Chelsea Plating Company
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STERLING SILVER CANDELABRA REAIR AND RESTORATION AT CHELSEA PLATING COMPANY

10/26/2016

 
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BREATHING NEW LIFE INTO STERLING SILVER CANDELABRAS

Sterling silver candelabras, with their intricate designs and radiant finish, are not just lighting fixtures; they are treasured family heirlooms and pieces of art. At Chelsea Plating Company, we specialize in the meticulous restoration of these exquisite items, ensuring they shine brightly as focal points in any setting. Our recent project involved a sterling silver candelabra that required careful repair, cleaning, and polishing to restore its original luster.

THE RESTORATION PROCESS

The first step in any restoration project at Chelsea Plating Company is a thorough assessment to identify all areas of damage and wear. For this pair of sterling silver candelabras, our skilled technicians meticulously repaired broken parts and addressed any structural weaknesses, ensuring the candelabras would not only look beautiful but also be fully functional.
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THE FINISHED MASTERPIECE

The result of our restoration efforts was a stunningly beautiful pair of sterling silver candelabras, ready to grace dining tables or add elegance to home decor once again. The restored candelabra not only reflects the light beautifully but also serves as a testament to the quality and durability of traditional sterling silver craftsmanship.
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CARING FOR YOUR STERLING SILVER CANDELABRA

To ensure the longevity of your restored sterling silver candelabra, regular maintenance is crucial. We recommend gentle cleaning after each use to prevent tarnish, careful handling to avoid scratches, and storing the candelabra in a dry place with a tarnish-preventive bag or cloth. These simple steps will help maintain its brilliance for future generations to enjoy.

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Do you have a sterling silver candelabra or other silver pieces that need restoration? Contact Chelsea Plating Company for expert restoration services that restore and preserve the beauty of your silver antiques. Visit our website or call us today to learn more about how we can help you cherish and showcase your valuable heirlooms.
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RESTORING AND PERSONALIZING A TREASURE: HAND ENGRAVING ON AN ANTIQUE STERLING SILVER FRAME

10/25/2016

 
Restored sterling silver frame with intricate cherub and scrollwork details and personalized hand engraving.
A beautifully restored and hand-engraved sterling silver frame showcasing intricate cherub and scrollwork details.

THE ART OF RESTORATION AND CUSTOMIZATION

Antique sterling silver frames, particularly those from the Baroque revival period, are not only functional art pieces but are also embodiments of the rich artistic fervor of their time. At Chelsea Plating Company, we recently had the opportunity to both restore and personalize such a piece—a beautiful sterling silver frame chosen by a customer for engraving her initials. The Baroque revival period is known for its ornate and intricate designs, reflecting the grandeur and opulence of 17th-century European art.

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES IN RESTORATION

The center medallion of the frame, intended for personalization, was found to be damaged and too thin for engraving, which posed a unique challenge. Our solution was to carefully solder a new, thicker piece of sterling silver in place of the damaged one. This meticulous process ensured that the frame's integrity and aesthetic value were not only preserved but enhanced. The soldering process required a steady hand and precise control of temperature to avoid any damage to the surrounding areas, highlighting our artisans' expertise.

A PERSONALIZED WORK OF ART

The end result was a sterling silver frame that beautifully melded historical craftsmanship with personal significance. The engraving not only added a unique touch but also highlighted the frame's elaborate Baroque revival details, making it a standout piece ready to display cherished memories. The combination of restoration and personalization brings new life to antique pieces, ensuring they remain treasured items for future generations.

​Interested in restoring or customizing your antique sterling silver items? Contact Chelsea Plating Company to discover how our expert services can bring your cherished pieces back to life or tailor them to your personal taste.
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MASTERING THE ART OF PORCELAIN RESTORATION: BRINGING A BROKEN LAMP BACK TO LIFE

10/21/2016

 
A collage showing the restoration process of a porcelain lamp with floral design, including broken pieces, intermediate stages, and the fully restored lamp.
The step-by-step restoration process of a porcelain lamp at Chelsea Plating Company, from broken pieces to a fully restored masterpiece.

THE DELICATE PROCESS OF PORCELAIN AND CERAMIC RESTORATION AT CHELSEA PLATING COMPANY

At Chelsea Plating Company, we pride ourselves on our expertise in both simple and full restoration of porcelain and ceramic items. One of our current projects involves a porcelain vase that doubles as a lamp. This piece suffered significant damage but is now in the process of being meticulously restored. Here, we outline the steps and craftsmanship involved in reviving this delicate item.
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STEP-BY-STEP RESTORATION

The first step in any restoration process is a thorough examination of the damage. For this porcelain lamp, our team carefully assessed the extent of the breakage and started with a detailed cleaning to prepare the surface for the restoration work. Cleaning is crucial as it ensures that no further contaminants interfere with the adhesion of materials used in subsequent steps.
Broken pieces of a porcelain lamp with floral design, ready for restoration.
The initial assessment of the broken porcelain lamp, showing the extent of the damage and preparing for restoration.

