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Author Topic:   using my new old silver
shotzzz

Posts: 5
Registered: Jan 2004

iconnumber posted 01-01-2004 11:37 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for shotzzz     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
[01-1357]

I just inherited my grandmother's old silver over the holidays.

After I clean & polish it and then figure out what kind of silver it is.
Can I use it without hurting it?
Can I wash it in the sink?
What can I not put in a bowl or candy dish or platter?

I now have 30 or so pieces. I never remember her using them when I was growing up, so I am a little lost. I think if I have to polish it, I need to use it.

Help. I am getting some wright's silver polish tomorrow. Can you use that on any silver? Is there a better way?

Thank you for your time.

------------------
"People may not remember exactly what you did or what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel."

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Melissa
unregistered
iconnumber posted 01-02-2004 10:53 AM           Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Hi there. I think Wrights is the best choice, please never use something like Tarnex. Vile stuff, and it will ruin your silver.

I hand wash silver, no dishwashers. High sulfer content foods (eggs) will darken the silver dramatically, if your silver is not gilded, polish and wash the pieces soon after use. Salt reacts with silver too, when there's a lot of moisture.

The more you use it, the more beautiful it becomes.

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Arg(um)entum

Posts: 304
Registered: Apr 2002

iconnumber posted 01-02-2004 12:32 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Arg(um)entum     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
The Society of American Silversmiths maintains a site with some very good information on caring for silver. It got me started Click here

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shotzzz

Posts: 5
Registered: Jan 2004

iconnumber posted 01-02-2004 02:19 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for shotzzz     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Thank for all the advice.

I am going to have a Sunday brunch and I will use it then. I will never believe you should save things for a special occasion but enjoy them daily. Well maybe not daily but often.

Great Site Arg(um)entum. And no eggs.

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swarter
Moderator

Posts: 2920
Registered: May 2003

iconnumber posted 01-02-2004 03:07 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for swarter     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
The Society of American Silversmiths maintains a site with some very good information on caring for silver. It got me started.

A useful link. Thanks for posting it. There is also good advice on storage and display. Their homepage even has links to advice on repairs, a frequent source of questions here.

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June Martin
Forum Master

Posts: 1326
Registered: Apr 93

iconnumber posted 01-03-2004 06:50 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for June Martin     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Shotzzz,

You did not say whether you have solid silver or silver plate and the proper care and maintenance will definitely be impacted by which it is. For example, you should try not to polish silverplate as polishing will remove the silver.

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shotzzz

Posts: 5
Registered: Jan 2004

iconnumber posted 01-08-2004 11:43 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for shotzzz     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I don't know if any of the pieces are silver, or silverplated as I have never owned any silver and I am learning baby steps. A few pieces do say sterling though. I am trying to post some pics this weekend. The links were all very helpful. thank you!

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Scotia

Posts: 125
Registered: Oct 2003

iconnumber posted 01-10-2004 06:13 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Scotia     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Hi there,

Although it will take a lot of polishing to occur, some of your pieces will wear eventually. If they have incised decoration or monograms be sure to clean them very carefully. If there are pieces you are not going to be using I would advise cleaning them as infrequently as possible. This will save any detail and the hallmarks from rubbing away.

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