What is the safest way to display a silver item?

[zambrotta11]

Hello Everyone,

I recently bought a medal made of silver and I was wondering what wound be the best way to display it without any risk of it becoming tarnished.
Any ideas?

Regards,
Stephen

[Paul R.]

Stephen, From a conservation point. There is really nothing that can be done to it other than put it a vacuum. It's the natural progression of silver/nickel silver. Any time there is air around it. It will tarnish.
I would not clear coat seal it. This could create a whole set of new problems. You could display it on a acrilic display easel. Paul

[zambrotta11]

Hello Paul,

Thanks for the advice. It's pretty crap that there is nothing you can do to stop it form tarnishing.
Could you just answer one final question please?
I made one of those archival mounts that was shown on the pinned thread at the top of the forum. Would it be better to display it in one of those, on an acrylic easel or would it make any difference at all?

Regards,
Stephen

Stephen, From a conservation point. There is really nothing that can be done to it other than put it a vacuum. It's the natural progression of silver/nickel silver. Any time there is air around it. It will tarnish.
I would not clear coat seal it. This could create a whole set of new problems. You could display it on a acrilic display easel. Paul

[Paul R.]

It would depend on a few factors. I would probably have to say a frame. If it was a acrylic, or alumnium frame. You would limit the amout of air around the medal. It would slow down tarnishing a bit more than an acrylic frame in the open air. Open air with silver medal would be exposed to
indoor air pollution. You can also apply a very thin layer of Ren Wax. I only advise to apply the ren wax to medal objects. Paul

[bobcam1]

Paul.....

Put.....a.....book.....together....)

Cheers,
Bob.

[zambrotta11]

It would depend on a few factors. I would probably have to say a frame. If it was a acrylic, or alumnium frame. You would limit the amout of air around the medal. It would slow down tarnishing a bit more than an acrylic frame in the open air. Open air with silver medal would be exposed to
indoor air pollution. You can also apply a very thin layer of Ren Wax. I only advise to apply the ren wax to medal objects. Paul

Thanks for all the advice Paul.

Bob's right as well. With all your knowledge on how preserve medals I would say if you wrote a book it would be a great success.

Regards,
Stephen

[Paul R.]

Thanks All! Paul