Your heart skips a beat as you slip that beautiful ring onto your finger or drape that exquisite necklace around your neck. 

The gleam of gold, the shimmer of silver—there's something timeless and utterly romantic about these precious metals. 

But there's a catch to this love story. Uh oh!

Gold and silver are delicate, and their allure can fade without proper care. 

That's why safely storing your jewelry is as important as choosing the perfect piece for your big day or that unforgettable proposal.

You might be thinking, "But how exactly do I do that?" 

Well, you're in luck. 

This blog is your treasure map, guiding you through the intricacies of jewelry care. 

We'll share tips, dispel myths, and reveal secrets to ensure your gold and silver pieces remain as radiant as the day you fell in love with them. 

So, take a moment and stop staring longingly into one another's eyes, lovebirds—it's time to embark on this journey of preservation!

Sterling Silver Jewelry

Sterling silver, also known as 925 silver, is one of the most popular materials used in jewelry making, and for a good reason. 

You may wonder, "Why is it called 925 silver?" 

The answer lies in its composition. Sterling silver is an alloy, meaning it's a mixture of metals.

It comprises 92.5% pure silver (thus, the '925') and 7.5% other metals, typically copper.

While beautiful and lustrous, pure silver is too soft to create durable jewelry. 

By introducing copper into the mix, we get an alloy that maintains silver's brilliance but is significantly more durable, ideal for crafting all sorts of beautiful pieces, from stunning engagement rings to intricate necklace pendants.

The hallmark '925' is often stamped onto sterling silver items, guaranteeing quality.

This reassurance is crucial, especially when buying pieces for significant life events like anniversaries or birthdays.

Don't let the presence of copper make you think any less of sterling silver! 

The alloy is renowned for its bright, white metallic finish that rivals the sheen of more expensive metals like white gold or platinum.

This, combined with its durability and affordability, makes sterling silver a go-to choice for many couples worldwide.

Where to store sterling silver

When it comes to storing your cherished sterling silver pieces, it’s all location, location, location!

Here's the lowdown:

Anti-Tarnish Bags

Invest in anti-tarnish bags for optimum storage. 

These specially designed bags slow down the tarnishing process by absorbing sulfides and other pollutants in the air.

They are a safe haven for your sterling silver, maintaining its shine and delaying the onset of any discoloration.

Away from Sunlight

Excessive exposure to sunlight can hasten tarnishing. Thus, storing your sterling silver in a cool, dark place is best. 

An interior drawer or a cabinet away from windows is ideal. Just remember, your jewelry loves the shade!

Away from Wood

Surprisingly, wood can be harmful to your sterling silver. It doesn't like the competition! 

Certain types of wood, particularly oak, emit chemicals that can lead to faster tarnishing. So, avoid wooden jewelry boxes or drawers lined with wood.

Instead, opt for boxes lined with fabric, ideally anti-tarnish cloth, to keep your pieces gleaming for longer.

Tips for Storing Sterling Silver

Knowing where to store your sterling silver is just part of the equation. 

Here are some additional pro-tips to keep your pieces in perfect condition:

Avoid Containers with Adhesive

Adhesives often emit chemicals that can accelerate tarnishing. 

So, when choosing a storage container for your sterling silver, avoid those with adhesive, such as certain types of jewelry boxes or bags.

Absorb Moisture in the Container

Humidity is no friend to sterling silver!

To combat moisture, add silica gel packets or pieces of chalk to your jewelry container.

These act as desiccants, absorbing excess moisture and significantly slowing the tarnishing process.

Don't Store Sterling Silver with Other Materials

Different metals can react with one another, leading to quicker tarnishing or even damage. 

As a rule of thumb, keep your sterling silver pieces separate from jewelry made from other materials.

This segregation ensures that your silver stays pristine and radiant for as long as possible.

How do I prevent my sterling silver from tarnishing?

Even the most cared-for sterling silver can tarnish over time. 

Here's how you can delay this natural process:

Cool, Dry Spot

A cool, dry environment is perfect for your sterling silver.

Exposure to heat and humidity can speed up tarnishing, so always store your pieces somewhere with a stable, lower temperature.

