Whether you own an impressive set or you just bought your first set of candlesticks – you want to take care of your products in the best way possible.
Other than the fact silverware is pricey, it has great sentimental value.
Did you get them as a gift at a memorable event? Was it passed down to you from a loved one? Did you get it for a wedding or a bat mitzvah?
It doesn’t matter how you got your silverware, you want to keep it looking new for as long as possible.
Here are our top tips for cleaning and storing your silverware.
1 – Store it in a close, dark, and cool space.
We know it took a long time to find the exact items that fit your taste and decor so you can display it while not using it.
One of the most important things to know about silver is that it oxidizes, which occurs when the item is exposed to oxygen.
Exposure to the sun and moisture accelerate the process.
The oxidation makes the product lose its shine and blacken as time passes.
No need to worry, a blackened item can be restored to its original state.
We recommend storing your silver-made items in a closet, if you wish to have them on display we suggest using a glass-fronted display to keep everything safe.
2. Dry, dry, dry! Remember to dry immediately after use it!
When silver comes in contact with anything liquid it stains.
One of our most important recommendations is to keep your silverware dry.
Have you washed the Kiddush cup? Dry it as soon as possible.
The moisture will cause staining and marks that can only be wiped off with professional restoration.
To schedule restoration or fixing of your silverware click here
3. Don’t believe everything you see on the internet.
There are countless tips on the internet regarding silverware cleaning such as drinking soda, ketchup, dish soap, etc.
We recommend using cleaning products that have been specifically made for silverware that can be found at most grocery shops.
Your silverware is expensive and precious, it is not worth ruining it just to try a trick you saw on Youtube, if you damaged your silverware in the process of cleaning we are always available to take care of it (link here)
4. Always go for hammered products.
Do you prefer hammered silverware? It’s in your interest.
Hammered silverware always lasts longer, these items scratch less, blacken less, and generally maintain a better look over time, it’s always a solid choice.
Those who choose striped hammering get a product that looks even better with blackening.
- For the Hammered Candlesticks Category click here
5. Don’t wait for Passover, clean your products after every use.
Another very important suggestion is to clean your items immediately after each use, this keeps them shiny, fresh, and magnificent for longer.
If you do not wish to do so yourselves and want to add professional refinement – you can have them shined at a professional establishment.
6. Hands-free
One of the things known to accelerate oxidation is human hands.
When touching silver with our hands we leave residues of acid and sweat that damage the silver and leave stains and marks.
At our shop silver is only touched with cotton gloves to keep the product as pristine as possible.
7. Coating
There are 2 options of coating for your silverware – rhodium, and nickel.
The nickel coating will protect your silver but it will change the shade into a more grey color.
For those looking to spend a little more to protect their silverware, we recommend using rhodium.
Rhodium is an expensive metal used to coat jewelry, rhodium coating pricing starts at around 700 nis or 220$ and increases with the size and intricacy of the item.
The biggest drawback of coated products is that they are unfixable.
If you happen to have a damaged item that is also coated, it is required to remove all the coating, fix the item, and then recoat it.
In the Video, there is a Sterling Silver Hammered Finishing Candelabra Coated with Nickel
8. Be mindful of where you shop
One of the most important things about silver items is to purchase them through reputable dealers.
You are putting down a lot of money for a product that’s supposed to stay with you for years to come, you wouldn’t buy an expensive electronic device from a sketchy dealer you don’t trust now, would you?
We recommend purchasing through stores that offer warranties and provide cleaning services. Speaking of warranty – every product we sell comes with a life-long warranty that includes cleaning the refining twice a year for free.
