Whether you are carrying your collection while traveling or want to keep your pieces organized between uses, having a proper storage space for your jewelry collection is vital. Some ideas for jewelry storage and jewelry organization include a men’s jewelry box, jewelry boxes for women or a mirror with jewelry storage.
Knowing the right way to store fine jewelry is essential to prevent damage to links, settings and prongs and to avoid scratching metal finishes. The right storage method for your collection must also manage humidity and temperature levels. Moisture in the air can cause the metal to tarnish, and high temperatures may cause your pieces to warp or bend.
The best way to store jewelry depends on the jewelry type, the materials it is made from and the storage location. Learn how to store jewelry correctly to preserve its appearance and value with BriteCo™.
How to Store Jewelry So It Doesn’t Tarnish: Clean and Repair Jewelry
Understanding how to store jewelry to prevent tarnish ensures that your pieces are ready to wear when you need them.
Before storing your jewelry, cleaning and repairing all your pieces is important. Broken links, clasps and settings can snag on other items and cause damage, while built-up grime and tarnish can transfer to other jewelry items and dull their shine.
For everyday gold and silver items, wipe them with a cloth dampened with warm, soapy water, then rinse them clean with fresh water before drying them with a lint-free cloth. You can also polish your pieces with a polishing cloth infused with anti-tarnish agents.
How to Store Costume Jewelry and Fine Jewelry: Choose the Right Jewelry Storage Solution
Whether you have bijou or fine jewelry, keeping your pieces separate is key to safe jewelry storage. Choose a jewelry box, jewelry stand, travel roll or jewelry cabinet with individual jewelry storage trays, pockets or hooks.
Hooks for bracelets and neck chains in a cabinet for jewelry should be adequately spaced to prevent pieces from coming in contact with each other and offer enough of a drop underneath to keep them from tangling. Ensure the box also features padded ring and earring inserts.
If possible, keep the original boxes your jewelry came in; these boxes are typically shaped to perfectly fit each piece and come with felt lining or foam padding for added protection.
How to Store Gold Jewelry and Gemstone Pieces: Protect Your Jewelry
Before placing your jewelry in the storage box, you may need to apply an added layer of protection if the jewelry box organizer or hanging jewelry organizer isn’t felt-lined or padded. This is especially important if you are taking certain pieces while traveling.
To store necklaces and bracelets, you can cut small 2-inch to 3-inch sections from a drinking straw and thread the necklaces through before you hang them.
For earrings with fish hook, lever back or hoop wire backings, thread the backing through a button to keep earring pairs together. For stud earrings or pieces with a screw or post backing, push the post through a small piece of felt or foam and secure it with the backing on the other side.
Bracelets, cuffs, bangles and pendants can be wrapped in a small piece of velvet or felt. Avoid cotton or other open-knit fabrics because the fibers can become snagged or tangled.
If any of your jewelry pieces feature gemstones, particularly diamonds, wrap them securely in felt and store them separately. Diamonds rate a 10 on the Mohs hardness scale and can easily scratch other jewelry pieces with softer gems or natural stones like pearl or opal.
How to Store Silver Jewelry: Place in a Suitable Location
Gold jewelry can develop a tarnish from moisture resulting from the presence of nickel. However, silver jewelry is at a higher risk of tarnishing because it reacts with sulfur compounds in the air.
Gold and silver jewelry should always be kept in a dry location at room temperature and away from direct sunlight. This means spaces like the bathroom, laundry room, attic or basement are unsuitable for jewelry storage.
For extremely high-value pieces, consider keeping your jewelry in a safe at home or placing them in a safe-deposit box at a bank.
Special Storage Instructions: How to Store Pearl Jewelry
Pearls and opals are made from softer minerals than most metals and gemstones. They are also more sensitive to humidity changes.
When storing pearl necklaces and bracelets, do not hang them. Always lay them flat to avoid overstretching the silk thread. You should also store them in a breathable silk jewelry storage bag. Pearls need moisture and air to retain their luster and structure. Storing them in a box or plastic bag can cause them to become brittle over time.
If you need to store opal jewelry for prolonged periods, place the opal in a cotton pad with a few drops of water, then seal it in a plastic bag. This prevents moisture loss if the stone is kept in a low-humidity environment.
Protect Your Valuables with Fine Jewelry Insurance From BriteCo™
Understanding how to store and organize jewelry can help preserve its appearance, but it is still vulnerable to loss, theft and accidental damage. Protect your high-value jewelry with fine jewelry insurance from BriteCo™.
BriteCo offers five-star rated, worldwide coverage against loss, theft, mysterious disappearance and damage for up to 125% of the piece’s appraisal value with no deductible. You will also receive complimentary maintenance and repairs, including prong retipping, broken clasps or posts and stone tightening.
It’s easy to apply for coverage using the online tool and appraisal service, and BriteCo offers affordable monthly or annual premiums. Contact BriteCo™ to find out more about its coverage options.