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Unfortunately, silver tarnishes and must be cleaned.  Sometimes it tarnishes before you get around to turning it into jewelry and sometimes it tarnishes after it is strung with glass/crystal beads.

One way to clean silver is with a polishing cloth available at Walmart, Kmart, Target, etc.  I frequently use a cloth when I have to polish up beads strung into jewelry.

You can also buy a liquid silver cleaner (tarnish cleaner) at any of the other discount department stores.  This liquid is great for getting into small places on the beads and also for polishing up a great many beads quickly.   However, I personally would be reluctant to put hand painted porcelain beads or any coated bead into the liquid polish.

Faye Luxemburg-Hyam uses baking soda.  She first lines the sink with aluminum foil.  Then she puts jewelry on the foil.  She sprinkles it generously with baking soda and then pours boiling water on the jewelry.  She said it is the chemical reaction between the foil and baking soda that cleans the tarnish.  Faye says this method works like a charm and the jewelry comes out sparkly bright.

Ildiko van Poeteren of Holland just emailed that she rids silver of tarnish by using toothpaste applied with a toothbrush.  Rinse off the jewelry item when you're finished.  She also says cigarette ashes work.

Denise Pietri emails "I've tried everything, silver polish, baking soda, cloth, toothpaste.  All work OK   But, not great.  ...My mom is a HSN shopper and gave me Miracle Clean..  Being rather skeptical but out of ideas,  I decided to try it.  Well!  It works the greatest!   And is safe for gems and makes them really shine.   I'm a true believer now.     Easy to use,  spray on, let it sit, rinse off.  You can do a whole plate or bowl full at the same time."

Lynn Caldwell uses denture cleaner.  She says any brand will do.  She drops a tab into hot water and lets it soak for about 10 minutes.  Says the method is great for getting into small places and is safe for jewels (except for coated beads and pearls).

Someone emailed asking how to keep silver from tarnishing while it's in inventory.  There are anti tarnish jewelry boxes available at qvc and also on ebay.  I use anti tarnish strips which I buy on ebay.

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