How to properly store jewelry at home, the best ways and mistakes
Jewelry, like other jewelry, requires some personal care. In particular, in order for the products to retain their original appearance for a long time, it is necessary to arrange suitable storage space. For this, a variety of boxes are often used. But there are other options for solving the problem of storing jewelry at home. It should be borne in mind that such products do not tolerate contact with water and the effects of other factors.
General rules for storing jewelry
Regardless of the type of materials from which jewelry is made, a number of mandatory rules must be observed when storing jewelry:
- No contact with humidity and direct sunlight. The impact of both factors leads to the fact that the materials from which jewelry is made lose their original properties (change color, become cloudy, etc.).
- Store in individual packaging. Jewelry should not come into contact with other similar products and hard surfaces. The constant rubbing causes metals to tarnish and stones to scratch.
- Avoid contact with household chemicals and cosmetics.Due to these substances, jewelry also loses its original appearance.
It is recommended to remove jewelry before washing or treating hands with cosmetics (creams). Because of this, the jewelry spray slips off quickly.
It is not recommended to store jewelry in cardboard boxes. This material contains sulfur which can react with the metal.
Some storage and maintenance features
When choosing a place and method of storage, it should be borne in mind that each material has its own personal care requirements. In particular, some metals do not tolerate contact with stones, which are often inserted into jewelry.
Money
Money does not like constant contact with an open environment. When this metal interacts with oxygen, jewelry begins to darken due to the oxidation process that develops under such conditions. Therefore, with frequent wearing, silver items lose their original appearance over time and cannot be restored.
Gold
It is recommended to keep gold jewelry away from alkalis. Metal does not tolerate direct contact with such substances.
Platinum
Unlike silver and gold, platinum does not tarnish or oxidize. However, this does not mean that certain rules should not be followed when storing this metal. It is recommended to place platinum items separately from gold and silver items. Metal, in constant contact with hard surfaces, becomes covered with scratches, which can only be removed by professional polishing.
amber
Amber requires a delicate approach. When storing stone, avoid:
- direct sunlight;
- prolonged exposure to air (appearance of cracks);
- contact with hard surfaces;
- exposure to chemicals and cosmetics.
Also, it is not recommended to touch amber with hands, as subcutaneous fat damages the stone.
pearl
The pearl is a soft mineral that does not resist mechanical stress. Therefore, items with such decorations should be stored in a separate bag.
Gems
As noted, each stone has its own personal care requirements. However, it is recommended to store all minerals in dark boxes or bags, protecting them from direct sunlight.
However, gemstones should not be placed in plastic bags. Minerals need to "breathe". In addition, many stones do not tolerate contact with aggressive substances (chlorine, alkali), cosmetics and alcohol.
Other materials
Various materials are used to make jewelry, including threads and fishing lines. In this regard, the rules for storing jewelry can differ significantly depending on the type of product. However, compliance with the recommendations described above will allow you to keep jewelry for many years.
Storage Options
The best choice for storing jewelry that meets the above conditions is an organizer. This cabinet contains many small drawers, in each of which you can place a piece of jewelry. But other equally suitable options are used for storing jewelry.
Wall tracks
This option is suitable for beads and other long jewelry that can get tangled in boxes. The convenience of this method of storage is that the jewelry is always in view and there is no need to search for the desired product.
Jewelry does not need to be hung on hooks. For the wall storage of jewelry, original panels or open boxes are made. Thanks to this method, you can create full-fledged compositions that will decorate the room.
Organizer
A jewelry organizer is a compact box with many small compartments for jewelry. Some of these products are supplemented with special devices that facilitate the storage of rings and earrings. Thanks to the organizer, jewelry owners can immediately find the desired jewelry.
For storing jewelry, it is recommended to purchase boxes with a rigid frame and inner walls lined with a soft cloth. Wooden organizers are not suitable for silver. Also, for storing chains and bracelets, drawers with a long compartment are used, in which these products can be placed without creases.
coffins
The organizer can be called one of the varieties of boxes. Only in the latter case, special rollers are usually not provided for storing earrings and rings. It is best not to use boxes to store jewelry. This is especially true for pearls. Caskets can be purchased to store a small amount of jewelry, as there are few separate compartments in such cabinets.
Drawers in the dresser
For storing jewelry, you can select a separate drawer in the chest of drawers, placing trays with dividers in the latter for each decoration. This option is convenient because it allows you to hide all products in one place.
In the closet
Instead of a chest of drawers, you can select a separate drawer for jewelry in the closet by placing trays with dividers. Also, for storing jewelry, special racks with transparent pockets are placed on the door.
Common errors and solutions
The most common mistake when storing jewelry is storing all the jewelry in one box. For this reason, the products are confused with each other. In addition, with this type of storage, the surface of the jewel is erased and covered with scratches.
It is recommended to twist jewelry with leather laces into a ring and hang necklaces and chains. If the decoration has darkened, the rest of the products should be transferred to a new location. A change in color may indicate a "quarter" with material that reacts with jewelry.
Additional tips and tricks
No matter how carefully storage and care requirements are met, jewelry loses its original appearance over time. Therefore, it is recommended to clean the jewelry at least once a year. If the jewelry is made of expensive metals and contains pearls or other stones that require delicate care, these items should be taken to specialist workshops to restore their former appearance.