Proper Storage Extends Your Jewelry's Life
How you store your jewelry when you are not wearing it has a significant impact on its longevity, appearance, and condition. Improper storage causes scratches, tarnish, tangled chains, and damaged settings. Here is how to store every type of jewelry correctly.
General Storage Rules
- Separate everything: The number one rule. Never store jewelry pieces touching each other. Diamonds scratch gold. Gold scratches silver. Chain links tangle and knot. Each piece needs its own space
- Dry environment: Moisture accelerates tarnishing (especially for silver) and can damage certain stones. Store jewelry in a dry location away from bathrooms
- Away from sunlight: Direct sunlight can fade certain gemstones over time. Store in a closed box or drawer
- Cool temperature: Extreme heat can damage adhesives in some settings and affect certain gemstone colors. Room temperature is ideal
By Jewelry Type
- Rings: Store in individual slots in a ring holder or jewelry box. Never stack rings on top of each other — this causes scratches on the band and can damage settings
- Necklaces and chains: Hang them. A necklace tree, hooks inside a jewelry box, or even small hooks on a wall prevent tangling. Never lay chains flat in a pile — they will knot and can kink
- Earrings: Store in pairs (matching earrings together) in an earring holder or small compartmented tray. For studs, push the back on during storage to keep pairs together and prevent loss
- Bracelets: Lay flat in separate compartments or hang on a bracelet holder. Tennis bracelets should be stored flat (not hung) to avoid stressing the clasp
Anti-Tarnish Tips for Sterling Silver
- Store with anti-tarnish strips or silica gel packets (absorbs moisture)
- Individual anti-tarnish bags (small fabric pouches) are inexpensive and effective
- Zip-lock bags with air squeezed out work in a pinch
- The key: minimize air and moisture contact when not wearing silver
Travel Storage
- Use a travel jewelry case with padded compartments
- Alternatively: wrap each piece individually in soft cloth or tissue
- Never put jewelry loose in a bag — it will scratch and tangle
- Keep valuable jewelry in carry-on luggage, never checked bags
