Sterling watch chains

[crsides]

I got two watch chains that are both described as Sterling silver. The color looks entirely different on the two.

The first one (below)is described as English hallmarked Sterling with a lion on each link. It also has what looks like J.H&S on one end of the T bar with a lion? and X on the other end. It is a darker, less brilliant chain.

The second chain is marked STG 925 on the T bar and clasp, but the links are not marked.
It is much brighter than the first.

Questions - If both are sterling, why the difference in brilliance and what is the accepted method of cleaning the chain links.
Both chains came out of England.

Thanks, Charlie
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=940425430

and
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=940437014

[crsides]

I got two watch chains that are both described as Sterling silver. The color looks entirely different on the two.

The first one (below)is described as English hallmarked Sterling with a lion on each link. It also has what looks like J.H&S on one end of the T bar with a lion? and X on the other end. It is a darker, less brilliant chain.

The second chain is marked STG 925 on the T bar and clasp, but the links are not marked.
It is much brighter than the first.

Questions - If both are sterling, why the difference in brilliance and what is the accepted method of cleaning the chain links.
Both chains came out of England.

Thanks, Charlie
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=940425430

and
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=940437014

[wynter]

Good morning,

It?s a little tough to tell without looking at the chains in person, but I?ll hazard an answer.

The first one is all English and older. The second is modern (5 to 10 years old) and is rhodium plated. Most modern silver chain is rhodium plated to prevent oxidation.

Wynter

[crsides]

Wynter, thanks for the information. It was exactly what I was looking for.

Charlie