From a person to a place, silver adds a touch of timeless elegance to anything and everything. Whether it's a cherished family heirloom or a stunning antique, preserving these silver treasures requires proper care. Silver naturally tarnishes over time, developing a dull, dark, and black surface. But fear not! Keep your silver shining for generations to come with our tips and tricks mentioned in the blog.
What is tarnish?
Tarnish is the biggest enemy of shine. Technically, tarnish is a thin layer of corrosion that forms on silver when it comes into contact with hydrogen sulfide, a gas commonly present in the air, especially in areas with high pollution levels. This reaction creates silver sulfide which is responsible for the dark layer.
How do I stop silver turning black?
Prevention is the key! Why wait for silver to turn black and take measures when you can prevent the whole tarnishing process or slow it down? The best defense against tarnish is a good offense – proper storage and handling. Here are some things to remember:
- Invest in airtight containers lined with anti-tarnish fabric or tarnish-retardant storage bags. Your silver artifacts should be kept in these bags whenever they are not in use.
- Keep your silver in a dry, cool, and low-humidity area. Steer clear of highly polluted or sun-exposed regions.
- When touching your silver artifacts, put on cotton gloves. By doing this, you reduce the amount of natural oils from your hands that may expedite tarnishing.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before handling your silver.
How to clean the silver?
Sometimes, the best defense also fails. For some silver artifacts, tarnishing is inevitable. It may be due to the characteristics of the silver or from the environment. You can clean and restore the allure of silver in terms of the magnitude of tarnish seen on the artifacts.
- For Light Tarnish:
- A simple wipe with a good quality silver polishing cloth is enough. These cloths are dipped with mild abrasives that gently remove tarnish and buff the surface to a shine.
- Choose a lint-free cloth to avoid leaving behind any unwanted fibers.
- For Moderate Tarnish:
- A homemade cleaning solution is surely effective. Combine warm water with a mild dish soap (free from harsh chemicals or citrus) and a few drops of ammonia (take proper precautions).
- Soak the silver for a few minutes, then gently scrub with a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry completely with a soft cloth.
- For Heavy Tarnish (Time to go to a jeweler):
- It is preferable to have your silver professionally cleaned if it has intricate details or is extremely tarnished.
- Without damaging the work, a conservator with experience can safely remove tarnish and take care of any inherent damage.
Points to Remember
Here are some measures you need to be mindful of while being the owner of a silver artifact:
- Regular Polishing: Polish your artifacts every once in a while to maintain its shine and prevent further tarnishing.
- Minimize Handling: The less you handle your silver, the slower it will tarnish.
- Display with Care: Keep your silver showpiece away from direct sunlight and highly polluted areas. Dust regularly with a soft, dry cloth.
With proper care and cleaning techniques, your silver artifacts can continue to grace your home for long years. Just keep in mind that prevention is key, so prioritize proper storage and handling. When cleaning is necessary, choose gentle methods and seek professional help for extremely tarnished or intricate and delicate pieces. By following these tips and tricks, you can ensure your silver treasures maintain their brilliance and timeless charm.