Most of us have some jewelry, whether it’s a unique piece from our grandmother, a modern silver piece for everyday wear, or our daily costume jewelry, which is affordable and fun to wear.
Whether it is a family heirloom or pieces we’ve picked up at a discount store, we want to keep our jewelry in the best shape possible. There are specific ways to store the gems without tarnishing them:
Separate jewelry by metal
Before separating, take an inventory of what kind and how much jewelry you have. Separate the jewelry into three piles —fine jewelry, costume jewelry, and silver jewelry. Keep costume jewelry away from silver and fine jewelry and silver jewelry away from fine jewelry. Separating the three helps prevent the metals from tarnishing when they interact.
Ensure jewelry is clean and dry
Before any jewelry is stored, make sure the piece is clean and dry. Moisture causes the metal to tarnish or degrade much quicker. For instance, dry it off before putting it back if you wore a silver necklace in the rain.
Remove tarnish from jewelry that will be in storage for more than a week—storing dirty jewelry for an extended period causes premature and excessive tarnishing issues. Storing tarnished jewelry with untarnished jewelry causes both types to taint faster.
Clean jewelry with the following method:
- Combine a few drops of mild dish detergent and lukewarm water.
- Soak the jewelry briefly in the solution.
- With a soft-bristled toothbrush, polish off any debris.
- Dry jewelry with a lint-free cloth.
- A silver polishing cloth will help remove tarnish.
Lower humidity levels and maintain the same temperature
High humidity speeds up the tarnishing. If you live in a humid climate, you might notice that your jewelry tarnishes faster in the summer months. Using an air conditioner or dehumidifier in the room where your jewelry is stored can help. Placing silica packets in your jewelry box can help absorb extra moisture.
Look for a room with a consistent temperature. Use common sense, like don’t put your jewelry near a radiator or heating vent—the more consistent the temperature, the better. Think about storing jewelry boxes inside an interior closet that is consistently dark and cool.
Optimize your silver jewelry by storing it in a box lined with felt. Felt is essential because it helps absorb excess moisture and prevent premature tarnishing. For some large pieces, store them separately, whether in a felt pouch or wrapped inside a felt sack, or encased in a silver polishing cloth, limiting air exposure.
Even with correct storage, silver jewelry will require regular polishing to remove tarnish at least twice a year. Don’t overpolish silver jewelry because this can also cause damage.
Store fine jewelry in a dark, dry area
Fine jewelry should be kept in a safe location so that it’s less likely to be stolen. It’s critical to store most of your fine jewelry away from direct sunlight, as some gems can be harmed by ongoing exposure to UV light. However, Not all fine jewelry needs to be stored. Have a place on your dresser where you keep jewelry you wear every day, such as your engagement ring or diamond earring. Always put your jewelry away in the same spot, so it’s less likely to get lost.
Storage Authority understands safekeeping and storing your treasured items is vital to you. We provide 24/7 self-storage room access so you can retrieve your goods when it’s convenient for you. Our storage units and moving products go a long way in providing peace of mind to our customers. Visit our website, contact us, or give us a call at 262-676-9464.