How do I clean a silver table light?

Use a soft cloth and a specialised silver cleaner formulated to remove tarnish gently without abrading the surface. Avoid harsh chemical dips that strip away desirable patination on older pieces. For plated items, take extra care not to rub through the thin silver layer to the base metal underneath. Regular dusting with a dry microfiber cloth helps minimise the need for heavy polishing.

Can antique candlesticks be wired for electricity?

Many candlesticks and candelabras are adapted into table lamps by running a cord through the centre. This conversion is often reversible if done without drilling the original metal. Purists prefer to keep candlesticks in their original candle-holding state, while others appreciate the utility of a converted lamp on a desk or sideboard.

What is the difference between sterling and plated?

Sterling silver is solid precious metal throughout, marked with statutory hallmarks denoting its fineness. Silver plate consists of a thin coating of silver bonded over a base metal. Plated items offer the visual appeal of silver at a different weight and cost point, while sterling pieces hold intrinsic precious metal value.

How do I date an antique silver light?

Examine the hallmarks on sterling pieces for date letters, monarch stamps and assay office symbols. These official marks provide precise years of manufacture. For plated or unmarked items, dating relies on stylistic clues such as Victorian neoclassical motifs, Edwardian proportions or Art Deco geometric lines.