Silver Care & Restoration

Comment

Comment by Jeffrey Herman on May 19, 2012 at 12:01pm

Silver Polish Abrasion Ratings

Do you love the polish you're currently using because it removes tarnish at light speed? Are you recommending it to all your friends? If so, you may very well be ruining your sterling, and especially your silverplated objects! See how your polish rates among many others – you may be VERY surprised!

Comment by Jeffrey Herman on April 8, 2012 at 2:36pm

The Silver Enthusiast Newsletter #3 has just been released! 

If you're a silver lover, then you'll enjoy reading The Silver Enthusiast – a free newsletter on the care of silver, silversmithing techniques, upcoming exhibitions, silver history, before & after images of objects I've restored, and other silver-related topics. And don't worry, you won't be deluged with daily e-mails and you can opt-out at any time

Subscribe here.

Comment by Lillian Dunbar on March 15, 2012 at 2:48pm

Thanks for the info, Jeff.

Comment by Jeffrey Herman on March 15, 2012 at 2:37pm

Hello Lillian, The most secure way to reattach that handle would be to clean out the tubing, reinsert the rod, and solder it. Cost for that procedure would be approximately $60.

Comment by Lillian Dunbar on March 15, 2012 at 2:17pm

What would be the best way to secure the handle on this tray that keeps popping apart?

Comment by Ellen Wiley on March 7, 2012 at 4:08pm

Jeffrey thank you so much for your input.  I will take it to have it checked out.  This information will be helpful to me in the future also.  I appreciate your response.

Comment by Jeffrey Herman on March 7, 2012 at 12:38pm

Normally, if an object is solid silver it will be indicated on the piece. Examples are: Sterling, 925, 925/1000, 900, Coin, Standard, 9584 (English Britannia), 800 (Germany), 84 (Russia), etc.). Most American-made objects are marked on the bottoms of holloware and on the reverse on flatware. Foreign-made objects can be marked most anywhere, and are sometimes accompanied by additional marks applied in the country's assay office which tests the quality of the precious metal during its manufacture. Rarely will you find a piece made of solid silver that isn't stamped. If an object isn't stamped, a non-invasive identification method is judging by tarnish color. Silverplate will exhibit a blue-purple hue, where solid silver will exhibit grey-black. If you cannot determine if an object is solid silver, consult a silversmith or jeweler who may use an acid test. 

Comment by Ellen Wiley on March 7, 2012 at 11:41am

I have a pair of Sterling silver Eugen Ferner 1968 S & P shakers.  I also have a large round tray with a glass insert also Eugen Ferner.  This has and M above the name and 1968 on the bottom also. I do not see the word sterling anywhere on the tray. Both of the items were brought over from Germany by the same person and I am trying to find out if the tray could also be sterling.  I was going on the assumption that since the S & P shakers were the tray would be also.  Any info or suggestions.  I have spent a lot of time online trying to find out anything about the tray with no luck.  Thanks for any help you can give me.

Comment by Jeffrey Herman on March 5, 2012 at 6:48am

Since I'm not an appraiser, you may want to post your question to this group: Antique & Collectable Silver – http://iantiqueonline.ning.com/group/antiqueandcollectiblesilver

Comment by Jeffrey Herman on February 5, 2012 at 7:49am

After the Super Bowl, remember NOT to throw your silver in the dishwasher!

There are four major reasons for keeping your prized sterling and silverplate out of the "chamber of doom:" (1) Any factory-applied oxidation (the black patina in recessed areas) will eventually be removed. (2) The harsh detergent, combined with the washer's high cleaning temperature, is much too abrasive for silver—it will eventually turn it grey or white, with a dull, non-reflective surface. (3) Most older and some repaired hollow-handled knives are filled with pitch. This low-melting cement will expand with heat, possibly forcing open a thin solder seam, or exploding the knife blade out of the handle. (4) Silver that touches stainless in the dishwasher can create a chemical reaction, producing black spots or pitting on the stainless and possibly requiring the silver to be professionally refinished.

Sterling, like a fine automobile, must be handled with tender loving care. You certainly wouldn't drive your Rolls Royce through a car wash, would you?

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