Jewelry Storage Tips
Whether you collect expensive antique diamond jewelry or cheap and cheerful costume accessories, finding the correct way to store your jewelry is vital if you want to preserve it for the future and not risk damaging it. Jewelry storage solutions need not be expensive. The most important thing is to make sure you choose the correct method for your individual pieces. A good jewelry box is an investment; make sure it contains earring pads, to keep earring together with their backs away from anything they can scratch. Does this Spark an idea?
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Separation
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Keeping pieces of jewelry separate is vital to ensuring you prevent damage. Ensure your jewelry box has lots of different compartments to make this easier. Hang up chains and necklaces on a jewelry tree to prevent them becoming tangled. If you need to carry them during travel, lay each chain flat in separate sections of a carry pouch which you can then roll up. Store earring face up on earring pads with the backs pushed onto them from behind. Make sure the backs do not come into contact with anything they can scratch. Save earring presentation boxes when you receive them as presents and store these in your jewelry box if it does not come with enough earring pads.
Lubrication and Tarnish
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A tiny amount of baby oil or glycerin will help keep jewelry clasps and fasteners working smoothly and prevent a build up of dust and grime on jewelry that is not being used every day. Use a cotton swab to apply a bit to all parts of the piece of jewelry. This will also help the item keep its luster and shine. Placing silver anti-tarnish strips (available from jewelers) will also help absorb oxidants that can cause jewelry to discolor.
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Pearls and Gem Stones
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While most necklaces should be stored hanging, this is not true of pearls, as the constant weight can damage the delicate silk threads. Instead they should be stored flat in individual trays. Pearls have delicate skins and the individual pearls should not be allowed to rub against each other while being stored. Stones such as turquoise and opals can also be damaged if allowed to rub against each in storage, so keep them in individual jewelry storage bags or pouches inside your jewelry box.
Order
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Think about how often you wear a particular piece of jewelry before deciding where and how to store it. One of the easiest way to accidentally damage jewelry is getting it in and out of a box or moving it around to access other pieces. Keep your most popular jewelry pieces at the front or top of your jewelry box in the compartments that are easiest to access. This way you will also be more likely to store your jewelry properly at the end of an evening.
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References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
