If you’re a sterling silver collector, you know that sometimes you have to pack up your pieces for storage. Whether you’re moving or making room for new silver, there is an adequate way to store them. Are you nervous you’re not packing your items correctly? This blog post will lay out tips to help you pack away your sterling silver for long-term storage.

Wash Before You Store

Give your sterling silver antiques a nice bath before sending them to long-term storage. Use a mild, scent-free soap and gently wash each piece with a soft cloth. Dry off the sterling silver with a lint-free cloth and then allow them to cool. Each item must be completely dry and cool before packing them away. A light polish will provide a barrier to protect your silver in storage.

Add a Piece of Chalk

A piece of chalk? What will a piece of chalk do for my sterling silver antiques? The chalk will absorb the excess moisture and sulfur to prevent tarnishing. Wrap the chalk in cheesecloth to stop it from touching your silver.

Store Your Silver Correctly

There is a wrong way and right way to store your sterling silver. A box or chest is the perfect vessel for long-term sterling silver storage. Add special individual compartments for the smaller items, such as silverware and vanity pieces. If you add filler items, like bubble wrap or newspaper, don’t allow the filler to touch your silver.

Wrap the Box

Since you’re storing your sterling silver for the long term, wrap the box or chest in bubble wrap for extra protection. All of these added layers will help keep the issue of tarnishing at bay.

Storing in Plastic

Never, ever use plastic to store your sterling silver. The plastic bag contains sulfur and will trap moisture, both of which cause tarnishing.

Wrap Each Individual Item

Sterling silver is a soft metal and can scratch easily. Wrapping each item will help keep the silver pieces from scratching. There are specialty pouches available that make the job quick and easy. Ensure you’re not rolling in newspaper pages because it’s a rough material.

Use these above tips to ensure your sterling silver is ready for long-term storage. You won’t have as much to worry about when you know you packed it away correctly.

Thinking of purchasing a new antique to add to your sterling silver collection? At Nelson & Nelson Antiques, we carry a beautiful selection of pieces, including Tiffany antiques, that you’ll love showing off to all your friends and family.