We often chat about taking care of your jewellery while wearing it, but storing it properly when it's off duty is just as crucial. Keep reading for our best advice on maintaining your jewellery's condition and discover the essential updates you should make today to keep your collection both sparkling and secure.
1. Don’t Use Jewellery Stands and Holders
Yes we know they look pretty and you can admire your collection daily and see exactly what you have on hand at all times but these stands expose your precious pieces to the atmosphere, which may lead to tarnishing over time. This open exposure to factors like humidity, pollutants, and temperature fluctuations can exacerbate the discolouring.
Tarnishing occurs when metals, such as silver or brass, react with sulphur and oxygen in the air, forming a black film on the surface of the jewellery. Dust and debris can also accumulate on jewellery surfaces, dulling their shine and more importantly it will scratch the surface of the metal and gemstones. It's essential to store your jewellery in a clean, dust-free environment, such as a jewellery box or pouch.
2. Using Anti-Tarnish Strips or Pouches
Anti-tarnish strips or pouches can help prevent tarnishing, especially for silver jewellery. By storing your jewellery with anti-tarnish strips or pouches, you can create a protective barrier that inhibits tarnish formation, keeping your jewellery looking bright and shiny.
3. Make Sure Your Clasps are Closed
The simple trick of doing up your clasps on your necklaces and bracelets will help minimise your chains becoming tangled. This is also a good time to do a visual inspection ensuring that they are functioning correctly and securely. Clasps and closures can wear out over time due to repeated use, becoming loose or damaged and compromising the security of your jewellery. If your chains do become tangled take a look at our blog for some quick and easy tips to untangle your chains here
4. Storing Each Piece Separately
Storing each piece of jewellery separately is essential to prevent scratching and tangling. When your jewellery items come into contact with each other, they can cause scratches, dents and other damage. Gemstones can be particularly vulnerable when they knock against each other. By keeping your jewellery separate, you can protect each piece from unnecessary wear and tear, ensuring that it retains its beauty and value. We recommend something like this one here, found at Kmart where they can be stacked on top of each other and tailored to your collection type. With compartments for each type of jewellery, you can easily locate and access your favourite pieces without rummaging through a cluttered drawer or box. Additionally, storing jewellery in enclosed containers or compartments also minimises the risk of tarnishing.
When storing your earrings, hook hoops together and put the post of one earring through the butterfly of its partner's earring before securing the second butterfly ensuring pairs are always kept together. Earrings tend to be like socks, where one is always misplaced. The earrings will be secure like this so you don’t need to worry about rubbing against each other.
5. Keeping Pearl and Opal Jewellery Separate
We have mentioned keeping jewellery separate to protect it but we needed to single out Pearls and Opals, as they are soft gemstones and have delicate surfaces. They are vulnerable to scratches and abrasions, so it's essential to store them in a soft, padded container or pouch to protect their lustre and sheen. Avoid storing them with metal jewellery or other abrasive materials that can damage their surface.
6. Cleaning and Drying Jewellery Before Storing
It's essential to clean and dry your jewellery thoroughly before storing it to remove any oils, lotions, or residues that can attract dirt and debris. Cleaning your jewellery with a gentle jewellery cleaner and drying it with a soft polishing cloth helps remove surface impurities and restore its shine. By storing clean, dry jewellery, you can prevent dirt and grime from accumulating and keep your pieces looking their best.
7. Avoiding Direct Sunlight and Extreme Temperatures
Exposure to direct sunlight and extreme temperatures can cause irreversible damage to your jewellery. Sunlight can fade some gemstones, so it’s essential to store your jewellery in a cool, dark place away from sunlight and temperature fluctuations to preserve its beauty and integrity.
8. Inspecting Jewelry Regularly for Signs of Damage or Wear
It's essential to inspect your jewellery regularly for signs of damage or wear and address any issues promptly to prevent further damage. Over time, jewellery can become worn or damaged due to everyday wear and tear, exposure to chemicals, or accidental damage. Check out clasps and closing mechanisms. Stone settings such as claws and bezels can become loose and stones are vulnerable to falling out. Plating of all types and thicknesses can wear off but the good news is most items are easily re-plated restoring the original colour. A quick inspection of your jewellery every now and then can identify any issues early and take steps to repair or restore it, preserving its beauty and value for years to come.
9. Keeping Jewellery Away from Makeup and Chemicals
Harsh chemicals found in household cleaners, beauty products, and cosmetics can damage metals and gemstones. It's essential to keep jewellery away from these substances to avoid corrosion, discolouration, and other forms of damage. When cleaning or applying beauty products, remove your jewellery to protect it from exposure to chemicals. We have seen many pairs of earrings damaged from moisturisers, hair sprays and make up setting sprays.
10. Rotate Your Jewellery Regularly
Rotating your jewellery regularly helps ensure even wear and prevents certain pieces from being neglected. By rotating your jewellery collection, you can enjoy all of your pieces and prevent individual items from becoming worn or damaged due to excessive use. This practice also allows you to experiment with different styles and combinations, keeping your look fresh and versatile.