. Naked hands can cause scratches on the nails and the oils on human skin can tarnish the recently polished silverware.

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While there are many types of Polish available and almost all work quite well. A novice collector should probably experiment until they find the enamel they like the most. There are creams, pastes and liquids. Look for an enamel that is described as a long-term glaze, as they are usually the best choice for old silver cutlery. Make sure you have an abundant supply of clean polishing clothes, as you will want a clean place on the cloth for each new piece.

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Once the enamel has been applied, use a clean cloth to polish to remove excess enamel and bring the shine to its zenith. Use a toothbrush or other small soft brush to clean any textured or raised surface on the silver. Now you should repeat the cleaning with soap and water to remove any traces of excess enamel.

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To store cutlery for an extended period, wrap each piece in paper. If silver is allowed to come in contact with another silver, the rate at which silver develops silver sulphide will increase, the main cause of tarnish. Be sure to use acid-free paper, as this will better protect your silver. If you place the wrapped silver in a sealable plastic bag and add a small packet of silica, it will stay dry and shiny. Make an effort to remove as much air from the bag as possible. 

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External Links:-

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www.philipsauctions.com.au

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