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Author	Topic: using my new old silver
shotzzz Posts: 5 Registered: Jan 2004	posted 01-01-2004 11:37 PM [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." IP: Logged
Melissa unregistered	posted 01-02-2004 10:53 AM 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. IP: Logged
Arg(um)entum Posts: 304 Registered: Apr 2002	posted 01-02-2004 12:32 PM The Society of American Silversmiths maintains a site with some very good information on caring for silver. It got me started Click here IP: Logged
shotzzz Posts: 5 Registered: Jan 2004	posted 01-02-2004 02:19 PM 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. IP: Logged
swarter Moderator Posts: 2920 Registered: May 2003	posted 01-02-2004 03:07 PM 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. IP: Logged
June Martin Forum Master Posts: 1326 Registered: Apr 93	posted 01-03-2004 06:50 PM 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. IP: Logged
shotzzz Posts: 5 Registered: Jan 2004	posted 01-08-2004 11:43 PM 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! IP: Logged
Scotia Posts: 125 Registered: Oct 2003	posted 01-10-2004 06:13 PM 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. IP: Logged

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