Jewelry takes a few extra steps to prevent any scratching or tarnishing while it is in storage. These guidelines should provide you with some important information on how to keep your jewelry beautiful for decades.
Clean It Before Storage
You can use some household products to clean your jewelry by placing the pieces in a plastic bowl with a small amount of dishwashing soap or ammonia using tepid water. Let the piece soak for a few minutes and scrub gently with a soft brush like a toothbrush. To add sparkle, place a bit of ammonia in the rinse water. Pat each piece of jewelry thoroughly dry before you attempt to store them. Other pieces require special treatment including diamonds and pearls:
- Diamonds: Diamonds should be cleaned in a solution of half cold water and half ammonia. Soak them for 30 minutes. However, vodka has been known for adding a bit of sparkle to the diamonds. Who knew?
- Cultured Pearls: Extra care is given to pearls because they are so soft. Use a damp cloth to wipe them off or you can also wash them with a mild soap.
- Coral, Amber, Opal, or Opaque Gems: These gems are porous and can only be wiped with a moist rag.
Use Chalk in the Container
Chalk works well to prevent tarnish. Place a few pieces of chalk in the bags with your jewelry to absorb any substances which can cause them to become discolored. It should be changed (if possible) every few months.
Use Silver-tarnish Cloth
It is advisable to use a silver tarnish cloth (Pacific Cloth) when you place your jewelry in any container. It can be purchased by the yard at a fabric warehouse or other similar outlets on the Internet. It is the only product currently on the market that possesses thousands of fine silver particles to absorb gasses which can tarnish your silver jewelry. It also protects your fine wearables from scratches and dust. The cloth can be used with your diamonds, brass, gold, and all other precious gems and metals.
Use Closed Plastic Bags
Plastic zip-close baggies are one of the best ways you can safely store your jewelry to prevent tarnish.
Use The Right Container
After you have all of your fine jewelry ready for storage, you can use several products to prevent them from shuffling during storage. You can purchase mini stackers for your rings and earrings. Use caution with bracelets and necklaces to keep them from kinking.
These are some of the tips to keep your jewelry safely stored. You also need to use caution and keep the jewelry away from humidity and excessive heat. If you place it in storage for an extended amount of time, you might need to consider using a climate-controlled unit at a facility like East Valley Self Storage.
