DO NOT use this method on jewelry with stones or pearls in it. Use it only for jewelry that is nothing but silver (sterling silver, fine silver, or silver plate).

    Line a ceramic, glass, or plastic bowl with aluminum foil. Place on the foil a tsp. of baking soda, a tsp. of salt, and a few drops of liquid soap, and pour over them a pint or two of VERY hot water. Set the sterling in the pot so that the silver is in contact with the aluminum foil and allow it to stand for a few minutes. Oxides are transferred to the aluminum foil, which will turn black

    Rinse silver in water and wash before using.

    You can also do this in a stainless steel saucepan, and bring the whole mixture – silver and all – to a boil on the stove. This will accelerate the process somewhat. An aluminum pot may also be used, BUT this process will turn the inside of the pot black, and will eventually eat pits into the aluminum pot.

    If the tarnish is very black, you may need to repeat the process several times, each time using fresh aluminum foil.