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Step one: identify the piece and finish
Before cleaning, decide what you are holding. Solid sterling takes polish well, while plated items have a thin silver layer that harsh rubbing can wear through. Check for oxidized, deliberately darkened recesses, because aggressive cleaners will strip that contrast. Note any gemstones, especially soft or porous ones such as pearls or turquoise, which need gentler handling. Worked example: a sterling ring with a spiked, blackened pattern and no stones. It is solid silver, but the dark recesses are part of the design, so the plan is to brighten raised edges only and leave the darkened areas largely untouched.
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Step two: choose the mildest method that works
Start with warm water, a drop of mild dish soap and a soft cloth or very soft brush, then rinse and dry fully. Only if tarnish remains should you move to a silver polishing cloth, applying light pressure along the raised areas. Avoid abrasive pastes on textured work, since they collect in recesses and can scratch. For the example ring, wash gently, brush the grooves with a soft toothbrush, then buff the raised points with a polishing cloth. Stop as soon as the highlights return, because each extra pass removes a little metal and can flatten fine detail.
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Step three: dry, store and set a routine
Moisture and air drive tarnish, so finish by drying every surface with a clean, soft cloth. Store pieces separately in small zip pouches or lined boxes, ideally with an anti-tarnish strip, and keep them away from bathrooms. Put jewelry on after perfume, lotion and hairspray, and remove it before swimming or cleaning. For the example ring, a quick wipe after wearing and a gentle wash every few weeks should be enough. If it dulls despite this, repeat the mild method first, and consult a jeweler before trying stronger chemical dips on detailed pieces.