Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Removing grey tarnish on a 92.5 silver ring

I bought a set of 92.5 silver jewelry from a store run by school nuns in Baguio City, Philippines ten years ago. Two years later, I found out that my silvers tarnished. When I went to the store to have it cleaned, the store was already closed. It has greyish and brown spots in between its intricate designs. I tried several household ways to clean it. Toothpaste, minimizes the tarnish but not fully eradicate it. Baking soda paste does minimal effect. Autosol Gold and Silver Polish cannot reach the very small holes. I also used silver dips but of no avail. I'm beginning to think that my silver needs professional cleaning. Other silver stores in the Philippines refused to clean my jewelry.

Please advise me about cleaning and removing tarnish in my silver jewelries whether it be the professional way or the industrial way.I have no information whether my silvers are plated or not. I don't know if this is important, my body fluids are slightly salty and acidic than usual.

Precious Santiago
hobbyist - Paranaque, Metro Manila, Philippines
December 14, 2008

Hi, Precious. I would suggest that you try the aluminum foil and hot washing soda [on eBay or Amazon] approach described in letter 4785. I think it will work.

As an alternative that you may be happier with in the long run, consider blackening the ring and mechanically polishing the highlights back to a silver color.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
December 17, 2008