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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why bother replating?
Is replacing the only way?
Can all old silverplated cutlery be re-plated?
What happens to my cutlery during replating?
What will all this work cost?
What if my cutlery needs to be repaired?
Can I be sure my cutlery is safe?
Now how do I go-ahead and get my cutlery replated?
Can my Sterling Silver be restored?
Can my knife blades or handles be replaced?
Can items other than cutlery be replated?
How do I care for and protect my newly restored cutlery?
Why bother replating?
You can indeed buy new cutlery - in fact we manufacture it - but we know that in many cases it is far better to replate older cutlery, mainly because it is cheaper, plus you’ll end up with a better product. Why? Because the old blanks (the basic nickel silver form) were more substantial or heavier than those used today. Add to that the possible sentimental value, or the fact that you have an unusual pattern which is no longer available and there you have some very good reasons for replating your old cutlery.
In fact, an excellent idea if you are just starting your cutlery collection is to buy an appealing set from a saleroom and have it replated. Not only will you have beautiful cutlery but also a very interesting topic of after-dinner conversation!
Is replating the only way?
Admittedly, there are on the market today many new ‘WONDER’ products which claim to restore life and lustre to old silverware. It is not for us to comment on their success but one thing is absolutely sure - there is still only one correct way to restore your silverware to its former beauty, whilst increasing its value. That is by ELECTRO-PLATING - the way it was originally plated, when new.
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Can all old silverplated cutlery be re-plated?
In most cases, yes, but occasionally we come across cutlery that has been nickel plated, prior to being 'flash' silverplated. This was a practise amongst the lower quality manufacturers especially during the 80's and 90's to save money. The silver coloured nickel plate covered the "yellower" colour of the nickel silver so when the thin layer of silver-plate wore off quite quickly the nickel silver did not show through. This minimised claims under the 10 and 20 year guarantees. Unfortunately the nickel plate is extremely difficult to remove especially whilst maintaining pattern definition - so we would be unable to restore such cutlery.
Unfortunately it is virtually impossible to distinguish the difference until we have inspected your cutlery, and then we would advise you accordingly.
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What happens to my cutlery during replating?
Assuming that your cutlery is in ‘reasonable’ shape and does not need repairing, after an ‘admission’ inspection it will receive a full pre-plate buffing to remove all the old plate and surface scratches etc. Engraving can also be removed at this stage if requested. It is then inspected, all fork prongs checked, adjusted and repointed if necessary. All pieces then go through a 3-part process - all carried out by hand as we do not use any automatic polishing machines. The final process brings your cutlery to a highly polished finish, after which it is degreased to remove the various polishing compounds, individually inspected and quality controlled ready for silver-plating. You now have the option of two high quality finishes-AMBASSADOR or DIPLOMAT PLATE.
Ambassador is our top quality service, where we can spend more time removing the deeper scratches and pitting often apparent in well used cutlery plus work on fork prongs etc...(We should mention that deep scoring cannot always be removed completely, as this could affect the inherent strength of the piece-which would indeed be a disservice.) With Ambassador your cutlery is given an extra amount of plate – 99.9% pure Silver to approximately 25 microns (formerly 25 year plate).
Diplomat is a high quality service for cutlery which is in good condition and has only superficial marks, and the plate has just worn off over the years. (Although no actual repairs are carried out in Diplomat service, engraving can be removed if requested.) Your cutlery will be plated with same 99.9% pure Silver but to approximately 12-15 microns (15 year plate).
With both Ambassador and Diplomat the replating is followed by a time honoured skill known as "silver-finishing" where "swansdown mops"and red rouge are used to bring out that unique deep silver brilliance. Finally, your cutlery is individually inspected and wrapped for despatch. All that care and attention is the least you’d expect from a quality service - which certainly isn’t available from one of the magic potions in a bottle!
N.B. Modern knives have stainless steel blades which can only be repolished, so only the handles are actually replated. (Silverplated FISH knives being an exception are fully replated.) For pitted or damaged blades see the special section.
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What will all this work cost?
Probably not nearly as much as you think because you’re dealing direct! You’ll find the current REPLATING prices in both Ambassador and Diplomat Quality for the most popular items in the accompanying price list. Click here (We will be pleased to quote for other items you may have.)
Now compare the low cost of a fully restored 7 piece place setting against the price of new cutlery in the shops-up to £100+ per place setting! Just think, your replated cutlery could now become a family heirloom instead of being destined for the dustbin.
What if my cutlery needs to be repaired?
