Removing Fake Antique Finish from Sterling Silver: A Safe Guide

Question
I recently purchased a sterling silver filigree ring, and it has a fake antique finish (black paint I'm guessing) in all the crevices.  It gives the ring a bit of a cheap look that natural tarnish doesn't have.  Can I safely remove this finish to allow it to tarnish naturally?  There are no stones in the ring. Thanks!  

Answer
Mandy, there should be no problem doing what you want. If you can try a solvent to dissolve away the paint material there will be much less chance of scratching the silver. Not knowing what the black really is, I can't recommend a solvent.  A most basic one to try first is acetone, available in small sizes from hardware stores normally.  Acetone has been the primary ingredient in fingernail polish remover in the past and some of this remover may also be tried. Other that that, other sorts of solvents will have to be tried if the acetone doesn't work.

If the ring has a rhodium plate on it a natural tarnish will not happen on top of the plated surface. If natural silver, the tarnish will form naturally in time.

Best wishes with getting the look you want for the ring.God Bless and Peace.  Thomas.