There is no doubt that sterling silver is one of the most popular choices for jewelry, picture frames and even various items of home decor that people choose across the world. Silver is wonderfully neutral while also being able to make a big impact on its own, but that is only if you know how to take care of it!
There is nothing worse than a bunch of sterling silver items that have not been properly maintained, with things like dirt, grime, buildup and the dreaded tarnish spoiling the look. It takes less time for silver to become grubby than you might imagine. You need to look after it to maintain its brightness and here are some of the reasons why you need to regularly clean frames made out of real silver!
It Helps To Eliminate Tarnish
Tarnish is the word that is used to describe the result of what happens to silver when it isn’t cleaned on a regular basis. Tarnish occurs when silver is exposed to gasses in the air that contain sulfur, and what happens is that the metal begins to discolor and darken as it reacts. Regular cleaning of your silver can help to keep this process from beginning, as the cleaning process adds a layer of protection to the silver and removes all of the dirt and debris that might be building up on the surface.
It Achieves Patina
Patina is the name for a film that develops on the surface of a metal like silver over a period of time when a buffing cloth is regularly used. The microscopic abrasions that are caused by buffing start to have an effect on the silver surface, causing a distinctive and gleaming finish that is considered to be almost a ‘holy grail’ achievement in the silver world. Patina was so popular during the Victorian period, that rich families employed butlers whose only job was to buff the silver again and again!
It Retains The Value Of The Silver
To put it simply, the better condition you keep your silver items in, the more they are going to be worth if you ever want to sell them on. You only need to look at some of the silver listings at a local auction house to see that the poorly maintained pieces sell for less, and the well maintained pieces sell for much more. Not only does regular cleaning preserve the life of the item while it is in your possession for you to enjoy, but it also presents an opportunity for anybody who ends up inheriting it from you in the future. It ends up being a win-win situation for everybody involved!
If you are looking for frames made out of silver to decorate your own living space with, then browse the Sterling Silver Frame website for a great range of frames that cover all kinds of preferences and tastes. We can guarantee that you will find a frame that perfectly matches with your vision for your home’s new decor!