03/02/2021
Care of silver
Appropriate cleaning and polishing techniques when silver tarnishes, is always use a liquid or Cream polish which are non-abrasive and will not harm the silver. The cleaners which have a tarnish preventative ingredient to help keep your silver shining longer. Silverware dips and chlorine bleach solutions should not be used to clean and polish your silver. These types of products can cause heavy staining or spotting on the surface of your item which will require a professional refinishing or replating. Over time, the silver will also begin to take on a flat yellow look which will need to be buffed in order to bring back the luster. A quick fix that should also be avoided is placing silver in an aluminum pan with baking soda. This has also been known to lead to heavy staining and spotting.
Sterling silver will be clearly marked on the bottom of the item with the word "STERLING", the number "925" "800" or "950". Other countries have developed alternate ways of indicating the silver content of a piece, and reference materials for that region should be used to identify whether and item is sterling or silver plated.