Improperly stored jewelry can be easily damaged or broken. Many jewelry wearers have found broken pieces after they have left them unsafely stored. At Noe’s Jewelry, we are all about helping our customers (and those who haven’t found us yet) keep their jewelry safe from damage by providing proper storage techniques.
The Importance of Storing Jewelry Safely
Storing jewelry properly is critical for ensuring that it lasts for decades. Fine jewelry pieces, when cared for correctly, can last for more than a lifetime. When jewelry is exposed to harsh conditions, such as extreme humidity, heat, or light, it is more likely to become damaged. And, storing jewelry in a place where it can tangle up with other pieces can cause structural damage or breakage to the metal and gems.6 Best Ways to Store Jewelry
Below, we will cover our favorite tips for jewelry storage. These tricks will help you keep your jewelry looking brand new and free of damage.1. Be Mindful of Temperature and Humidity
Temperature and humidity play an important role in keeping jewelry in good condition. Storing your jewelry in direct sunlight or hot rooms can lead to premature discoloration. Cold, drafty rooms or rooms high in humidity can also cause significant problems for your fine jewelry pieces.
The best place to store jewelry to prevent tarnishing and damage is a room that is low humidity and stays at a consistent temperature. But keep in mind that some jewelry requires extra humidity, such as opals and cameos, to prevent crazing and cracking problems.
2. Make Sure the Surface of Your Box is Soft
When storing jewelry, it is important to consider the surface on which pieces will lay. Wooden and hard plastic jewelry boxes and organizers can cause damage to jewelry, especially if you aren’t careful when placing pieces into the box when you take them off.
The best way to store gold jewelry, for example, is in a box that has a soft fabric lining, because gold is soft and prone to scratching. Jewelry boxes, hutches, and armoires are the best anti-tarnish jewelry storage options, but finding one with a soft fabric lining will keep your jewelry as safe as possible, especially in the ring, earring, and bracelet compartments.
3. Keep Jewelry in a Clean Space
Dirty jewelry is more likely to tarnish, discolor, or display other signs of damage. Before storing jewelry for extended periods of time, make sure you clean the pieces or have them cleaned professionally.
Then, when you store your jewelry, you will want to keep it in a clean space. Jewelry boxes, and similar jewelry storage options, provide the perfect place for storage because they keep jewelry safe from water, dirt, and dust.
4. Hang Necklaces
Many people wonder how to store necklaces without them tangling. It can be a challenge for those with a lot of necklaces to store them without them wrapping around each other. Untangling necklaces can cause damage to the chains, as well. For this reason, it is best to store necklaces with some space between them to prevent them from twisting around each other.
If you have the ability to hang your necklaces, you are more likely to keep them from getting knotted up. Jewelry hooks can help you space out your necklaces enough that they are unlikely to get tied up, making them easier to access and preventing damage.
5. Store Different Gems Separately
Each gemstone ranks differently on the Mohs hardness scale. Gems that score higher on this scale can scratch gems with a lower score. Diamonds rank at 10 on the Mohs scale, which means that they can scratch any other gem they come into contact with. Storing diamonds with soft gems like opals (which range between 5 and 6.5), is a recipe for disaster.6. Store Silver in Cotton or Felt Compartments
While you should separate all of your jewelry by metal type, silver does tend to have special needs to prevent tarnishing. Cotton or felt compartments or bags will help keep the metal dry and looking its best.
You can loosely wrap clean silver jewelry in cotton or felt and pack it in your jewelry organizer or box. To further prevent moisture build-up, add a couple of silica packets to the drawer.
7. Keep Jewelry Somewhere Safe
Jewelry safekeeping also includes protecting your investment from possible theft. It can be tricky to find a place that keeps your jewelry safe from damage and potential thieves. However, a secure safe can provide the best of both worlds. Place your most valuable pieces in the appropriate storage solution, and then lock them away in a safe that you keep in an inconspicuous location.
Another way to keep your jewelry safe is to insure it. While nobody expects the worst to happen, insurance provides peace of mind should any of your fine jewelry get lost, stolen, or damaged. You can get jewelry insurance through your homeowners or renters insurance, or a separate plan.
If you are looking to add to your fine jewelry collection, visit Noe’s Jewelry in Raymore, Missouri, or online at noesjewelry.com.