1. Polish sterling silver by rubbing or buffing it regularly with a soft cotton cloth.
   
   
2. Consider using a chemically treated cloth that you can buy anyplace that Sterling silver jewelry is sold as it makes the job easier.
   
   
3. Understand that while sterling silver dips are fast and easy, many dips will remove the color from many gemstones that adorn the article. Also, if you leave the piece in too long, or fail to rinse it well, residues will remain when it dries. If you do use a dip, dip it in and out very fast and rinse it immediately in clean water followed by an immediate buffing to bring out the shine.
   
   
4. Repair a broken clasp by purchasing a replacement clasp. Clasps can be bought online or at a local craft supply store. Make sure you buy the same style and color as the broken one. If you have never been happy with that particular clasp, then buy an upgraded clasp that you would find easier to use.
   
   
5. Check the chain to notice how the links were put together. You will need to know this, so that you can assemble the change after you repair it.
   
   
6. Place the chain on a ceramic soldering board and use tweezers to put the two ends back together and squeeze the links until they are closed. Using your tweezers fit the two ends of the chain back together. Then squeeze the links closed.

  TIPS