Quote Originally Posted by Dram View Post
I am familiar with patina however, aren't tarnish and patina two different things?

Also I mentioned a polishing cloth not compounds and chemicals.

I don't have a problem with patina, but I do have a problem with a sterling silver cantle being brown and black.

What I am trying to do is find a safe way of removing the heavy tarnish.
Iguess it depends on your point of view. Take coins, for instance. Tarnish IS patina there. Polished silver coins are beautiful, but if you remove the patina/tarnish the value is VERY adversely affected.

You've recieved goo advice on removal. If you have a piece whos VALUE you are concerned about, I'd have it appraised and ask the appraiser about the polishing and what effect it would have. If not, definately polishish it.