| Keeping sterling silver jewelry clean is often | | | | jewelry stores carry specialized bags and boxes |
| considered difficult enough for pieces you | | | | that help prevent tarnishing. When storing, it's best |
| frequently wear. However, pieces that are not | | | | to keep jewelry in separate bags, away from |
| worn for extended periods of time can corrode | | | | other hard items that may scratch your jewelry's |
| and tarnish as well. Thus, silver jewelry storage is | | | | surface. |
| a critical component for preventing corrosion and | | | | Places to Store Sterling Silver Jewelry |
| tarnish. By following a few simple rules, you can | | | | Avoid excessively humid areas, areas with direct |
| save yourself hours of cleaning and keep your | | | | sunlight, and other places where jewelry could rub |
| sterling silver jewelry bright and beautiful for | | | | up against other items. Do not store jewelry |
| years. | | | | directly on chemically treated surfaces, such as |
| Understanding Why Sterling Silver Jewelry | | | | wooden counter tops, since they contain |
| Tarnishes | | | | chemicals that may promote tarnishing of your |
| The tarnish on sterling silver jewelry is the result | | | | sterling silver. |
| of oxidative reactions with sulfur, such as | | | | Other Tools that Help Prevent Tarnish on Sterling |
| Hydrogen Sulfide, in the air and environment (the | | | | Silver Jewelry |
| nickel or copper alloy in most sterling silver also | | | | 1) Chalk - An old remedy for preventing tarnish, |
| undergoes its own oxidative reactions). The | | | | just store chalk in your jewelry box or container |
| corrosion of silver combined with sulfur creates | | | | and it will naturally absorb chemical residues in the |
| the darkening referred to as tarnish. Therefore, | | | | air. |
| you must insure your jewelry is clean and dry | | | | 2) Anti-Tarnish Strips - Sold in many places, these |
| before storage; since any moisture, dirt, oils or | | | | strips are usually made from non-toxic materials |
| other residual chemicals will accelerate the | | | | that absorb tarnish causing agents. |
| tarnishing. | | | | 3) Anti-Tarnish cloths - Similar to the strips, these |
| Containers for Silver Storage | | | | cloths are either chemically treated or saturated |
| A container that locks out air is preferable, since | | | | with traces of silver; both absorb sulfur and other |
| reducing contact with air will slow corrosion. The | | | | corrosive chemicals in the air. |
| most common household items with this function | | | | 4) Silica Packs - Those little packs you find in |
| are zip lock bags, or any other air tight bag with | | | | medicine bottles and shoe boxes among other |
| non-abrasive surfaces, such as those made of | | | | places. Highly useful in absorbing moisture in the |
| polyethylene or Mylar. Avoid polyvinyl plastic bags | | | | air, toss them in your jewelry containers instead |
| however, as they have chemical compounds that | | | | of the trash; you'll be preventing tarnish and |
| promote tarnishing. If you're willing to spend extra, | | | | recycling as well. |