By Kari Nordgren

There has been a fascination and attraction to silver for thousands of years. Ancient civilizations found plentiful deposits of silver on or near the earth's surface and used it to create jewelry, food vessels and religious artifacts. This metal has been important in marking historical milestones and has served as a medium of exchange since as early as 700 BC.

Silver is relatively scarce today however it is the most plentiful and least expensive of the precious metals. Perhaps you have some silver that has withstood the test of time being handed down to you from generations past? Many of us today own old silver trays, tea sets, candlesticks or maybe a baby cup, spoon or rattle that remain tucked away in our cabinets.

I'd venture to say that most people today think of silver as too high maintenance to want to use it. As a designer I love what silver can do to bring beauty and history to a room. I often use a silver tray as a base for a potted plant, an arrangement of candles or on top of an ottoman as a place to set a cup of tea and my current favorite book. Silver sprinkled throughout a home creates a rich look and if the pieces being used are heirlooms they will have great sentimental value as well. I'd like to share the truth about caring for your silver. I hope this information encourages you to take another look at your silver and inspire you to use and enjoy it!

Tarnish is the main issue with silver that keeps people thinking of using it. Silver does tarnish when it's exposed to air and certain chemicals. What you may not know though is that with regular cleaning and proper storing, your silver should only require polishing once a year! Here are some tips to help you care for and enjoy your silver.

#1 The more you use your silver flatware and silver pieces, the less chance there'll be for tarnish to buildup. So, use it and enjoy it!

#2 Hand washing is best and is the safest way to cleanse silver. The rubbing friction during hand washing and drying naturally shines the silver. Use warm water and mild detergent and a soft cotton towel to completely dry your silver.

#3 Modern top of the line dishwashers can be used but it is recommended that you take the silver out before the drying cycle to hand dry and buff for the silver to shine.

#4 Never let silver come in contact with rubber of any kind including dish mats, placemats, silverware holders, rubber bands etc., Rubber contains sulfur, which will cause corrosion.

#5 Keep your silver away from stainless steel which can damage and stain it. Don't wash or store the two metals in the same area.

#6 Don't expose silver to foods for long periods of time. The sulfur in eggs, mayonnaise or mustard will corrode silver.

#7 Store silver in areas of low humidity or add desiccated silica gel to drawers or cabinets. A dust, grime and debris free area is optimal. To keep the area free of gases known to cause tarnish, add a few capsules or small dish of activated charcoal. To minimize tarnish, silver should only be stored on lacquered or polyurethane sealed wood.

#8 More ways to avoid tarnish include wrapping your pieces separately in plastic cling wrap, add a single piece of white chalk to the drawer or cabinet where your silver is stored and avoid contact with wool, felt, onions, latex gloves and paints.

I personally feel that some tarnishing of silver adds to the aging patina and beauty of the piece. Don't feel your silver has to be perfect to display or use. Both your heirloom pieces as well as new modern silver will add beauty and interest to your spaces and last forever…so rediscover silver & if you "got" it use it!

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