7 Mistakes Everyone Makes When Storing Jewelry
Your precious jewelry deserves the best care, yet many of us unknowingly make mistakes when storing our treasured pieces. Whether it's your grandmother's pearl necklace or a dazzling tennis bracelet, improper storage can lead to tarnishing, scratches, or even permanent damage. At Robinson's Jewelers, we want to help you avoid these common pitfalls so your jewelry remains as stunning as the day you bought it.
From tangled chains to neglected cleaning routines, even small oversights can have big consequences. Let's explore the seven most frequent mistakes people make when storing their jewelry and how to fix them. By the end of this guide, you'll be equipped with expert tips to keep your collection looking its best for years to come.
1. Throwing Everything Together in a Jewelry Box
It's tempting to toss all your jewelry into one box, but this can cause serious damage. Diamond rings can scratch softer metals like sterling silver, and delicate chains can become hopelessly tangled. Instead, invest in a jewelry box with separate compartments or use individual soft pouches for each piece. For hoop earrings and chandelier earrings, consider using earring holders to prevent bending or loss.
2. Storing Jewelry in Humid Environments
Bathrooms and other humid areas are terrible places to store jewelry. Moisture accelerates tarnishing, especially for sterling silver pieces, and can damage organic materials like pearls or opals. Instead, choose a cool, dry place like a bedroom dresser. For extra protection, include anti-tarnish strips or silica gel packets in your storage area to absorb excess moisture.
3. Neglecting to Clean Jewelry Before Storage
Oils from your skin, lotions, and everyday grime can build up on jewelry, leading to dullness and potential damage over time. Always clean your pieces before putting them away. Use a gentle jewelry cleaner for diamonds and hard gemstones, while pearls and opals require just a soft, damp cloth. This simple step will keep your eternity bands sparkling and your gemstone pendants vibrant.
4. Exposing Jewelry to Direct Sunlight
While sunlight might make your diamonds sparkle beautifully, prolonged exposure can fade colored gemstones and damage delicate materials. Amethysts, topaz, and other colored stones can lose their vibrancy when stored in sunny spots. Keep your jewelry in a dark place or use opaque containers to protect your precious pieces from harmful UV rays.
5. Not Securing Clasps and Fasteners
Before storing necklaces and bracelets, always fasten the clasps. This prevents tangling and reduces stress on the chains. For delicate pieces like lariat necklaces or charm bracelets, consider hanging them individually or laying them flat in a lined jewelry box. This simple habit can save you from frustrating untangling sessions and potential damage.
6. Using Paper or Plastic for Long-Term Storage
While convenient, paper and plastic can actually harm your jewelry over time. Paper contains acids that can tarnish metals, while plastic can trap moisture. Instead, opt for acid-free tissue paper, soft fabric pouches, or tarnish-resistant jewelry boxes. For your finest pieces like platinum engagement rings or gold bangle bracelets, consider individual lined compartments in a quality jewelry box.
7. Forgetting to Remove Jewelry Before Certain Activities
This storage mistake happens before you even put your jewelry away. Wearing rings while applying lotion, sleeping in delicate chains, or keeping on your pearl earrings at the beach can lead to damage that storage can't fix. Make it a habit to remove jewelry before swimming, exercising, or applying beauty products. Your future self will thank you when your sapphire ring still looks brand new years later.
By avoiding these common storage mistakes, you'll preserve the beauty and value of your jewelry collection for generations. At Robinson's Jewelers, we're passionate about helping you care for your precious pieces. Visit our jewelry collections to find beautiful new additions to your properly stored collection, or stop by for professional cleaning and maintenance advice. Your jewelry is an investment in beauty and memories - treat it with the care it deserves!