Antiques will always be prized possessions - whether as family heirlooms, or as symbols of your aesthetic taste as well as your capacity to purchase them. Silver is among the stronger materials in which antiques can be found, but keeping these antiques in their shining glory is still a significant daunting task.

For those who have recently laid your hands on a precious antique silver artefact, make sure that only the most careful and expert people get to take care of it. Here are a few tips to help you choose the best people, and to look after your regularly used silver yourself -

1. Consult experts before selecting restorers. Shops that sell antiques could be good to consult, while museums will definitely know the experts in silver restoration.

2. Do not remove all engravings. Just like an existence without mistakes is really a remarkably boring one, a silver artefact loses a part of its history if you remove important engravings. If you do decide to remove engravings, check that the material is thick enough to permit it without damage or distortion. Only a specialist silversmith should attempt engraving removal or re-engravings.

Antique Silver

3. Aluminium tape - a thin layer of aluminium with a sticky backing - is perfect to correct damaged screw threads. Wrap a layer over the damaged thread, and redefine the thread together with your fingernail to really make it more secure.

4. Store your silver in conditions of low humidity - 45% is the perfect humidity level. You can place your silver in a showcase containing activated carbon, silver salts, tarnish-reducing paper or silica gel to help keep the humidity low without resorting to a dehumidifier.

5. Do not put your silverware within the dishwasher. Instead, wash it by hand with phosphate-free soap, and wipe it dry without allowing water to evaporate on its surface. This can keep it shiny and new, without developing spots or discoloration.

My Family Silver

6. For silver vases or articles which aren't used regularly, a great polishing with tooth powder along with a soft cloth will restore its shine - even when it has developed that familiar brassy tinge with age.

7. Silver jewelry ought to be worn regularly, to help keep its shine intact. Be cautious with necklaces, though - some people find that silver has a tendency to discolor on their own necks very quickly, particularly in warm weather. Stick to wearing silver only in winters to avoid damaging antique jewelry with repeated cleaning and blackening.

8. Do not expose your silverware to an excessive amount of salt, as salt will corrode silver for an enormous degree. Silver salt shakers ought to be washed and dried cautiously whenever they are not being used.

Silver is remarkably low-maintenance when compared with other precious materials, so do not be afraid to apply your antiques. As i've already explained, silver stays within the best of conditions when used regularly - stowing it away is only going to result in stains due to humidity or any other chemicals. Keep your silver polished and in good shape, and they will definitely last for life and much more.