Removing Unusual Discoloration from Silver-Plated Items

Question
Hi, Thomas. Read your tarnish removal tip with foil and soda, but tarnish doesn't seem to be the issue. Pitcher has large areas of blueish and almost rainbow looking discoloration on it. Silver polish won't work. Any solution besides replacing? Thanks a bunch. Betty

Answer
Dear Betty,

The rainbow color may be a form of tarnish.  Silver goes through several stages of coloration in the tarnishing process.  I suggest you try the foil and soda method, cleaning the metal with mild dish detergent and water to remove any remains of silver polish which could impede the tarnish removing reaction.  You state polish does not work.  If the foil and soda methods does not work and the discoloration remains, you are likely dealing with a discoloration coming through the silver plate from the base metal of the pitcher.  In that case, yes, restoration plating is needed.  This is not an inexpensive process.  The work must be done by companies experienced in silver plate refinishing for the work to be done well.  You might check with a seller of silver, china and crystal items and ask if they provide the service through one of their contacts.

Best wishes with restoration of the pitcher to its discoloration free and beautiful state.

God Bless and Peace to All.   Thomas.