How to Store Your Jewelry to Prevent Tarnishing: A Complete Guide
Tarnishing is the bane of any jewelry lover’s existence. Over time, exposure to air, moisture, and chemicals can cause your favorite pieces to lose their luster and develop a dull, discolored appearance. The longer a piece goes unclean the harder it is to get it shiney again! Fortunately, with the right storage methods, you can significantly reduce the risk of tarnishing and keep your jewelry looking as beautiful as the day you got it.
1. Keep Jewelry Clean Before Storing
Before you even think about storing your jewelry, it’s crucial to make sure each piece is clean because dirt, oils, and sweat can accelerate the tarnishing process.
How to Clean:
- see our comprehensive BLOG POST on jewelry cleaning
Pro Tip: Make sure your jewelry is completely dry before storing it. Even a small amount of moisture can cause tarnish.
2. Use Anti-Tarnish Strips or Cloths
Anti-tarnish strips and cloths are specially treated to absorb moisture and sulfur compounds from the air, two major culprits in the tarnishing process. Including these in your storage solutions can significantly prolong the life of your jewelry.
Check them out on AMAZON
How to Use:
- Place anti-tarnish strips in your jewelry box or storage container.
- Wrap individual pieces in anti-tarnish cloths for added protection.
Pro Tip: Replace anti-tarnish strips every few months to ensure they continue to be effective.
3. Store Jewelry in Airtight Containers
Air exposure is one of the main causes of tarnishing. To minimize this, store your jewelry in airtight containers that limit the amount of air that comes into contact with your pieces. I prefer to use small ziplock poly bags, all of our products come packaged in these little guys!
Best Options:
- Ziploc Bags: Place each piece in its own bag, squeezing out as much air as possible before sealing.
- Airtight Jewelry Boxes: Invest in a jewelry box with a tight seal to keep air out.
- Vacuum-Sealed Bags: For long-term storage, consider vacuum-sealing your jewelry to remove all air.
Pro Tip: Store pieces separately to prevent scratching, especially with delicate metals like silver.
4. Avoid Humid Environments
Humidity can be a major factor in the tarnishing of metal jewelry.
Tips for Reducing Humidity:
- Store your jewelry in a cool, dry room away from windows or bathrooms.
- Consider using a dehumidifier in your jewelry storage area.
- Include silica gel packets in your storage containers to absorb excess moisture.
Pro Tip: Never store jewelry in the bathroom, as the humidity from showers can accelerate tarnishing.
5. Separate Different Metals
Different metals can react with each other, leading to faster tarnishing.
How to Organize:
- Use a jewelry organizer with separate compartments for different metals.
- Store gold, silver, brass, and copper pieces in their own individual pouches or containers.
- For delicate pieces, wrap them in a soft cloth before placing them in their designated storage area.
Pro Tip: If possible, store fine jewelry in a separate location from costume jewelry to further reduce the risk of tarnishing.
6. Limit Exposure to Chemicals
Certain chemicals can speed up the tarnishing process.
Avoid Contact With:
- Perfume, lotion, and hair products
- Household cleaning products
- Rubber bands or latex gloves
Pro Tip: If you’ve worn your jewelry while applying any of these products, clean it thoroughly before storing.
7. Regularly Rotate and Check Your Jewelry
Even when stored properly, it’s important to regularly check your jewelry for signs of tarnish and give it a quick polish if needed. Rotating the pieces you wear frequently can also help prevent tarnish from setting in.
Pro Tip: Keep a calendar reminder to check and rotate your jewelry every few months.
Final Thoughts
Proper storage is the key to keeping your jewelry looking its best for years to come. By taking a few simple steps—cleaning your pieces before storage, using airtight containers, avoiding humid environments, and regularly checking your collection—you can significantly reduce tarnishing.