A jewel is an accessory that we cherish and enjoy wearing; most of them have a special meaning to us. But if they are not stored properly, they can get scratched, tarnished, or develop some other ugly color. Women should know that tarnishing which results from chemical reactions between metals and the surrounding environment can tarnish their pieces. Thankfully, there are ways to properly store your jewelry so that it will continue to sparkle for many years. Here is the ultimate guide on How to Clean Tarnished Jewelry and how to store your jewelry and avoid tarnishing.
Why Does Jewelry Tarnish?
Before exploring storage solutions, it’s essential to understand why jewelry tarnishes:
Exposure to Air and Moisture
The effects of air such as oxygen and humidity are fatal to objects; this is especially so to metals such as silver as air hastens oxidation if given ample time.
Chemical Interactions
They are numerous and they tend to form residues that enhance tarnishing of the silver commodities in question.
How to Store Jewelry
- Use Airtight Containers
- Do not display your jewelry in open areas because this exposes it to both air and moisture causing tarnishing.
- Small plastic boxes with compartments or zip-lock bags are also good options.
Invest in Anti-Tarnish Strips
It is good practice to put straps of anti-tarnish or packets of silica gel in your storage containers as they help in combating humidity. These strips should also be replaced often to continue being efficient.
Separate Your Pieces
To avoid your jewelry getting damaged, you should avoid scratching it or getting it tangled, hence storing each piece individually. Avoid any contact between item surfaces by using separate soft cloth pouches, velvet-lined trays, or compartments.
Keep Away from Humidity
People should know if the air is damp, the tarnish will take place at a faster clip, hence it is recommended that they store their jewelry in a cool dry area. Do not keep their jewelry in places that are susceptible to high humidity, including bathroom or window ledges.
Extra Care Instructions for Various Kinds of Jewelry
Gold Jewelry
It is advised that gold pieces be stored in a soft cloth or felt so as not to cause abrasion to the gold. Do not store gold alongside other metals because tarnish may transfer to the gold.
Silver Jewelry
Silver jewelry should be put into anti-tarnish bags or cloth to minimize cases of oxidation. Do not use newspaper or tissue paper to wrap silver because they are likely to retain moisture.
Gemstone Jewelry
Storing the gemstone pieces in soft pouches will help to avoid that rough surface from scratching the jewelry. Some of the gems may discolor with time through direct sun exposure thus avoid exposing the gemstones to the sun directly.
Jewelry Care to Match Proper Storage
Clean Regularly
Shine your jewelry with a soft fresh cloth to clean sweat and other oils from your skin.
Rotate Usage
Wearing the same piece of jewelry on a day base might make it to be damaged easily. Move your pieces to allow them to rest.
Conclusion
Picking and arrangement play a major role in the way the jewelry is preserved, to its beauty and brilliance it has. If you store your jewelry in air-tight containers, separate pieces, and maintain temperature and humidity levels, your precious accessories will age less and last longer. Use these storage tips together with proper cleaning and care and your jewelry will remain bright for many years.
