Serving Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Estero, Naples, Bonita Springs, FL Lee and Collier County
When it comes down to silver keepsakes, heirlooms, and antiques, the better cared for your item, the higher value it will have. At Judy's Antique and Estate Jewelry of Fort Myers, FL, we know not all silver items can be cared for the same way. Is your antique basically one contiguous piece or does it include multiple components? Are there fine details such as deep etchings or ornate works where tarnish may accumulate? Is it plated or sterling? Does your piece have bits of rose gold or brass detailing?
Let’s talk about that silver tarnish, because it’s not really the silver that tarnishes, it’s the chemical reaction of the other metals like copper, mixed with the silver to stabilize it because silver is too soft and malleable to use otherwise. There are two factors that cause your silver alloy to tarnish. Those include:
- Other chemicals in your environment tarnish your antique silver. This could be the sulfur in the Brussels sprouts you served on that silver platter, or the hairspray used while wearing that silver necklace.
- Humidity level, which is a huge factor here in Southwest Florida of course.
You can control some of these elements, but ultimately, you’ll need to clean your silver items. The good news is that tarnish may look terrible, but it does not damage your silver and if you use the proper cleaning techniques will keep silver looking beautiful for years.
For any type of silver item, you’ll need to use a metal or silver polish. There are brands of polish that are designed to be patina- and plate-friendly. Some brands are too corrosive to be used and will remove silver plating or damage fine etchings or other ornate details. If you have several different small silver items, then consider working with a silver cleaning dip or pourable solution. For large, unwieldy pieces such as a mirror, using a polish or cream and cleaning by hand could be your best bet. Sprays and foams can be great for frequent or regular maintenance, as these products typically do not take a lot of time to use, nor are they as harsh.
Judy's Antique and Estate Jewelry of Fort Myers, FL, recommends that no matter what type of silver cleaner you chose you will need a silver polishing cloth. These cloths are designed to be strong enough to remove grime and tarnish, yet gentle enough not to damage the character of your piece. That character is a big part of the value of your silver. You should regularly polish your pieces with a silver polishing cloth to maintain their upkeep. We know that sometimes you find silver stashed in a hideaway in your attic or have it left to you when a relative or loved one passes. Just because a silver piece is heavily tarnished, that doesn’t mean it’s lost its worth or cannot be restored.
Allow Judy's Jewelry Antique and Estate Jewelry Give You an Honest Appraisal
At Judy's Antique and Estate Jewelry of Fort Myers, FL, we strive to make the experience with us as pleasurable as possible. We will test and examine all your jewelry and coins to determine what the value is, and make you a fair offer. We can help you liquidate your estate. We also buy costume jewelry, vintage jewelry, as well as other collectibles including oil paintings and other art work.
We understand that liquidating your estate can be a large project. Because of this, we make house calls, and will come out to you if that makes it easier for you! Just call Sal at 239-481-9600. Click on the title above for more information on getting your items appraised by us.
As the largest buyer of antique and vintage items in Fort Myers, Judy’s Estate Jewelry and Antiques is proud to run professionally managed, staged, and organized estate sales for clients throughout the area of Southwest Florida. If you’ve not given estate sales a chance, now is a great time to start. Call Sal Lanzieri at (239) 481-9600 for details on the next estate sale at
Judy's Antique and Estate Jewelry of Fort Myers, FL.
