Antiques will always be collectibles - whether as family heirlooms, or as symbols of your own aesthetic taste and your power to purchase them. Silver is one of the more durable materials in which antiques can be found, but keeping these antiques within their shining glory continues to be a significant daunting task.

If you have recently laid your hands on a precious antique silver artefact, make sure that just the most careful and expert people reach look after it. Here are some guidelines to help you choose the best people, and also to take care of your regularly used silver yourself -

1. Consult experts before choosing restorers. Shops that sell antiques could be good to consult, while museums will definitely be aware of experts in silver restoration.

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

Antique Silver

3. Aluminium tape - a skinny layer of aluminium with a sticky backing - is ideal to repair damaged screw threads. Wrap a layer over the damaged thread, and redefine the thread together with your fingernail to make it safer.

4. Store your silver in conditions of low humidity - 45% is the perfect humidity level. You can put your silver in a showcase containing activated carbon, silver salts, tarnish-reducing paper or silica gel to help keep 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 will keep it shiny and new, without developing spots or discoloration.

My Family Silver

6. For silver vases or articles which are not used regularly, a great polishing with tooth powder along with a soft cloth will restore its shine - even when it's 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 discover that silver has a tendency to discolor on their own necks quickly, especially 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 too much salt, as salt will corrode silver for an enormous degree. Silver salt shakers ought to be washed and dried very carefully every time they aren't being used.

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