There’s nothing that can ruin your favorite jewellery pieces more than tarnish, especially since constantly having to clean tarnished jewellery can be such a hassle. The way you store your jewellery can have a great effect on how fast your jewellery tarnishes, which is why it’s important to know what tarnish is and how to prevent it.
What is tarnish?
Tarnish is a thin layer of corrosion that occurs to metals as a result of exposure to air or moisture. Tarnish occurs on jewellery when the surface of the piece interacts with sulfur from the air or humidity, as well as other outside substances such as lotions, body oils, sunblock, makeup, sweat, and perfume.
Tarnish can vary in degree from making your jewellery pieces look slightly dull to completely dulling them. Either way, tarnish can really ruin the look of a great piece, and here are some effective jewellery storage ideas in order to avoid tarnish from happening. But before that, it’s also important to know how not to store it:
1. Do not use display racks.
Display racks may make it more convenient to grab your jewellery as well as add decoration to your room, but they won’t do your pieces any favors in the long run. Display racks expose your jewellery to the outside air as well as humidity from your room, making it faster for them to tarnish.
2. Invest in good jewellery boxes instead.
What you want are jewellery boxes that close properly and are airtight, leaving no room for outside air to potentially get in. This will prevent tarnish from happening as it will prevent your jewellery from interacting with outside substances. It will also keep your jewellery in a cool dry place, therefore prevent moisture.
3. Store your boxes with chalk or silica gel packets.
If you want extra protection for your jewellery pieces, or if your jewellery box isn’t the most airtight, chalk or silica gel packets will absorb the moisture and help keep the box cool and dry. You’ll want to change your chalk piece every month or so in order to keep it fresh and working. This is how to keep jewellery from tarnishing in your jewellery box.
4. Use ziploc bags for on-the-go storage.
Ziploc bags are small, light, and portable, making them perfect for storing your jewellery when you’re traveling or going outside. This is especially true if you’re visiting a tropical place or living in one since the heat makes your jewellery much more at risk of moisture. Ziploc bags keep your pieces stored airtight as long as you remember to push the air out when you close them.
5. Separate your jewellery by metal.
This is why it’s important you have more than one jewellery box. There should be separate boxes for fine jewellery, costume jewellery, and silver jewellery. This will help prevent the metals from tarnishing when they interact with one another. Now that you know the best ways to store your jewellery, you’re ready to invest in high-quality jewellery because you know how to make them last a long time. Opals are some of the best jewellery pieces you can own and Vollé Jewellery is the best opal shop in Sydney. Call 02 9269 0898 to learn more.
FAQs
Store your boxes with chalk or silica gel packets.
How do you store jewelry so it will not tarnish? ›
The best place to store jewelry to prevent tarnishing and damage is a room that is low humidity and stays at a consistent temperature. But keep in mind that some jewelry requires extra humidity, such as opals and cameos, to prevent crazing and cracking problems.
Should you store jewelry in plastic bags? ›
Can You Store Jewelry in Plastic Bags? Contrary to popular belief, it's generally not a good idea to store jewelry in plastic bags. Plastic can trap moisture which can damage some metals and stones. In addition, some plastics may contain chemicals that can damage the surface of some fine metals, gems, and pearls.
What can you spray on jewelry to keep it from tarnishing? ›
ProtectaClear® is practically invisible once applied, dry quickly and will seal and protect jewelry from tarnish, oxidation, and corrosion. ProtectaClear® can be applied on jewelry by spraying, brushing or by dipping. Application method is up to you, as the product is so easy to use!
Where is the best place to store jewelry? ›
Choose a room or closet where the air temperature doesn't get too extreme and where it won't be in direct sunlight. If you have silver pieces, keep them in a room with low humidity to avoid tarnishing. Shallow drawers are preferable so the jewelry is easily accessible.
What is the best way to store your jewelry? ›
The fewer fluctuations in temperature, the better. Consider keeping jewelry boxes inside a consistently dark and cool interior closet. You could also hang a jewelry rack inside a closet door. Climate-controlled storage units are another great option if you're short on jewelry storage space at home.
What fabric is best for storing jewelry? ›
USE NATURAL FABRICS TO PROTECT JEWELRY
For fine jewelry, it is imperative that compartments be lined with a soft, natural fabric to protect precious metals and stones from wear-and-tear. Hard plastics and surfaces can harm fine jewelry. Natural fabrics such as cotton, silk, and wool are best.
Do ziplock bags keep silver from tarnishing? ›
Store Jewelry in Ziplock Bags
Airtight ziplock bags slow the development of tarnish on sterling silver pieces. Even if your jewelry is not made of silver, it's still good practice to use this method.
Are Ziploc bags safe for jewelry? ›
You can easily store silver and copper jewelry in plastic zip-lock bags. The airtight packaging of the bags prevents the jewelry from getting tarnished. Moreover, the reclosable zip bags are an excellent way to organize and separate jewelry and accessories so that different metals do not mix and react to one another.
What is the best material to store gold jewelry in? ›
Jewelry Box with Dry Fabric Lining
A jewelry box lined with dry fabric can be a gold piece's best friend. It provides a soft environment, preventing scratches, and the fabric helps to control humidity levels.
Step 1: Prevent Tarnishing
I've found that coating these charms in clear nail polish extends their life. Adding a new coat every so often will further help to stave off unsightly tarnish. You can also coat the inside of your rings to keep them from turning your finger green.
What do you put in a jewelry box to keep it from tarnishing? ›
Store your boxes with chalk or silica gel packets.
This is how to keep jewellery from tarnishing in your jewellery box.
How do you store cheap jewelry from tarnishing? ›
The best way to store your jewelry is laying flat, out of direct sunlight and preferably in an air tight container, like a jewelry box. It's hard to not wear your favorite necklace every day, but if it's not made of stainless steel, sterling silver or solid gold, you shouldn't.
Is it better to buy jewelry at a jewelry store or department store? ›
If you decide to visit a local independent jeweler, you will realize that the quality of the piece you purchase and/or design will be unique. On the other hand, a person who is looking for an engagement ring can walk into any chain store and then leave with a ring that hundreds or thousands of people have bought.
Is it better to store Jewellery in a box? ›
Use Jewelry Boxes or Organizers
Invest in a high-quality jewelry box or organizer with soft, padded compartments to protect your items from dust and damage. Ensure the storage solution you choose provides ample space for all your pieces without overcrowding.
How do you store sterling so it doesn't tarnish? ›
Wrap in Acid-Free Tissue Paper
Wrapping your sterling silver before storage will help keep away the chemicals that cause tarnish. This hack will also prevent silver pieces from scratching each other if you store them together.
Does Hairspray prevent jewelry from tarnishing? ›
Keep your jewelry away from sunlight and moisture, which can accelerate its corrosion. Secondly, avoid exposing jewelry to bleach, perfume, and hairspray chemicals. These substances can damage your jewelry and cause them to tarnish.
