Silver and Sterling Silver, the difference and what cleaner to use on both for best results?

[Anonymous]

[No message]

 

[Anonymous]

Sterling silver is just a name for silver that is only 7.75% other metal--so it is stamped .925 to indicate its purity of 92.5%
Sterling silver may be stamped "Sterling" or simply ".925".
Other silvers can be purer or have higher amounts of other metals added. No difference in cleaning the various silver alloys.
Some people make home electrolysis units (very easy--to do). I like to put the silver item on a piece of aluminum foil, cover it with salt, then add vinegar. Put the foil on a plate, so it doesn't leak and make a mess.
You need to watch the item(s), so you don't overdo it. After a few minutes, remove the item and rub the crud off with a paper towel. If it still needs to brighten, put it back into the aluminum/salt/vinegar.
Once it is clean enough, rinse under running water, then make a little paste of baking soda with a tiny bit of water added. Rub thoroughly over the surface, then rinse it off. Done.
Cleaning is not good to do to coins, though, as it ruins their value to collectors, so you wouldn't get nearly as much money if you sold them.

 

[Anonymous]

[No message]