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

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

1. Consult experts before selecting restorers. Shops that sell antiques would be good to consult, while museums will certainly be aware of experts in silver restoration.

2. Don't remove all engravings. Just as a life without mistakes is really a remarkably boring one, a silver artefact loses part of its history should you remove important engravings. If you do decide to remove engravings, check that the fabric is thick enough to permit it without damage or distortion. Only an expert silversmith should attempt engraving removal or re-engravings.

Antique Silver

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

4. Store your silver in conditions of low humidity - 45% is the ideal level of humidity. You can place your silver inside a showcase containing activated carbon, silver salts, tarnish-reducing paper or silica gel to keep humidity low without resorting to a dehumidifier.

5. Do not put your silverware in the dishwasher. Instead, wash it by hand with phosphate-free soap, and wipe it dry without allowing water to evaporate on its surface. This can keep it shiny and new, without developing spots or discoloration.

My Family Silver

6. For silver vases or articles which aren't used regularly, a good polishing with tooth powder and a soft cloth will restore its shine - even if it's developed that familiar brassy tinge with age.

7. Silver jewelry should be worn regularly, to keep its shine intact. Be cautious with necklaces, though - some people find that silver tends to discolor on their own necks very quickly, particularly in hot 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 an excessive amount of salt, as salt will corrode silver to an enormous degree. Silver salt shakers ought to be washed and dried very carefully whenever they are not getting 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 within the best of conditions when used regularly - stowing it away will only result in stains because of humidity or any other chemicals. Keep your silver polished and in good condition, and they'll definitely last for a lifetime and much more.