How to Store Your Jewellery
Protect Your Jewellery for Years to Come
Proper storage is one of the easiest ways to keep your jewellery looking beautiful. Whether it’s sterling silver, gemstone jewellery or your favourite everyday pieces, storing your jewellery correctly helps reduce tarnishing, prevent scratches and protect delicate settings.
With just a few simple habits, you can help your jewellery stay in excellent condition for years to come.
Why Proper Storage Matters
Jewellery is exposed to air, moisture and dust every day. Over time, these can contribute to tarnishing, dullness and unnecessary wear.
Storing your jewellery correctly helps to:
- Reduce tarnishing (oxidisation)
- Prevent scratches between pieces
- Protect delicate gemstones
- Keep chains from tangling
- Extend the life of your jewellery
The Best Way to Store Your Jewellery
For the best protection, I recommend:
- Keeping each piece separate whenever possible.
- Storing jewellery in a jewellery box with soft compartments or individual pouches.
- Keeping jewellery in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Closing clasps before storing necklaces and bracelets to help prevent tangling.
- Ensuring jewellery is completely dry before putting it away.
Things to Avoid
To help keep your jewellery looking its best, avoid:
- Leaving jewellery in damp bathrooms.
- Storing multiple pieces together where they can scratch one another.
- Exposing jewellery to perfumes, hairspray and household cleaning products before storage.
- Leaving sterling silver exposed to air for long periods without protection.
Extra Care for Sterling Silver
Sterling silver naturally tarnishes over time when exposed to air.
To help slow this process, consider storing your sterling silver jewellery in an anti-tarnish pouch or airtight jewellery box when it isn’t being worn. Regular wear and gentle cleaning also help maintain its natural shine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I keep jewellery in the bathroom?
It’s best not to. Bathrooms are often humid, and moisture can encourage sterling silver to tarnish more quickly.
Can I store all my jewellery together?
It’s better to keep pieces separate whenever possible. This helps prevent scratches, tangled chains and unnecessary wear.
Is it safe to store sterling silver in an airtight container?
Yes. Keeping sterling silver in an airtight container or anti-tarnish pouch can help reduce exposure to air and slow the natural tarnishing process.
Should I clean my jewellery before storing it?
Yes. Removing dirt, oils and moisture before storage helps keep your jewellery looking its best and reduces the likelihood of tarnish developing over time.
Jody’s Tip
As a jewellery maker, I’ve found that good storage is one of the simplest ways to protect your jewellery. Keeping each piece clean, dry and stored separately helps preserve its beauty and means it’s always ready to wear.