METICULOUS REPAIR TECHNIQUES

Currently, the lamp is ready for one of the most critical stages—filling the cracks. Our restorers use a high-quality filler that matches the porcelain's properties, ensuring that the repair not only holds but is also almost invisible to the naked eye. This step requires precision and patience, as the filler must be applied meticulously to restore the lamp’s original contours without compromising its integrity.
Partially restored porcelain lamp with floral design, showing reassembled pieces.
The porcelain lamp after the first stage of restoration, reassembled and ready for detailed repair work.
Porcelain vase with green and pink floral design, displaying cracks prior to restoration work.
A porcelain vase with floral design, showing visible cracks before restoration at Chelsea Plating Company.

ARTISTIC FINISHING TOUCHES

Once the cracks are filled and the filler is set, the next step will be to hand paint the repaired areas with color-matched paints. Our artists mix custom colors to perfectly match the original hues of the lamp, ensuring that the repairs blend seamlessly with the untouched areas. This step is vital for aesthetic restoration, as it is what makes the damage truly disappear.

ENSURING A FLAWLESS FINISH

The restoration of this porcelain lamp is a labor of love and expertise, involving many detailed steps to ensure the final product is indistinguishable from its original state. Once all painting is completed, the lamp will undergo a final inspection and finishing touches to enhance its durability and appearance. The goal is for no one to be able to tell that it was ever broken.

​Do you have a cherished porcelain or ceramic piece that needs restoration? Trust Chelsea Plating Company to restore it to its former glory. Contact us today to learn more about our restoration processes and how we can help you preserve your valuable antiques.
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RESTORING A TIFFANY & CO. STERLING SILVER CUP

10/19/2016

 
Antique Tiffany & Co. sterling silver cup with visible tarnish and wear before restoration.
Before restoration: The Tiffany & Co. sterling silver cup with visible tarnish and wear.
Restored Tiffany & Co. sterling silver cup with high shine and intricate repoussé details.
After restoration: The Tiffany & Co. sterling silver cup restored to its original high shine and intricate detail.

EXPERT RESTORATION OF A RARE TIFFANY & CO. REPOUSSÉ STERLING SILVER CUP

We recently had the honor of restoring a rare antique Tiffany & Co. repoussé sterling silver cup—a piece that exemplifies the exquisite craftsmanship synonymous with one of the world's most prestigious jewelers. This cup, known for its detailed and raised designs, required a meticulous approach to return it to its original high shine and ensure its historical integrity remained intact.

THE IMPORTANCE OF EXPERT POLISHING

Tiffany & Co.’s sterling silver is prized not only for its purity but also for its intricate repoussé work, where the design is hammered from the reverse side to create a raised effect. Such detail demands more than just a cursory polish; it requires expert hands that understand the nuances of such fine workmanship. Our task was to enhance the visibility of these delicate patterns while respecting the antique’s integrity. This level of precision is critical in preserving the value and beauty of the piece, making expert restoration essential.

THE RESTORATION PROCESS

When the Tiffany sterling silver cup arrived at Chelsea Plating Company, our first step was a thorough assessment to understand the extent of tarnish and any previous wear. Given its age and the delicate nature of repoussé, we chose a gentle yet effective polishing technique tailored specifically for high-value, intricately designed pieces. This initial assessment also included checking for any structural weaknesses that might need attention during the restoration process.

PRESERVING THE RESTORED BEAUTY

Restoring a piece like this Tiffany & Co. silver cup is only part of the journey; maintaining its condition is equally important. To preserve the high shine and prevent future tarnishing, we recommend regular light cleaning with a proper silver cloth and storing the cup in a controlled environment. Avoid harsh chemicals and excessive handling to maintain the polish and detail. Additionally, using anti-tarnish strips in storage areas can further protect the cup from the elements, ensuring its beauty for years to come. Regular dusting and cleaning with a silver-specific cloth can prevent tarnish build-up. For more extensive cleaning, consider using a mild soap solution, but always ensure the piece is thoroughly dried afterward to avoid water spots. For heirloom pieces, professional cleaning once a year can help maintain their luster without risking damage from over-polishing.

CONTACT CHELSEA PLATING COMPANY

If you own antique silver that needs restoration, trust Chelsea Plating Company to bring back its original beauty with care and precision. Our expertise in handling high-end antiques like Tiffany & Co. ensures that every piece we restore reflects its heritage and craftsmanship. 
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    ​Chelsea Plating Company
    920 Pine St.
    Philadelphia, PA 19107
    215.925.1132
    [email protected]

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Location

​​Chelsea Plating Company
920 Pine Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107

Monday-Friday   8-4

215.925.1132

[email protected]

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  • Ceramic and Porcelain Restoration
  • ​Silver Restoration
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  • Home
  • About
  • Restoration Services
    • Ceramic, Porcelain, and China Repair and Restoration
    • Silver Restoration
    • Brass Restoration
    • Gold Plating, Gold Leafing, and Gilding
    • Antique Lamp and Light Fixture Restoration
    • Heirlooms, Fine Art, and Religious Items
  • Contact
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • More
    • Blog
    • Russian Samovar Restoration Services
    • Brass Bed Restoration Services
    • Expert Silver Repair and Restoration Services
    • Antique Lamp Repair
    • Ceramic Restoration
    • Silverplate Restoration
    • Trophy Repair
    • Brass Restoration
    • Gold Leafing
    • Porcelain Repair
    • Brass Polishing
    • Silver Plating
    • Replating Gold
    • Metal Polishing
    • Brass Refinishing
    • Sterling Silver Polishing