Objects and silver require a distinct approach to care, shaped by their scale, purpose, and patterns of use.

Whether decorative or functional, silver and personal objects are subject to different forms of handling, exposure, and rest than jewellery. Considered care supports longevity while allowing materials to age naturally and with dignity.

Silver as a Living Material

Silver responds visibly to its environment. Changes in tone and surface are often the result of natural interaction with air, light, and handling rather than deterioration.

Patina, in particular, is not inherently a flaw. In many cases it reflects authenticity and use, and should be distinguished from damage or neglect before any intervention is considered.

Handling and Use

Silver objects are designed to be handled, but repeated contact, pressure, or improper use can place strain on joints, hinges, and applied details.

When in use, objects should be handled with awareness of their form and construction. When not in use, they should be returned to rest in conditions that minimise unnecessary exposure or abrasion.

Storage and Environment

Appropriate storage plays a central role in preservation. Stable environments help limit fluctuations that may accelerate tarnishing or affect structural components.

Separation between objects, protection from humidity, and the avoidance of prolonged contact with reactive materials all contribute to long-term stability.

Cleaning and Intervention

Intervention should be measured and informed. Not all surface change requires correction, and excessive cleaning can diminish detail, soften edges, or remove historic character.

When attention is required, it should be proportionate to the object’s form, finish, and intended use, favouring preservation over restoration wherever possible.

Long-Term Stewardship

Objects and silver are often kept for extended periods, sometimes passing between owners or generations. Care, in this context, is an act of stewardship rather than maintenance.

Through informed handling, appropriate environments, and restraint in intervention, objects retain both their material integrity and their sense of continuity over time.