Caution is Advised When Cleaning Silver Items

Coins, rounds, jewelry and flatware are just a sampling of items found in silver accumulations of investors and collectors, worldwide. Fine silver items are often displayed, or utilized for table service or adornment, but silver pieces are as likely to be hoarded as a store of value.

Genuine fine silver items are subject to oxidation, which results in a black tarnish layer that requires polishing or cleaning to keep its shiny appearance. Silver oxidation may occur more rapidly in urban environments where polluting factors are more prevalent.

Many silver cleaning methods exist, but some can damage precious silver items. The soft surface of fine silver requires careful handling to prevent scratching or corrosion. Abrasive compounds or bristled brushes should never be used to polish silver, as they may cause permanent scratches. Many commercial dips and polishes may also abrade silver surfaces.

Hand polishing is the only method recommended by serious silver collectors. Removing all tarnish from silver is not necessary, particularly when the attempt to do so may obliterate markings that impart value to the item. Silver should never be washed with stainless steel, since this will result in additional corrosion. Always dry silver completely before storing.