How to Properly Store Antique Necklaces

  Properly storing your antique necklaces prevents unnecessary damage and ensures they retain their value over time. Not only that, careful organization also makes it easier to find and choose the perfect necklace to match your outfit on any given day. In this article, I present several Yays, a few Nays, and a number of tips and tricks to support you in caring for your antique necklaces when they are not beautifully gracing your neck.  

Yays & Nays

DO keep your antique necklaces in a clean, dry space.

DON’T hang them in the bathroom, where humidity can degrade the metal.

DO store them in velvet jewelry pouches.

DON’T store them in plastic bags.

DO store them in individual compartments.

DON’T store them in contact with plastic drawers or boxes.

DO store them flat to protect them from the negative effects of gravity.

   

Keep Antique Necklaces Clean & Dry

Costume jewelry can withstand the rigors of humidity and dust while hanging on a hook in the bathroom. However, antique necklaces require extra care. Therefore, I recommend storing them in a cotton- or velvet-lined box with individual compartments and a lid. This protects them from dust and humidity. You might even consider placing a few silica packets in the box to aid with moisture. You can also store them in individual pouches. Oftentimes jewelry stores sell necklaces in velvet pouches. You can also pick them up at craft stores. Just be sure to secure the clasp before sliding your necklace in a pouch. This prevents the chain from tying itself into knots. (source)  

Avoid Plastic

Plastic bags and boxes tend to retain moisture and humidity. If you do decide to use a plastic organizing box for your jewelry, be sure to line the bottom with cotton or velvet. And consider adding some moisture-absorbing sachets or silica packets to prevent humidity. Also ensure that you never store your silver jewelry touching rubber, such as rubber bands or rubber storage containers. The sulfur in rubber can cause silver to tarnish. (source)    

Avoid Scratching

Keep in mind that gold is relatively soft. To prevent scratching, keep your necklaces separate from each other and from other jewelry. Especially, when storing your antique necklaces near other jewelry with diamonds and gemstones. Diamonds in particular pose serious risk of scratching soft metals such as gold and silver. If you decide to store your necklaces beside other pieces of jewelry, consider wrapping them individually in tissue paper or soft fabric such as flannel or felt. You can also store rings and brooches in individual pouches beside necklaces, so they do not touch each other. The final thing to remember is to wear your antique necklaces often. Just remember to gently wipe them with a soft clean cloth before putting them back in your jewelry box. By following these basic storage principles, your antique jewelry will retain its integrity for years to come. ~Angela Magnotti Andrews