How to clean tarnished silver?

[couzey]

I tried the foil/soda method, but didn't see any improvement.  I have realized the initials epsn next to Kent on the bottom.  the yellow coloring is what i found after cleaning with the silver polishing cloths.  i am beginning to think maybe it was stained from dish detergent years ago and then left to set and tarnish.  i will wipe them again right before i use them and remember to be more gentle on the cleaning in the future of any 'silver' I am fortunate to receive.  Thanks for all your help.

[Luann Udell]

On a hunch, I googled "kent + epsn + silver" and got a (now defunct) listing with the following quote:

"EPNS stands for Electroplated Nickel Silver. Really not silver at all, just designed to look like it."

[Russ Nobbs]

OOOooh, a new abbeviation!
EPNS = Electroplated Nickel Silver

Not one I've heard of before.

How about 18KGP?

I assumed it was 18Kt Gold Plate. But I keep seeing it on white plated basemetal bails and parts in CHina. In Gunagzhou there were stores on the "walking street" selling gold plated costume jewelry with large signs saying 18KGP.  Google finds e-bayers selling "18KGP white gold."

I'm confused.

[marym]

I can't find info anywhere... but kgp is all over the place on e-bay. I'll go out on a limb and say that it means "Knot Gold or Precious".  What-ever it means.. it sounds pretty shady to me.  '>

[Luann Udell]

Russ, you're not the only one who's confused.  I found this query from googling:  
UK jeweler's query

And they were referred to this page:
Abbreviations for watch collectors

except it didn't actually list that abbreviation.

But it's interesting to see that there's a much bigger world of jewelry nomenclature than what we're used to seeing!

[Metalman]

kgp  karat gold plate  

I copied the above from one Luann's links if that is what we are looking for.

[fairiebeadz]

I usually rub with my fingers until the silver is shiny again. I happen to have the very strange ability to polish the blackest silver with my bare skin. Really weird , huh?

[FishOnTheWall]

I've used this before & it works-- but has anyone tried it with pearls? I have a lot of SS/Pearl stuff that is starting to tarnish & I want to get it nice & shiny for my upcoming show. Z

[Metalman]

Makes me really nervous - I don't like to mess with pearls and chemical activities.  But - thinking about it seems like it would be okay.  I can only say - try it.  Use a dud item or some sample pieces , etc. Try one and see
Let us know