Guide To Keeping Your Jewelry Safe and Organized
Did you know that keeping your jewelry sorted and organized goes a long way in prolonging the lifespan of your jewelry especially delicate pieces? To organize your jewelry safely and efficiently, first get a jewelry box or travel case lined with a soft material like satin or suede.
2. Sort your jewelry by type into the different compartments of your storage box. If your box doesn't have compartments, bag each piece in a soft fabric drawstring bag and sort your jewelry by kind, such as necklaces, rings, brooches, bracelets, earrings, etc. Note that chunky necklaces should be separated from delicate chains.
3. Separate out valuable pieces or family heirlooms. These should be kept in a home safe or safe-deposit box. You don’t want to risk losing these precious items. Also, make sure they are insured.
4. Sterling silver pieces should be cleaned and polished, and then kept in velvet pouches alongside silicone gel packs or anti-tarnish strips to minimize tarnish.
5. As you sort, toss out any broken pieces or pieces with missing pairs you cannot replace or style with pieces you already own.
6. When storing your jewelry, ensure you give it a gentle wipe before storing it. This helps get rid of anything that could eat away at the metal especially your plated pieces.
7. Ensure that each jewelry has its own compartment so they don't rub off on each other. Necklaces and delicate chain bracelets should be hung separately to prevent dreaded tangling. Bangles and bracelets can lay flat while rings should be arranged in the ring divider section or on a ring stand. Large, stiff earrings that won’t fit into a compartment can be stored in the box they came in or the posts can be poked into the ring dividers to keep them secure.
Once you’ve gone through this process of organizing your jewelry, it’s easy to keep your collection in excellent condition. Always remember to put your jewelry away when you take it off at night, taking care to return it to its proper compartment. Doing this will save you extra time in the morning when you’re scrambling to find those earrings that go with your outfit.
Bonus Tip, every year, do an annual audit of your personal collection. Spread out your entire collection once a year and remove any broken pieces or pieces you don’t like anymore. Taking an annual inventory reminds you of what you have so you can vary your daily choices. Maybe you’ll spot a pair of earrings you love but forgot you own (see our post on getting out a style rut). By editing it annually, you’ll also keep your collection fresh and exciting.
Your jewelry purchases are an investment, you owe it to yourself and your collection to store it properly and increase their lifespan.
