Where is your favourite place to look for/purchase vintage silverware?

I have collected my pieces over many years. I like buying from certain dealers who I know well in the Marche de Puces in Paris. There is so much to be found in Isle Sur La Sorgue in Provence, and very reasonably priced. Then, the London Silver Vaults is a treasure trove of antique and vintage silver. Expensive, but the best if you are looking for sterling silver.

In Manila, you can buy from Paris Brocante and Paris Vintage Finds. Both on Instagram. But there is nothing like the fun of sourcing these pieces on your own and collecting a little at a time.

Which piece is the most sentimental in your collection?

I love all my pieces as they remind me of a particular time and place where I got them. I have a file with photos of my pieces so I know exactly what I have. The most sentimental pieces are gifts from my husband. He knows how much I love vintage silver.

How often and when do you bring out or use your vintage silverware?

We use our silver pieces at home daily. It’s not kept for special occasions at all! I buy pieces that can be easily integrated into how we serve at home. 

How does one take care of vintage silverware? How do you keep yours in tiptop condition?

I find that regular polishing with a good piece of cleaning cloth and silver polish is a must. It will keep your silver in good shape. I also keep them in felt bags or boxes when am not using them. I rotate my pieces so all get used at home. Over time, you will get normal wear and tear that is consistent with use. Vintage silver is not supposed to look like it’s brand new. The patina your pieces have adds to its charm.

See also: 7 Popular Coffee Tables For Your Living Room

Where is your favourite place to look for/purchase vintage silverware?

We used to frequent London with my husband, and this is where I first fell in love with all things vintage. From silverware to tassels, cabinets and footstools.

Etsy is an endless highway to vintage finds. Instagram also has many accounts of ladies reselling from estate sales in the US, or brocantes from Paris and elsewhere. You need to be extra lucky to catch their “fresh drops”, balancing your focus on their sales with time differences and your day job. 

How often and when do you bring out or use your vintage silverware?

I used to reserve using our silver for holidays or for hosting dinners, celebrating occasions. However, I decided to use some pieces on the daily. A small and intricate silver tray is now used for serving coffee; silver and crystal coasters we use everyday, lined with fun coloured crochet coasters.

How does one take care of vintage silverware? How do you keep yours in tiptop condition?

I follow simple steps from Rau antiques rauantiques.com.

What are the common problems that befall silverware pieces and how can we avoid these?

Owning silver comes with responsibility as they often tarnish. Silver dishes, cups, salt cellars, flatware that is put away can come in contact with moisture and start showing grey or black stains. Silver cleaning is part of our routine at home, I maybe do it every three to four months. Most of our silver is used and not really stored in display cabinets, so the cleaning is done more frequently. For silver that is stored, I discovered an inexpensive way of maintaining condition by putting a small piece of chalk will absorb moisture and slow tarnishing. I also use anti-tarnish strips, silica gel and for some pieces use silver cloth liners and bags.

NOW READ 

Where to Buy Parisian Inspired Mirrors in the Philippines: FURNitalia, Deqory, and More

Here's Why The Shift to Bamboo Sheets is Life-Changing

For A Picture-Perfect Finish: 5 Local Shops Where You Can Frame Your Art