Contrary to popular belief, silver doesn’t tarnish especially rapidly unless items are left in an atmosphere where sulphur is present.
Silver is a timeless and elegant metal that has been cherished for centuries. Whether it’s a beautiful silverware set, delicate jewelry, or antique silver pieces, proper care is essential to maintain their lustrous shine and prevent tarnish. In this article, we will share some valuable tips on how to care for your silver items and keep them looking their best.
- Regular Cleaning: Regular cleaning is crucial to prevent tarnish and maintain the brilliance of your silver. Use a mild, phosphate-free silver cleaner or a specialized silver polishing cloth to gently remove dirt and tarnish. Avoid using abrasive materials or harsh chemicals that can damage the surface of your silver.
- Gentle Hand Washing: When it comes to cleaning silverware, hand washing is the preferred method. Use warm water and a mild dish soap to gently wash your silver items. Avoid using a dishwasher, as the harsh detergents and high heat can cause damage. After washing, rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a soft cloth to avoid water spots.
- Storage: Proper storage is essential to prevent your silver from tarnishing. Store silver items in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, humidity, and exposure to air. Avoid storing silver in plastic bags, as they can trap moisture. Instead, wrap each piece individually in acid-free tissue paper or anti-tarnish cloth to minimize contact with air and prevent scratching.
- Anti-Tarnish Products: Consider using anti-tarnish products to protect your silver. Anti-tarnish strips or silica gel packs can be placed in your storage area to absorb moisture and slow down tarnish formation. Additionally, you can use anti-tarnish cloths or pouches that are specially designed to inhibit tarnish and protect your silver items.
- Wear with Care: If you’re wearing silver jewelry, it’s important to handle it with care to avoid scratches and damage. Put your silver jewelry on last when getting dressed, after applying cosmetics, perfumes, and lotions. Avoid wearing silver items while swimming, exercising, or performing household chores to minimize exposure to harsh chemicals and physical stress.
- Professional Maintenance: For valuable or intricate silver pieces, it’s advisable to seek professional maintenance from time to time. Silversmiths and jewelry experts have the knowledge and skills to properly clean, repair, and restore your silver items. They can also provide guidance on proper care techniques specific to your silver pieces.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your silver items remain in excellent condition for years to come. Remember, proper care and maintenance not only preserve the beauty of your silver but also protect your investment. Treat your silver with love and attention, and it will continue to bring joy and elegance to your life.
HOW TO MEND A KNIFE
Sometimes the blade comes away from the handle of a knife. The material binding the two is called ‘pitch’. When the blade has come away only an inch or so, or in some cases when the handle has come off completely, there may be enough pitch to repair it.
- Examine the ‘tang’ (the part of the blade that goes into the ‘pitch’). Is it intact?
- What is it made of? It may be made of a base metal such as iron.
- You will probably need to heat the pitch. To do this put the knife in a safe area near a heat source, perhaps near a radiator or stove, so that it can slowly soften. If it does soften then you may be able to ease the blade back in.
- Don’t force it.
- Don’t use hot water to heat the knife as this can cause the metal to rust.
- You should not use the knife for preparing or eating food after this kind of repair.
CLEANING CANDLESTICKS
Candlesticks that are frequently used can build up a thick body of wax. Never try to hack off the wax with a knife. There is a simple solution. First leave the candlesticks in a warm room to soften the wax. Then lay the candlestick down, supporting uneven areas with soft, clean cloths. Then use a blunt cocktail stick to slowly and carefully remove the wax. Finally, if necessary, buff up with a silver polishing cloth.
Remember, don’t put the candlesticks in a freezer to remove the wax. The metal can react (sometimes dramatically) to this temperature change. Often, candlesticks are made of more than one metal. If exposed to a dramatic change in temperature the metals might react at a different rate which could cause the candlestick to split apart. The temperature change could also loosen applied decoration such as inlay, enamel or paint.