The holidays bring out the pieces that matter most — the silver you inherited, the tray that’s been at every family gathering, the candlesticks that anchor the table. These aren’t everyday objects. They’re part of your family’s story, and they deserve the same attention you give to everything else you prepare for the season.
As you polish, set, serve, and enjoy your silver over the coming weeks, it’s also a good time to note how each piece is holding up. Yearly use reveals things that storage won’t — small issues that, if caught now, can be repaired before they become larger structural problems.
Here’s what to look for while your silver (and ironwork) is in active use.
During Polishing: The First Signs of Wear
Polishing brings details into the light — and sometimes, the flaws.
Take a moment to look for:
- Stubborn dark spots that don’t lift with polishing
- Uneven surfaces that signal a dent or thinning metal
- Fine scratches that have deepened over time
- Areas losing their luster, indicating worn plating
If something feels “off,” trust that instinct. Polishing often reveals the earliest hints that a professional touch is needed.
When Setting the Table: Structural Stability
The weight and balance of a piece tell you more than a glance ever could.
Pay attention to:
- Wobbly flatware
- Bent tines
- Serving pieces that rock on the table
- Loose handles or joints on teapots, trays, or hollowware
Even the smallest misalignment can lead to long-term stress on the metal. If you feel movement where there shouldn’t be any, that’s worth noting.
During Use: Functionality and Fit
Holiday meals put silver through its paces. This is when issues become clearest.
Look for:
- Lids that no longer sit cleanly
- Teapots or coffeepots that drip due to spout wear
- Hinges that feel loose or make noise
- Pieces that feel lighter than they used to are a sign of thinning
Silver is meant to function beautifully. If something doesn’t feel right in the hand, there’s usually a reason.
During Cleanup: Hidden Damage Appears
Water and light are honest reporters. The cleanup process often exposes what the holiday rush hides.
Notice:
- Hairline cracks that catch water or light
- Water gathering in seams → possible solder separation
- Dark lines that indicate deeper surface breaks
- Plating loss in high-touch areas
These small issues are easier — and more cost-effective — to repair early.
Iron Pieces Deserve a Look Too
Many homes bring out ironwork during the holidays: fireplace tools, candelabras, and architectural elements that greet guests at the door.
Check for:
- Soft rust beginning to form
- Loose handles
- Flaking finishes
- Hardware that has shifted from years of seasonal use
Iron ages differently than silver, but it benefits from the same careful attention.
After the Season: A Good Moment for Restoration
Most people pack their silver away right after the holidays and don’t think about it again until next year. But the weeks immediately following the season are the best time to address anything you noticed.
Scratches, dents, wobbles, loose joints, worn plating, structural cracks — these are all common issues, and all entirely repairable in the hands of a master silversmith.
Restoration isn’t just about making a piece look good. It’s about preserving it so the memories attached to it continue for the next generation.
If something caught your eye this season, we’re here.
Whether it’s a repair that’s been on your mind for years or something new you’ve just noticed, Biro & Sons can evaluate and restore your silver or iron pieces with the respect they deserve.