The sterling stamp is usually found on the bottom of the items. It will say "sterling", ".925" or "sterling silver." If it does not then it is NOT sterling but silver plate. Your next step is to recognize if your flatware is weighted (handles of knives, forks, spoons are often filled with sand or some other material), if they are, remember that dipping in cleaners can cause seepage and discoloration at the joints, so please follow the directions on your commercial silver cleaner. The 10 inch silver dip containers work extremely well for cleaning flatware. Do not clean in a dishwasher. Secondly, recognize if your items have been lacquered. If they have been stored for a long period of time and are still very to somewhat bright then lacquer has probably been applied. This will require no silver dip or silver polish to be used, but only dipping in warm water - then wiping and drying with a soft cotton cloth or jeweler's polishing rouge cloth. Remember that lacquered surfaces can be damaged by hot water, open flames, excessive heat and chemicals during storage or display. Do not use any items of lacquered silver as an ashtray. If your sterling items are very dull to dark black, they will need to be cleaned by any recommended commercial silver cleaner that uses an anti-oxidation chemical to remove the heavy layer of oxidation present. Please follow the directions exactly as outlined on your silver cleaner's container, for example, use in a well ventilated area. Wipe dry and polish with a soft cotton cloth or jeweler's polishing rouge cloth. An old traditional way of cleaning tarnished silver items, prior to the invention of modern day cleaners, was to save the water from boiled potatoes, and drop in your items. Leave it there for about an hour or two and then remove and wipe dry (hint from the Rock Rattler).
