Let your sterling silver pieces shine this holiday season

Are you holding off on using your fine silver—flatware, serving pieces, ice buckets—because you’re saving it for “some day”? Keeping these pieces shining takes less effort than you think. And you can wow family and friends by entertaining with these sparkling, elegant sterling silver pieces. Are you holding off on using your fine silver—flatware, serving pieces, ice buckets—because you’re saving it for “some day”? Keeping these pieces shining takes less effort than you think. And you can wow family and friends by entertaining with these sparkling, elegant sterling silver pieces.

 Sterling vs silverplate

Sterling silver is silver alloyed with another metal, usually copper, to increase its durability and hardness. The standard purity for sterling is 92.5% silver (you’ll often see 925 stamped into the metal).

With silverplate, either stainless steel or another base metal is coated with silver. This provides the look and feel of sterling silver flatware at a lower cost.

Get the most from your sterling silver flatware

The two most common questions my clients have regarding silver is how to clean it and keep it from tarnishing. Tarnish, the enemy, is actually a chemical reaction between silver atoms and air. A layer of silver oxide forms, which causes the discoloration.

How to clean: You can certainly use silver cleaner for your fine silver flatware.

•  Start with a soft, clean cloth. As you polish each piece, be sure to follow the contour. If there are small crevices, a soft toothbrush can do the trick.
• Rinse off the silverware in hot, sudsy water (use a gentle soap, as directed) and rinse in hot, clean water.
• Dry each piece right away with a clean cloth or chamois. (Don’t leave it soaking…that can damage the metal.)
• It’s better to hand wash your sterling flatware than to use your dishwasher, which can pit your pieces. Again, use hot, sudsy water, then rinse in hot water.
• For larger pieces, like an ice bucket, silver cleaner and some elbow grease is the best way to retain shine.

How to store: It’s easier to keep tarnish from occurring than to clean it off.

• Keep pieces wrapped in their original cloth covers. (If you don’t have any, you can buy them in stores or online.)
• NEVER wrap your pieces in plastic, or foil. And don’t use rubber bands to hold them together.
• Store your flatware in a dark, dry place. Keeping them in their original wooden boxes, with appropriate cloth inserts, is a good idea.

Cleaning silver plate: Wash the pieces by hand with a mild dish detergent, rinse with cool water and dry immediately. Bob Vila suggests using detergent with no “citric extracts” or citric acid, which can pit the pieces.

Whether you’re the original owner, or your silver is an heirloom that’s been passed down, it will add elegance and flair to your holiday dinners and parties. And make sure it’s protected by an updated appraisal and adequate insurance coverage—the price of silver has risen over the years. Call me at 617-304-0174 to set up an appointment.

Shiningly yours, Aimee