Best cleaning cloths ever - propolish pads! Small ( 2"x 2" ) compound embedded squares are easy to use and can just be tossed after use. Great for travel. I discovered them from one of my suppliers and buy them by the thousand. Customers have been asking for them so I put together an inexpensive package.

10 propolish pads and 10 pair rubber ear nuts
(you don't want to lose those clean earrings)
$5 plus $1 shipping

Sterling Silver - Propolish pads (see above) are great on matte or shiny finishes. Traditional cloths can leave a dark residue on matte finish. Liquid cleaners that you can get at the drug store will work, even Tarnex. Just remember to rinse your jewelry and dry well. A hair dryer works great for the hard to get places.

Gold-filled - Propolish pads.

Plated - Propolish pads.

Mixed - Propolish pads.

Pearls - Always store pearls separately from metallic jewelry, preferably in a soft cloth sack. Wipe your pearls with a soft cloth after wearing and wash occasionally in mild soapy water. human skin oils can damage the surface. Never clean pearls in an ultrasonic cleaner -vibrations can shatter pearls, especially if the nacre is thin.

Silver Cables - this recipe is good for all silver but especially good on the cable necklaces:

Plastic Container large enough for cable
A piece of aluminum foil
2 cups water (hot enough to dissolve salt)
3 teaspoons salt
3 tablespoons baking soda

Place aluminum foil flatly in bottom of a nonaluminum pan or container. Place cable on top of foil (make sure all of the cable is on foil)
Add enough water to cover cable
Add salt.
Add baking soda.
Cable should come back to its shine in about 2 minutes
Rinse, dry thoroughly

Best to do one cable at a time
Water should be changed when cooled