There are many different reasons that we may wish to "clean" our Jewellery and the type of "dirt" we wish to remove requires different treatments, just like washing clothes.
You may simply need to remove accumulated "body fats" which oxidize over time from a Necklace or Bracelet....
In which case, pour about a tablespoon full of "Handy Andy" or Ammonia in to a large Coffee Cup.
Add sufficient warm water to cover your Necklace or Bracelet, add the Necklace or Bracelet and swish about for a few minutes. You will notice that the cleaning solution becomes a bit grubby.... Rinse in warm water and repeat until clean. Dry on cotton towel.
To remove tarnish if you haven't worn the piece in a while....
Goddard's Silver Dip
This is available from many Supermarkets. You simply follow the instructions, which require you to place your piece of Jewellery in the jar for a couple of minutes, then remove it, rinse it, dry it and wear! The jar lasts about a year and the weather may cause faster or slower cleaning. When it takes too long to clean or begins to cause discolouring, throw it out.
Cera Clean
A very similar product also available in Supermarkets throughout New Zealand. Same method. In our experience, slightly more reliable.
To simply polish your piece to make it shine... This is best for Bangles or Rings which have a flat surface
Goddard's Silver Cloth
An especially impregnated Blue Cloth, about the size of a mans Handkerchief. Polish the item with the cloth until shiny and clean. Always keep your cloth in a sealed plastic bag until your next use. The cloth will last a very long time, until it is Black with tarnish. Do not wash the cloth or it will loose it's usefulness. When it is too black to keep, throw it away.
For Tarnish caused by lack of wear, or immersion in Sulphur Pools or just plain maintenence...
Home makers Special
In a glass dish put: a strip of Silver foil, (the kind you use in cooking) a teaspoon of Baking Soda your Jewellery (Be aware of any gemstones or decoration that might be damaged by heat) Hot water to cover the jewellery. This creates a chemical reaction which strips the tarnish away from your Jewellery and places it on the tinfoil. Remove the cleaned Jewellery and rinse and dry. (Throw away the tinfoil and water when used)