All silver (with the exception of Argentium Silver and the new platinum/silver alloys) will tarnish. The silver in your jewelry, daily comes into contact with various chemicals which will increase the tarnish rate. One of the biggest activators of silver tarnish is sulpher in the air we breathe. Your jewelry will acquire various of "patinas", depending on the silver and alloy content. A faint gold appearance is common, but darkening to a slate silver color is also considered tarnish.
1. Clean your silver with a phosphate free detergent, using the softest toothbrush bristle available. It's not advisable to use toothpaste to clean sterling silver. Most silver experts caution against it because toothpaste is too abrasive and can leave dulling scratches. Rinse thoroughly with water and dry completely. Never use paper towels or tissues to dry your jewelry as they contain fibers that can scratch. Use a soft cotton cloth.
Certain things like rubber, latex, chlorine and sulfur (from candle fire, matches) can actually burn your silver, so keep them as far apart from each other as possible.
2. Highly Recommended. The Sunshine Polishing Cloth:
http://www.sunshinepolishingcloth.com/ This cloth will not scratch your silver or your gemstones and is great for a quick polish, after you've worn the piece and before returning it to your jewelry box.
3. Never store your silver jewelry pieces where they can touch. This increases the chances for accidental scratching. Store each piece in a seperate bag.
4. Slider lock plastic baggies are an almost perfect storage solution for silver. Storing silver in baggies reduces exposure to the majority of air sulphers.
5. Add an anti-tarnish paper to your baggie and you will be all set. http://www.interceptjewelrycare.com/
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If you're unable to bring your silver jewelry back to an acceptable shine using the above techniques, take the pieces to your jeweler. Most jewelers have the necessary polishing equipment and polishing compounds to restore the beauty of high luster to your silver.
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