Fine jewelry can be as delicate as it is beautiful, and can require a little extra care than one might think. More often than not, we don’t store our treasures properly. This is why your jewelry sometimes ends up in a jumbled mess that takes hours to sort through and untangle. But there are easier methods for storing your fine jewelry items that will keep them safe, secure, and ready for their next wear—and we’re going to share them with you!

Choosing the Best Jewelry Box

The first step to safely storing your jewelry is to select a jewelry box that is designed specifically for fine jewelry storage. These come equipped with soft, fabric lining and several compartments for all of your items. Boxes fashioned from wood or plastic are great for external protection, but don’t always have fabric lining, meaning your jewelry can get scratched or damaged if placed in too carelessly. You want to be sure that each of your pieces has its own space, so as to prevent tangling or tugging, so be sure to shop for a jewelry box large enough to accommodate your collection. Jewelry is susceptible to damage from the elements, such as extreme temperatures or humidity, so you want to make sure that whichever box you choose is stored at room temperature and out of direct sunlight.

Keeping Your Jewelry Clean

It is important to store fine jewelry away from items considered costume. Just like these pieces erode and turn green, they can do the same to your fine jewelry items when stored too closely together. Musty smells can transfer from one item to another, as well as tarnishing and just general dinginess. Cleaning your jewelry box regularly is recommended to prevent these kinds of damages.

Store Items Separately

When storing fine jewelry, you have to consider the various components of each piece. Precious metals and gemstones each have unique properties and requirements for care. Diamonds, for example, are known for their durability. However, they still should be stored away from cleaning products, lotions, soaps, sprays, etc… and should be worn only after these items have been applied. Similarly, pearls are quite susceptible to wear and tear from body oils and sweat which can dull their sheen. Gemstones should be stored in a soft, cool pouch and should be wiped with a gentle cloth regularly to maintain their sparkle and shine. Sterling silver has the tendency to oxidize, meaning you should avoid air and light when storing.

Safety First

It is not only important to make sure that your jewelry has a safe home when unworn, but also crucial that your jewelry box be placed where your belongings are secure from theft. If you have access to a safe or other storage area secured with locks, you can rest easy knowing your jewelry won’t end up in the wrong hands. If you do not have a safe, try to find the most inconspicuous place to store your valuables. For pricier items that are more highly valued, consider jewelry insurance as an additional measure for protecting your belongings. For a relatively low cost, you can have that extra assurance in the event that a worst case scenario happens.

Jewelry Storage at Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers

At Leo Hamel Fine Jewelry & Engagement Rings Store, we boast a vast collection of fine jewelry from designers like Cartier, David Yurman, Tiffany & Co., and more! We also carry a great selection of jewelry boxes from prominent brands like Wolf, who have been designing jewelry storage and watch storage since 1834. Visit our San Diego showroom today! Not only will you find incredible pieces of fine jewelry that you’ll love, but the perfect home for them too.