Sometimes for one reason or another cutlery gets damaged - knife handles spring loose, bone or mother-of-pearl handles split, forks and spoons get bent etc etc. Our Silversmiths can and often do perform miracles but we need to see the piece(s) in question first. On receipt we’ll let you know a) what it will cost, and b) if in our opinion it is worth doing - although we do understand that it’s sentimental value to you, may prevail. (All repairs must be carried out in the Ambassador Service.)
Can I be sure my cutlery is safe?
Cutlery Hospital.com is part of the internet division of Chimo Holdings which through its various brand names counts amongst its customers some of the country’s best known stores, countrywide hotels, advertising agencies and leading businesses in this country and overseas. These accounts have been built on good products and service and it is our intention to give you the same.
During the time your cutlery is on our premises it is stored in a fully alarmed walk-in safe and covered by our comprehensive insurance.
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Now how do I go-ahead and get my cutlery replated?
If you have now decided to proceed with replating your cutlery-you don’t have to do it all at once, please feel free to send a trial order first or have pieces replated as and when you can afford it. Simply parcel your cutlery up well, make a list of the contents, indicating whether you want Ambassador or Diplomat service. Keep a copy for your own records, then mail the packages to:
Chimo Holdings, White Rose Works, 61 Eyre Lane, Sheffield, S1 3GF England
We suggest using Recorded Delivery or Receipted Parcel Post dependent upon weight. You can also insure your parcel against loss or damage-enquire at your local Post Office regarding ‘Compensation Fee’ parcels.
On arrival here we will sign for your cutlery, then send you a confirmation of receipt and price quotation preferably by e-mail, but by normal mail if no e-mail available including, where necessary, details of repairs etc. Approximately 4-5 weeks later when your cutlery is ready we will send you an invoice for the total amount. On receipt of payment, your goods will be returned to you by insured receipted Parcel Post. In the very unlikely event that any piece does not measure up to your expectations, return it to us UNUSED within 10 days and we will endeavour to correct whatever is causing concern to YOUR satisfaction.
I hope the above will have assured you of the quality of our service and why Chimodirect - Cutlery Hospital replating really is the best method of restoring your cutlery. I’d stake our reputation on it-just read some of the customer letters on our testimonials.
However, for those of you who may still have further questions read on. We’ve tried to answer most of them in the following paragraphs. If you still need more information then call our Replating desk on 0845 054 8550 EXT 65 and we’ll do our utmost to help you.
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Can my Sterling Silver be restored?
For those customers whose sterling silver cutlery has lost its shine and is looking the worst for wear, we will bring it back to that original deep lustre. The initial processes are similar to replating with regard to such items as forks repointing, etc. However, it is in the very careful use of buffing and especially polishing that the craftsmen’s expertise is so important in handling this precious metal. Because of the very careful attention we give your cutlery it is very lightly polished using special rouge compounds. This takes a considerable amount of skilled work to bring back that original brilliance-so that it will last for many years. The prices are the same as those quoted for Ambassador replating, due to the extra care and attention required. When compared with the beautiful end result, the professional service provided and value of your sterling silver cutlery, this must surely be regarded as remarkable.
Can my knife blades or handles be replaced?
Today all knives have stainless steel blades, but we have quite a few customers who have the older ‘Carbon steel’ blades that lose their shine and even rust! We are able in most cases to actually replace the blades but in other cases it is cheaper to buy new knives.
Where blades have come loose we can re-cement them into the handles. Also we can replace handles, especially cream handles, that have deteriorated with age or been put in a dishwasher - please see price list for details.
We would point out that we do specialise in supplying a whole range of new ‘white/creamhandled’ knives, on this website which has re-introduced the subtle mellow tones of the old household style knives. We’d be happy to advise you on the best course of action.
Can items other than cutlery be replated?
The replating service by mail is limited mainly to cutlery items, due to the difficulties of packing and despatch. We can however, repair and restore other silver and silverplated items to the same high standards. As there are so many possibilities we kindly ask you to contact us for both advice and quotations. If it is possible please e-mail a photograph(s) of your item to: cutleryhospital@chimodirect.co.uk
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How do I care for and protect my newly restored cutlery?
Having spent money restoring your cutlery, storage is very important, as it will, more than anything else, prolong that newly restored brilliance. Each piece should be held separately-not stacked one on top of another. If you haven’t a canteen which will do that, we strongly recommend the Cutlerymate Storage System available on this website which can easily be built into your own furniture and which will hold each piece separately in an anti-tarnish atmosphere
If you do store your cutlery in an anti-tarnish atmosphere then it should not require regular cleaning, although we do recommend a quick polish with an impregnated ‘Town-Talk’ Silver cloth and an occasional clean with ’Town-Talk’ Silver Polish-both of which we can supply, when returning your replated cutlery-details available on this website.
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