Caring For Your Silver      The best way to avoid tarnish is to use your silver! Constant use of your silver will keep it bright and shiny, and enhance your dining table or home décor. Highly polished silver will mellow with time and use and develop a wonderful patina of very fine scratches that will add character and charm to your pieces.

Tarnish is easily removed when first noticed. It is usually a yellowish tint. Polish with a soft cotton or flannel cloth and use a brand name liquid or paste silver polish according to directions. Rub each piece lengthwise; never polish crosswise or with a circular motion as this may result in scratches. Tarnish is accelerated in a humid environment and can be damaged by corrosive foods like mayonnaise, eggs and salt. Sulfurs from rubber or latex gloves are also harmful to your silver. 		 
           
    Rinse or wash your silver immediately after use. DO NOT place your pieces in the dishwasher or soak. The harsh detergent and heat from the dishwasher are abrasive for silver. Wash your flatware pieces separately and keep from contact with metal sinks to avoid scratches. Avoid lemon-scented detergents; a phosphate-free soap and warm water works best. To avoid spotting, immediately dry with a chamois or soft cotton cloth.

Do not store your silver in plastic, aluminum foil or newspaper bound with rubber bands. Wrap in protective bags made of tarnish proof cloth, or layers of acid free tissue, and place it away from dampness in a dry, dark place. To prevent scratching or further damage, do not store loose in drawers or one that is opened frequently. Also avoid storing silver directly on wood surfaces, particularly oak, as wood often contains acids that can mar your silver's finish.