10 Common Jewellery Storage Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even well-intentioned jewellery owners often make storage mistakes that silently damage their precious pieces. Some of these errors are passed down through generations, while others seem like common sense but are actually harmful. Let's examine the ten most common storage mistakes and how to correct them.

Mistake #1: Storing All Jewellery Together

The kitchen junk drawer approach—throwing all your jewellery into a single container—is perhaps the most damaging storage mistake. When pieces contact each other:

• Harder stones scratch softer ones
• Chains tangle irreparably
• Delicate settings get bent
• Metals react with each other, accelerating tarnishing

The fix: Every piece should have its own dedicated space. Use a compartmentalised jewellery box, individual pouches, or divided drawer organisers.

Mistake #2: Storing Jewellery in the Bathroom

It seems convenient to keep jewellery where you get ready, but bathrooms are terrible environments for jewellery storage. The humidity from showers and baths accelerates tarnishing on silver, can damage organic gems like pearls and opals, and promotes corrosion on base metals.

The fix: Store jewellery in your bedroom or dressing area instead. If you must keep some pieces in the bathroom, limit it to pieces you're currently wearing and ensure they're in a closed container.

Mistake #3: Leaving Jewellery in Direct Sunlight

That beautiful display on your sunny windowsill is slowly destroying your jewellery. Sunlight causes:

• Fading in coloured gemstones (especially amethyst, rose quartz, and kunzite)
• Discolouration of pearls
• Yellowing of certain treated stones
• Drying and cracking in opals

The fix: Store jewellery in closed boxes or drawers away from windows. If you display jewellery, choose a location that doesn't receive direct sunlight.

Mistake #4: Storing Jewellery Dirty

Putting away jewellery without cleaning it first might save time in the moment, but it costs you later. Skin oils, lotions, perfume residue, and perspiration left on jewellery:

• Accelerate tarnishing
• Build up over time, becoming harder to remove
• Can eat into softer metals and gems
• Dull the sparkle of diamonds and other stones

The fix: Keep a soft polishing cloth near your jewellery storage. Wipe each piece before putting it away—it takes only seconds but prevents significant problems.

Mistake #5: Using the Wrong Storage Materials

Not all storage materials are jewellery-friendly. Common problematic materials include:

• Rubber bands: Contain sulphur, which tarnishes silver
• Newspaper: Contains acids and sulphur compounds
• Cotton balls: Fibres catch on prongs and settings
• Plastic bags: Can trap moisture and contain chemicals that affect metals
• Oak and cedar: These woods release acids that tarnish silver

The fix: Use materials designed for jewellery storage: velvet, felt, microfibre, or anti-tarnish cloth. If using plastic, ensure it's acid-free and designed for jewellery.

Mistake #6: Hanging Necklaces on Hooks Indefinitely

While hanging necklaces prevents tangling, permanent hook storage has drawbacks. Over time:

• Gravity stretches delicate chains
• Clasps and jump rings bear constant stress
• Dust accumulates on exposed pieces
• Pieces are exposed to air, accelerating tarnishing

The fix: Hooks are excellent for pieces you wear frequently. For necklaces you wear less often, store them flat in lined compartments or pouches, protecting them from gravity and air exposure.

Mistake #7: Overcrowding Your Jewellery Box

When you outgrow your jewellery box, the temptation is to squeeze just a few more pieces in. But overcrowding leads to:

• Pieces touching and scratching each other
• Difficulty finding specific items
• Stress on delicate pieces when removing others
• Frustration that makes you less likely to return pieces to proper storage

The fix: When your storage is 80% full, it's time to either upgrade to larger storage, add supplementary storage, or curate your collection. Don't wait until you're cramming pieces into any available space.

Mistake #8: Ignoring Temperature Extremes

Temperature fluctuations stress jewellery in ways you might not expect:

• Extreme heat can cause some gems to crack or change colour
• Rapid temperature changes cause thermal shock in stones
• Organic materials (pearls, amber, coral) are especially temperature-sensitive
• Metals expand and contract, potentially loosening settings

The fix: Store jewellery in a climate-controlled area away from heating vents, air conditioning units, and exterior walls. Avoid leaving jewellery in cars, especially during Australian summers.

Mistake #9: Putting Away Pearl Jewellery in Airtight Containers

While airtight storage works well for most jewellery (preventing oxidation), pearls are an exception. Pearls need some humidity to prevent drying, which leads to cracking and flaking. Airtight containers starve pearls of necessary moisture.

The fix: Store pearls in soft fabric pouches that allow air circulation. If your home is very dry, occasionally wrap pearls in a slightly damp cloth for a few hours, then return to normal storage.

Mistake #10: Never Inspecting Your Stored Jewellery

Out of sight, out of mind leads to nasty surprises. Jewellery stored long-term without inspection can develop:

• Significant tarnishing that becomes difficult to remove
• Loose stones that go unnoticed until they fall out
• Broken clasps and damaged settings
• Deterioration in organic materials

The fix: Schedule a quarterly review of your stored jewellery. Check for tarnish, inspect settings, and test clasps. Catch problems early when they're easier (and cheaper) to fix.

Creating Better Storage Habits

Correcting these mistakes doesn't require expensive equipment or extensive time. Start with these simple changes:

1. Today: Remove any jewellery from your bathroom
2. This week: Ensure every piece has its own space
3. This month: Inspect your collection and address any issues
4. Ongoing: Wipe pieces before storing and return them to designated spots

Small improvements in storage habits compound over time. The few extra seconds spent storing jewellery properly today save hours of cleaning and repair bills later—not to mention the irreplaceable value of keeping your precious pieces in beautiful condition.