Place pieces of silver in a sink or pan filled with water. Add 2 Tablespoons Cream of Tartar and a few strips of Aluminum Foil.
Let the silver soak for an hour or until tarnish is removed.
If the silver is badly tarnished, you may notice an odor like rotten eggs. The smell is due to the chemical reaction causing the release of hydrogen sulfide gas. This gas isnt concentrated enough to be harmful, but it might be a good idea to open a window if it occurs.
Rinse silver and hand dry all pieces with a soft cloth.
From: The Naturally Clean Home by Karyn Siegel-Maier
Storage note for silver - after wearing - wipe with a cotton cloth (old tee shirt works good), store in a zip lock bag with one of those little silica packs that comes in all kinds of things from shoe boxes to toys to absorb moisture.
I pick up those little packs free of charge at most shoe stores. People try on shoes and the sales people and the people trying on just throw them on the floor. Go in, ask to try on a pair of shoes and while sitting there just pick up as many as you want. LOL