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| Jewelry Storage Tips |
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Keeping jewelry secure and contained can be as simple as using old, usable collectibles that are lying around the house. An old jewelry box, pouch, old purse, cloth diaper or even an old piece of rolled up felts works well to keep jewelry secure.
Certain jewelry boxes could actually do more harm than good to your Treasured Jewels! Some jewelry boxes do not have "holding areas" to keep your jewelry from rolling, grinding or bumping into each other, so always separate your jewelry when storing.
The jewelry industry has developed new jewelry holders, pouches, professional leather portfolios and clutches that are portable and flexible for traveling. They also have secure holding areas, snaps and grooves to keep jewelry from dancing when your not! You can find these items at major department stores.
Sometimes jewelry, either gold, costume or silver tarnishes went it is not worn. Silver grays or blackens while gold sometimes turns reddish brown. Gold does not tarnish, but the alloys in gold do. To keep the luster when storing, place silver (yes, silver) anti-tarnish strips wherever you store jewelry. This will create an environment that will absorb oxidants that discolor and tarnish jewelry.
Ever hear the story about someone that "
took jewelry off in a public place, to clean their hands and face and forgot to put them back on, left, returned only to find their precious items were gone forever". It happens ALL THE TIME! Never remove your jewelry when you are at an unfamiliar place. Only remove your jewelry when you are going to store it, which is usually at home. Get in the habit of removing your jewelry only in front of your jewelry box. This is an important procedure preventing you from leaving or misplacing something valuable or sentimental.
Inventorying your jewelry is an excellent way to keep accurate records should anything happen to your precious pieces. A photograph and a written physical description (a jewelry appraisal would be great) detailing every piece and its cost or value. This handy inventory list will become a valuable tool in case anything should happen. Most insurance companies will expedite a claim much faster when accurate records are submitted to them. Also, if you should want to replace your item, a jeweler can produce the lost item from the photograph much better than if you had to describe it to them.
If you plan to storage some of your jewelry for an extended amount of time, make sure that your living climate (weather) is not a moist or salty one. Corrosion can braise or destroy fine delicate items, even when protected by felts or tissues. If the climate is testy then make sure that your items are completely dry and clean, then secure them in felts or diapers with some anti-tarnish strips for good measure. After all that is completed, then put them into a jewelry box or container and wrap them into a baggie. If you have a freeze-dried machine, put the WRAPPED ITEMS into a freeze bag before procedure, then store as indicated above.
Chains, especially fine chains, present a problem of tangling when not in use. A simple remedy is to fasten both ends and hang the chains either on a self made hanger, tie rack or a chain tree. This allows you to keep the chains from tangling with each other and also to keeps your individual chains from stretching or bending.
Always store your jewelry face up, not on its side or upside down. Bracelets, chains and necklaces can develop bends and kinks if they are not properly positioned. Earring posts or clips can bend and rings can wear if they are not secured to a display or insert. Ring, bracelet, pendant or earring presentation boxes work great because they are made for long-term storage.
Add a drop of glycerin or baby oil to delicate, fine jewelry. Apply a small amount of the solution to all parts of the gemstone and metal. This procedure will help keep moisture in the gemstone and the metal lubricated, preventing dust, dirt or tarnish in making its way to working parts, joints or clasps that can break down over time.
If you do a lot of traveling and want to enjoy wearing it, there are a few basic supplies and rules for the road. First and foremost, invest in a professional leathered/felt lined jewelry portfolio pouch. They are the size of a large manila folder or workbook and usually come in basic black. The leathered pouch rolls open to contain multiple areas for storing. Rings, bracelets, chains, brooches, pendants and earrings can easily fit into a pouch, providing ample room for other precious items as well. Each area is designed for complete security and storage allowing snug fits for all sizes of jewelry items. The pouch rolls up tight so that it fits in most suitcases, makeup case, business attaché or the inside pocket of your overcoat.
Sterling silver is probably one of the softest precious metals around. It absorbs everything around it, becomes abraised, dented or scratched by touching something harder then it and wears very fast when worn. Most silver today has a fine layer of finish over it so that the elements can not do their harmful work. Unfortunately this layer can and will eventually wear off leaving you to handle as carefully as a newborn baby. When storing DO NOT clean or polish the jewelry with a heavy hand or with a lot of elbow grease. The overcoat will rub off. The best method for care is to apply a cleaner or clean very delicately then dab very, very, very dry. Brass is another metal that is very unpredictable.
Just like anything else, it is a very good idea to have all items for storage be checked and inspected for any possible problems or concerns. A jewelry inspection allows your jeweler an opportunity to professional clean and inspect wear areas that can lead to breakage, abrasion or god forbid a lost gemstone! Treat your jewelry like your health and it will take care of you - emotionally and financially |
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