How To Store Jewelry

Once you’ve found the perfect pair of earrings, have been given a gorgeous gold cross, or snagged your dream engagement ring, it’s time to start taking good care of them. Regular cleaning and polishing is a must, but properly storing jewelry is just as important. It is likely that your most treasured pieces will spend much more time in storage than they will being worn, which is why storing jewelry in the best possible way can make a significant impact on the lifespan of your items. In particular, there are a few jewelry items that require extra attention when storing to keep them looking as beautiful as the day they were purchased, including pearls, gold, silver, and gemstone jewelry.

How to Store Pearl Jewelry

Pearl jewelry in particular is very delicate and requires proper storage. Always store pearls in a soft, non-abrasive environment. This can include anything from a Chinese silk pouch to the soft suede lining of a jewelry box. Keep in mind that pearls should not be stored with other jewelry since the soft surface of the pearl can be easily scratched and damaged. All it takes is a few too many rubs against your diamond earrings to permanently ruin the smooth, lacquered surface of your favorite pearls.

Also, though storing necklaces by hanging them is a common method to prevent tangling, pearl necklaces should always be stored flat. Since they are strung together with delicate fabric threads, hanging pearl necklaces can stretch them out. The only way to fix a stretched out pearl necklace is to have it restrung, which can be costly depending on the intricacy of the design.

How to Store Yellow, White and Rose Gold Jewelry

Gold, though less delicate than pearls, can also be dented or scratched. One of the most common ways that gold jewelry loses its smooth finish is by being jostled around in a jewelry bag with harder metals and gemstones. For this reason, it is extremely important to never store gold jewelry in the same bag as gemstones – especially if the bag is going to be moved around frequently (traveling, looking for jewelry, etc.).

Gold jewelry is best stored in a stationary jewelry box in its own compartment. This prevents gold from being scratched by gemstones, and also conveniently keeps jewelry perfectly organized. The easier your items are found, the more you will wear them.

How To Store Silver Jewelry

If you haven’t already, check out our previous article about the proper care and cleaning of silver jewelry.  The proper storage of sterling silver requires an airtight container that minimizes the amount of oxygen exposed to the jewelry. Oxygen causes sterling silver jewelry to quickly tarnish, though special cloths can be purchased that absorb and minimize oxygen to reduce the incidence of tarnish. Like gold, sterling silver should also be stored separately from gemstone jewelry to prevent unwanted scratches and nicks.

How to Store Gemstone Jewelry

One of the most important rules in storing gemstone jewelry is to keep it well away from the rest of your jewelry. Gemstones are much harder than most precious metals, and have sharp edges that easily nick and scratch the surface of other jewelry. In general, each piece of gemstone jewelry should be store separately – not in a separate box, but so the piece is not touching another piece of jewelry. The soft ring holder sections of jewelry boxes are ideal for this task, since they can hold rings and earrings upright, away from other pieces – protecting all your precious gems.

Top Four Ways To Keep Gold Looking Great

Your investment in gold jewelry should last for generations to come, as long as you properly care for it. When buying a beautiful piece of jewelry, taking care of it is often an afterthought. But regular wear requires regular care if you want your pieces to look their shiny, beautiful best. Here is a list of the Top Four Ways to Keep Gold Looking Great:

1. There is a Time to Wear, and a Time to Put it Away.

Sounds simple, right? It may be easy, but it’s a rule that is often forgotten. Even if you are absolutely in love with your wedding band, there are times when you should part with it. For example, gold should not ever be worn in swimming pools or jacuzzis due to the chlorine that can oxidize it.

Another time to take off your gold is when you are moving, building something, playing sports, or doing major housework. Higher Karat gold is very malleable, and is easily scarred for life with dents, dings and scratches from continual wear and abuse. Take it off for the heavy lifting, and wear it with love after the hard work is done to preserve gold’s smooth finish.

2. Avoid Chemicals like the Plague.

Chlorine is gold’s public enemy number one. Extended exposure will ruin your gold by oxidizing the metal and turning it black. Exercise extreme caution while wearing gold jewelry around all household cleaning products, pools, jacuzzis, and detergents. Bleach is another top offender that should never come in contact with gold. Keep your jewelry safe by removing gold rings, watches and bracelets before doing the laundry.

A list of lesser evils includes perfumes, cologne, hairspray and lotions. These can all temporarily tarnish your gold, so make a habit of putting on your jewelry after all personal grooming is done.

3. Safe Storage is a Must.

Jewelry boxes should be lined in velvet or satin to prevent the gold from getting scratched. Also, never keep multiple gold pieces in a pouch together, especially if they have gemstones. The gemstones are much stronger than the gold and will scratch it if kept together. Wrap smaller pieces of gold (stud earrings, for example) in tissue paper if they are stored next to other items.

4. Clean Well and Clean Regularly.

There are many different ways you can clean your gold jewelry. However, high-tech and expensive cleaning gadgetry is not always the most effective solution. For an affordable, easy cleaning method either purchase a jewelry cleaning kit specifically formulated to clean gold, or make an at-home mixture of gentle dish soap and water.

To make your own cleaning solution, mix one part soap to three parts water. Try to use filtered water to eliminate chlorine and other elements that are present in tap water. Soak the gold piece for thirty seconds or so, and then use a very soft toothbrush or clean sponge to remove dirt and debris. Never use toothpaste, as the abrasiveness can permanently dull your gold. Finally, rinse the jewelry off in cold, filtered water and polish with a soft, clean cloth. Polishing jewelry is one of the best ways to keep it shining and beautiful.

If your most-worn gold pieces have gemstones, it is wise to take them into a reputable jewelry store once a year for a professional cleaning. Also have the jeweler check the prongs and fasteners to ensure that they are holding the gemstone snugly and safely.

Following these four simple steps will keep your gold looking its best and brightest for generations to come. Happy Wearing!