How do I clean tarnished silver candelabra?

Use a soft microfibre cloth alongside a reputable liquid or paste silver polish designed specifically for plated or sterling surfaces. Avoid harsh abrasive pads that can wear down thin plating layers. Work gently around embossed details and crevices where polish residue might accumulate, then rinse thoroughly with warm water and dry immediately to prevent spotting.

How do I distinguish sterling silver from silver plate?

Examine the piece closely for hallmarks, which typically include a lion passant or numerical purity marks indicating solid precious metal content. Silver plated items usually lack these official assay marks or bear maker-specific marks indicating electroplate. Look closely at raised edges or high-contact zones where the underlying base metal might show through as a yellowish or coppery hue if the silver layer has worn away.

Were these always used as dining table centrepieces?

While many substantial examples were specifically commissioned to stand in the middle of formal dining tables, smaller pairs were frequently placed on sideboards, mantels, or pier tables. The inclusion of detachable branches in many designs allowed owners to reconfigure the pieces as simple candlesticks for smaller settings or different rooms.