What is the best way to store jewelry? Proven methods
Jewelry is a way to highlight beauty and character, as well as express personal style. It can also help boost self-confidence and self-esteem. How to store jewelry to protect it from damage?
Types of jewelry
There are three basic types of jewelry: fashion jewelry, semi-fine jewelry, and fine jewelry.
Fashion jewelry
Fashion jewelry is made of affordable materials, mostly non-plated metals, and uses synthetic gems. It is trendy and usually designed to last only a couple of seasons. Fashion jewelry is a good choice for everyday wear and for wear in places where it can be easily damaged, for instance a beach, a swimming pool, or a hiking trail.
Semi-fine jewelry
Semi-fine jewelry is usually made with plated materials. It has synthetic gems or lower-grade stones such as quartz. It is not very valuable, but it is still stylish and can enrich the outfit.
Fine jewelry
Fine jewelry is made with components that hold intrinsic value, such as gold, silver or platinum. It also has real gemstones, diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. Fine jewelry retains its value and can be passed down from generation to generation.
How does jewelry wear down?
Jewelry wears down by simply using it. Depending on its type, however, the process may give different results. Fashion jewelry, which is not plated, wears down easily. It often reacts with the skin or water and may eventually turn green. Semi-fine jewelry, on the other hand, is more resistant to discoloration, as it is plated in gold or silver. Nonetheless, the plating will eventually wear off and the silver coating may tarnish. Fine jewelry is the most resilient. That being said, in the course of time it may still lose its shine or get scratched.
Causes for jewelry damage
Jewelry can be simply worn out or damaged by external factors. It can be scratched due to improper use or storage. Chains, necklaces, and bracelets may become tangled and cause detriment to each other. A very common source for jewelry damage is its improper removal – a tug or incorrect grasping of the clasp may affect the condition of the lock. Moreover, jewelry damage is often caused by the oxidation triggered by the sun’s rays.
How to prevent jewelry damage?
To prevent jewelry damage it is important to remove it before strenuous activities, swimming, going into a hot tub, playing in the sun, gardening, and applying sunscreen or bug spray. It is also best to protect it from the direct sunlight and store it in a clean, dry place. Effective damage prevention requires regular cleaning of the jewelry and, in case of fine jewelry, visiting the jeweler to check for loose gemstones, prongs, and clasps.
Safe storage of jewelry
Most jewelry should be stored in separate boxes with soft padding which offer protection from the sun, humidity, and physical damage. To ensure the necklaces, rings, and bracelets keep all their qualities, it is best to put them in a specially prepared custom magnetic box. This type of casing is produced in many dimensions. It is made of thick solid cardboard, which ensures its robustness and resilience to outside forces. Custom magnetic boxes can be equipped with a cut cardboard or foam insert and are capable of effectively protecting the jewelry from possible exterior damages and changes of the temperature. Moreover, this type of casing comes in various colors, styles, and designs. It may be covered with various types of decorative veneers, such as canvas, leather or ecological paper, as well as decorated with hot stamping, soft touch foil, anti-scratch foil, embossing, debossing or UV varnishing.
