Fine silverware should be used; not hidden away in cupboards and only used during special occasions. Few people know that constant use; and subsequently constant wear, actually enhances the aesthetic value of solid silver pieces by giving it a deep mellow patina.

As soon as silver cutlery has been used, for example during dinner, it must be washed in hot sudsy water. Rinse it in clean hot water. This is especially necessary for those silver items that have been in contact with salt, eggs, olives, mustard, vinegar, fruit juices or cooked vegetables.

Silver cutlery must never be allowed to air-dry; it will cause water-spotting. It must be dried with a lint-free towel.

Fortunately, most silver cutlery is dishwasher-safe with two exceptions; antique silverware and oxidised silverware. The hot water can loosen handles on antique silverware and the decorative patterns on oxidized silverware can be dissolved. Furthermore, dip polishes will remove tarnish from silver but it will also remove any oxidized pattern. Therefore, for oxidized silver a commercial cream or paste polish must be used.

To polish silver, gently rub the item length wise with a soft, dry cloth. Clean crevices with cotton wool or a natural-bristle brush.

The outer layer of a silver-plated object may be soft and thin. Therefore, avoid rubbing it too hard and do not polish too often. Rather use a dip-polish.

To remove tarnish from a piece of silver, take a heatproof glass container and cover it with aluminium foil with the shining side on the outside. Place the silver object in the container and add one tablespoon of bicarbonate of soda and pour boiling water over it to cover the object. What will happen is that the tarnish will collect on the foil. After a while remove the object, rinse it thoroughly and polish it with a soft cloth.

Large or intricate silver pieces, such as vases, trophies or candelabras can be lacquered by a jeweller to prevent them from tarnishing. ("Candelabra" is the traditional term for a set of multiple decorative candlesticks, each of which often holds a candle on each of multiple arms or branches connected to a column or pedestal – Wikipedia). Word of caution, silver cutlery and serving trays should not be lacquered at all.

Silver is a precious metal and the most beautiful silverware ranging from cutlery to wedding bands are made of silver and are collectors’ items.