How to Restore Silver Jewelry: A Guide for Vintage & Sterling Pieces

Question
I have some vintage jewelry how do I restore that silver look, is it easy and can I do it myself

Answer
Dear Monica,

The real question is if the silver look CAN be restored.  If the jewelry is white gold, a polishing will do the trick. If sterling and not rhodium plated, the same polishing will work wonders. If costume jewelry, the best you might do is try a jewelry polishing cloth designed to remove tarnish and go gently.  Also, a paste of baking soda rubbed with fingers and with a soft tooth brush for recesses will help clean and restore some brighter look.

With costume items, even the quite nice vintage ones, the color is almost always from a plated surface and if worn away there is really nothing practical to do  but gently clean with mild detergent, rinse well and dry.  The color of plating no longer there will not be restored but the base metal may look better...or worse.  Some old tarnished costume items actually look better if left alone and not polished.  You will need to gently try one item and see how it does.

Best wishes with the vintage jewelry.  God Bless and Peace,  Thomas.