Storing silver jewelry properly is a time saver, as it will always be ready to wear. These tips are for silver jewelry, but benefit most all jewelry. 

Summary

Before Storing

1. After wearing, give each piece a wipe-down or quick polish.
2. Store using your preferred storage method.

Storage

1. Store pieces in airtight containers (e.g. ziplock baggies):

• Preferably individually, so pieces don’t touch.

2. Include Storage Helps (see below) to:

• Protect against moisture (e.g., silica gel packs)
• Protect against sulfur in the air (e.g., activated charcoal packs)

3. The jewellery box should be:

• Opaque, so the inside is dark.
• Ideally lined with silver cloth.
• Stored out of direct sunlight, in a cool and dry place.

Example

1. At the end of the day, wipe-down or quick polish each piece. 
2. Place pieces in their ziplock baggies.
3. Place baggies into their jewellery box.

 

In Detail

Polish

Before storing each piece, give it a gentle wipe-down or quick polish to remove any unseen dirt and/or tarnish (see Cleaning Tips). This will help the pieces keep their lustre longer while in storage.

 

All Silver

It is important to store all jewelry of the same metal together. If mixed, the different metals will react with each other, causing tarnish and/or discolouration. 

 

Separate

Silver, as gold, is a malleable metal, so it will scratch relatively easily. Ensure spacing between pieces, so they do not touch or become entangled. Open any clasps or hooks. 

 

Air-tight

Any storage solution must include an airtight container. Air contains sulphur and moisture which will tarnish silver. Being in a jewellery box alone is not enough (unless made to be airtight), air and humidity will seep in.

Overnight Storage

The humble ziplock bag works well. In a pinch, when an airtight container can’t be found, look for a place that is cool, dark, and dry.

Longer Storage

For pieces not worn often, wrap or insert each piece inside a cloth or pouch made of lint free linen or 100% cotton - no synthetic fabrics - then place within the airtight bag. Ironically, the plastic of ziplock bags (and all plastics) may contain sulfur.

 

Storage Helps

These are used to create ideal storage conditions for jewelry.

Storage helps may be placed inside a larger container (e.g., jewelry box) as well as inside each individual container (e.g., ziplock baggies). This will give an added layer of protection, and extend the life of all storage helps.

Protect Against Moisture

Air contains moisture, which facilitates tarnish. To protect against this, silica gel packs may be placed in each airtight container. They are cheap and easily found on Amazon. We recommend the reusable type that change color.

Protect Against Sulfur

Air contains sulfur, which also facilitates tarnish. An anti-tarnish strip or activated charcoal pouch should be placed inside the airtight container. This is true even if most air has been eliminated (e.g., air squished out from a ziplock baggie).

Protect Against Both

Chalk

Amazingly, common chalk will protect against both moisture and sulphur. Simply keep a piece of chalk in each airtight container. 

Silver Cloth

Used to protect against sulfur and mild moisture. Recommended to line the jewelry box with this cloth. Jewelry may also be wrapped in it before going into baggies. 

Note: Silver cloth is not polishing cloth.

 

Where

Remember, jewelry wants to be stored cool, dark, and dry. So, an opaque jewellery box, placed away from moisture (i.e., not in a bathroom) and heat (e.g., sunlight, heat vent, etc., …) is ideal.

 

Experiment

Use a pair of earrings, to see how long tarnish takes in your environment. Store one earing one way, and the other another. Wipe/polish one after wearing, but not the other. How long does it take to notice a difference?

 

Conclusion

For pieces worn often, zealous storage practices may not be needed, as pieces will be wiped down and/or quick polished often. Local environment and/or current season will affect how silver tarnishes (e.g., dry/wet air).

Once a storage system that works for you has been decided, follow it, and it will become second nature. Remember, the more silver jewelry is worn - following proper practices (see Wearing Tips) - the easier it is to maintain silver's lustre.