| Collectible silverware is one of the great joys of the | | | | silver. Those gloves aren't an expression of prissiness |
| antique world. There is something uniquely personal | | | | or an attempt to protect the polisher's delicate hands. |
| about it. Unlike many antique collectibles silverware is | | | | The gloves are meant to protect the silver from the |
| not just for show and safekeeping. Silverware is a | | | | polisher. Bare hands can lead to fingernail scratches |
| valuable antique you can use. The simple practicality | | | | and the oils in human skin can tarnish newly polished |
| of silverware adds to the beauty of its elegant | | | | silverware. |
| materials. There is a life to objects meant for daily | | | | While there are many types of polish available and |
| use that connects the collector with the past. | | | | nearly all work fairly well. A novice collector should |
| One of the very best characteristics of silver is the | | | | probably experiment until they find a polish they like |
| fact that handling and polishing can actually improve | | | | best. There are creams, pastes, and liquids. Look for |
| its appearance. Over time pieces of silver will develop | | | | a polish that is described as a long-term polish as |
| patinas that make each set distinctive and uniquely | | | | these are usually the best bet for antique silverware. |
| beautiful. | | | | Make sure to have a plentiful supply of clean polishing |
| Unfortunately, silver tarnishes quickly and can take on | | | | clothes, as you will want a clean spot on the cloth |
| very unappealing shades of brown or even purple. If | | | | for each new piece. |
| a set of silverware is stored in an environment | | | | Once the polish has been applied use a clean polishing |
| where there is a lot of salt in the air this process can | | | | cloth to remove excess polish and bring the shine to |
| happen with alarming speed. Careful care of | | | | its zenith. Use a toothbrush or other small soft brush |
| silverware is vital to keeping your silverware's value | | | | to clean any textured or raised surfaces on the silver. |
| and long term beauty. | | | | Now you must repeat the soapy water cleaning in |
| Washing your silver after every use may seem | | | | order to remove any last traces of excess polish. |
| self-evident but simply tossing them into a soapy sink | | | | In order to store silverware for an extended period |
| full of water simply won't do. Each piece should be | | | | of time wrap each piece in paper. If the silver is |
| washed one at a time with great care. Acidic foods | | | | allowed to come in contact with other silver it will |
| such fruit juices and salad dressing can cause stains | | | | increase the rate that the silver develops silver |
| to appear on silver and special care should be taken | | | | sulphide, the primary cause of tarnish. Be sure to use |
| when cleaning antique silverware of these types of | | | | acid free paper, as this will best protect your silver. If |
| foods. | | | | you place the wrapped silver in a sealable plastic bag |
| You should clean each piece completely with hot | | | | and add a small package of silica it will be kept dry |
| soapy water. Rinse with hot water and dry | | | | and sparkling. Make an effort to remove as much air |
| thoroughly before moving on to the next piece. | | | | from the bag as possible. |
| Resist the urge to set the silverware aside to air dry | | | | Obviously the key to keeping your silverware |
| or to be dried all at once. Letting silverware dry on its | | | | beautiful while in long-term storage is keeping it dry |
| own will leave water stains and make your polishing | | | | and as far from salt and other environmental |
| chores that much harder. | | | | impurities as possible. With proper care and cleaning |
| Everyone has seen a movie where the butler puts on | | | | your investment and personal treasure will last a |
| white cotton gloves before polishing the master's | | | | lifetime and far longer. |