All it really takes to own a new treasure is $3.99 and a visit to a local thrift store.
Well, that, some silver polish, and a little elbow grease.
When I picked up this piece a few weeks ago, I had no idea if I could actually remove the tarnish with my beloved Wright's Silver Cream. I was pleasantly surprised with myself and my new little gem after I was finished polishing. And for $3.99, who could complain?
Don't overlook a tarnished piece at a thrift store or garage sale just because it's an ugly duckling. There are many people who would rather get rid of their silver pieces than put in the work to keep them tarnish-free (and when I say "work", I mean five minutes every once in a while).
If you come across a cheaply priced item, check the markings on the bottom of the piece. Mine was marked EPNS, which means electroplated silver. It's not as valuable as sterling silver (generally marked Sterling or .925), but it's just as pretty, shiny, and collectible. Both types of silver should polish to a beautiful shine if it's not scratched beneath the tarnish.
Have you ever been scared away from a thrift store purchase because you don't know what it may become?
Image Credit – Living With Lindsay
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Hi, Lindsay!
Toothpaste (cream, not gel) works, also, especially if you have 20 tubes of it like I do sitting in the pantry or you don't want to deal with chemicals. I found a cake plate out by the dumpster one day and shined it up.
(My imageshack-hosted images appear to be having troubles today; my apologies)
Before: http://www.futurequeenoftheuniverse.com/2009/04/dumpster-finds-my-cake-stand.html
After: http://www.flickr.com/photos/33645346@N04/3415684908/
love it!
I love when I make a great find…I love flea markets on a brisk fall morning!
Beautiful piece and what a great deal you got on it. I have found many beautiful…needy silver{and silver plated} pieces over the years at thrift stores and garage sales. Thanks for the eye candy.