What is this? It is Sterling Silver is all I know. :)

[bbc-antiques.co.uk]

The best way to clean silver (weve been using for years )  get some ALUMINIUM foil  loosely wrap item  put in hot water add traditional baking soda and simmer ., all the dirt sticks to the aluminium and the item comes out sparkling clean !  TRY it and report here how it goes  I know it works for me

[cogar]

bbc-Antiques, you are right, I did some Googleing and found that aluminum foil and baking soda is the best way to remove the “tarnish” off of silver.
 
Actually, it doesn’t remove the “tarnish” (silver sulfide), ….. it removes the sulfide and leaves the silver intact.

In other words, it reverses the chemical reaction that created the “tarnish”, to wit"

Hydrogen sulfide gas in the air + silver = tarnish (silver sulfide)
Baking soda + Aluminum foil + tarnish = silver

If you “scrub” the tarnish off the silver then you are “scrubbing” off part of the silver.

So, ..... "restore" your tarnished silver items , ........ don't be polishing them.

[bbc-antiques.co.uk]

Yes its great to do   the item fizzes and bubbles as gases released   I think you can also use cheap washing soda for good results , I started using this method 20 yrs ago after finding a reference in a Victorian  Mrs Beaton type book , the first item i did was a huge silver table mirror which was heavily tarnished with bird droppings and muck and stubborn stains  it came out gleaming ! you can even do silver plate if you monitor it constantly

[KC]

I looked up what Mart said about Tide....it is any detergent with Borax!  Works the same as baking soda!

Also, FYI to help that shine last longer for items that are on display...you can get a professionally applied overcoat or you can get this item and do it yourself which is gentler on your items, Renaissance Wax
RENAISSANCE

THis is an excellent site full of helpful information!
http://www.silversmithing.com/care.htm

You know those little packs of silica gel/moisture absorbers that come in vitamins, medicines, shoe boxes, etc.  KEEP THOSE and place in tea cups, drawers, shelves in your china cabinets to absorb moisture to keep your display silver from tarnishing so fast!!!!  (My friends know to keep them for me...they think I am nuts...which I am!) You can also buy a large jar of this item in hardware stores (turns from blue to pink when saturated).  Did you know that you can dry out those crystals in a low oven (remove and put in another container or you will most likely have a disaster!) - it will turn blue and you can use it over and over and over.  Virtually endless!!!!

If not,here is a great source for the moisture absorber!  It is also great for your gun safes, safes in general, closets, etc.
http://www.dehumidify.com/

[mart]

KC,, I have also heard,, but haven`t tried,, cheap kitty litter in small containers dehumidifies too !!

[xmelax38]

I haven't been on again for a little bit. I got back on to see the replies and wow! You all have some really interesting/great input (ideas) on how to clean tarnish off! Thanks for the information! I absolutely LOVE this Forum! I will give it a try.

[KC]

The best cloth I have found to use for cleaning and not scratching....gauze diapers!!!!  Hard to find them anymore (they make the multilayer ones now that are sewn together)!