should your sterling silver lose its shine....
one quick way to get back it's sparkle is to polish your sterling with a paste of baking soda and water and an old toothbrush. be sure to rinse thoroughly, especially when gems are attached.
of course, polishing cloths are portable and easy to use, and available in many brands. there again, where gems and 24-karat gold are involved be careful of formulas on the cloth that could harm them.