The way you store your jewelry is often a matter of personal preference. For example, you may prefer to display your jewelry on a dresser or nightstand or put it inside of a box that you don’t look at again until it’s time to remove a piece.

Regardless of your display preferences or which room in your home you use for jewelry storage, it’s important to follow a few basic tips to ensure your jewelry doesn’t tarnish.

Always Keep Jewelry Clean and Dry While in Storage

Moisture on jewelry is one of the leading reasons for it to degrade or tarnish. This can also occur when the jewelry accumulates dust and debris that builds up over a long period of time.

Promptly removing moisture from your jewelry and cleaning it regularly is your best defense against premature wear. If you have never cleaned your jewelry before, these tips can help:

• Mix a small amount of lukewarm water with a few drops of dish detergent
• Place the jewelry in the solution for several seconds
• Buff away debris and dirt with a clean soft-bristled toothbrush
• Use a lint-free cloth to pat the jewelry dry
• Use a silver polishing cloth to remove any tarnish

Expose Jewelry to Consistent Temperatures

Living in a humid climate can cause your jewelry to tarnish. To prevent this, place your jewelry in a room in your home where you know the temperature remains consistent. If that’s not possible, run a dehumidifier or air conditioner in the room where you keep your jewelry.

You can also consider placing several silica packs around your jewelry to pull away excess moisture. Lastly, jewelry does better in dark rooms than in light ones.

These steps are essential to follow whether you keep your jewelry at home or in a rented storage facility.

Agnes Green