Avoid Storing Near Beauty Products

Did you know beauty products like lotions, perfumes, and hair sprays can cause tarnishing?

To protect your silver, always put on your jewelry after applying these products and store it away from them.

Use an Anti-Tarnish Product

For added protection, consider using an anti-tarnish product.

These can be strips, cloths, or sprays that add a protective layer to your silver, keeping it shiny for longer.

Gold Jewelry

We don’t know about you, but to us, gold jewelry simply sings timeless elegance! 

Gold symbolizes luxury and status, which have captivated humanity for thousands of years.

The defining feature of gold jewelry is, of course, the gold itself. Pure gold, often referred to as 24-karat gold, is too soft for use in jewelry; a playdough ring might actually hold its shape better! - Just kidding, but you get the point.

To pack some extra strength and durability into it, gold is typically mixed with other metals like silver, copper, nickel, or zinc, creating an alloy. The karatage of the gold jewelry – 10k, 14k, 18k, etc. – denotes the proportion of gold in the alloy. 

For example, 14-karat gold is 14 parts gold and 10 parts other metals.

We can’t get enough of gold because of its versatility - we’d design everything in gold if we could!

Want a different color tone for your gold? No problem! 

It can be alloyed with different metals to change its color. Yellow gold is the result of combining gold with copper and silver.

Mixing white metals like palladium or nickel with gold produces white gold.

There's also rose gold, which gets its lovely pink hue from a larger proportion of copper.

Maybe you're drawn to the traditional allure of yellow gold, the modern sophistication of white gold, or the romantic charm of rose gold; there's no denying the enduring appeal of gold jewelry. 

Gold will undoubtedly always be a cherished choice for engagements, weddings, and other milestone moments.

Where to store gold

Gold may not tarnish like silver, but it still needs careful storage to maintain its luster.

Jewelry Box with Dry Fabric Lining

A jewelry box lined with dry fabric can be a gold piece's best friend. It provides a soft environment, preventing scratches, and the fabric helps to control humidity levels.

Ensure a Stable Temperature and Low Humidity

Gold dislikes extreme conditions. Don’t we all?

Store your gold jewelry in a stable temperature and low humidity location to prevent any potential damage.

This could be an interior drawer or a well-insulated jewelry box.

Tips for Storing Gold

The right storage can prolong the beauty of your gold jewelry. 

Here are some pointers to keep in mind:

Consider a Safety Deposit Box or Home Safe

For high-value gold items, consider storing them in a safety-deposit box at a bank or a home safe.

You don’t want any pesky hands getting on them without your permission!

This protects your pieces from environmental factors and offers enhanced security against theft or loss.

Don't Store with Jewelry Made from Other Materials

Gold doesn’t favor company!

To prevent scratches and chemical reactions, store your gold separately from other types of jewelry.

Gold is softer than many other metals and can easily be scratched if not stored properly.

Keep Original Boxes, Insurance, and Valuations Separate

It's crucial to keep all important documents, such as original boxes, insurance papers, and valuations separate from the jewelry itself. 

This way, in case life isn’t going to plan, you have all the necessary details available, and they are not at risk of being lost or damaged along with the jewelry.

Store these documents in another safe place for easy access when needed.

How do I prevent gold from tarnishing?

While gold is less susceptible to tarnishing than other metals, it still requires thoughtful care. 

Here's how to keep your gold gleaming:

Cool, Dry Spot

Always store your gold jewelry in a cool, dry spot. Heat can alter the appearance of gold and exacerbate any potential tarnishing.

Minimize Humidity

Humidity is the enemy of gold, especially lower-karat gold which contains other metals that can oxidize.

Use desiccants or invest in a dehumidifier to keep your storage area dry.

Encase in Anti-Tarnish Products

Anti-tarnish strips, cloths, and bags can help prevent tarnishing and keep your gold jewelry shining for longer.

If Gold Plated, Use a Plastic Bag

Your jewelry doesn’t have to be all gold for you to protect it, either! 

If it's gold-plated, an extra layer of protection can help prolong its life.

Store it in a plastic bag, removing as much oxygen as possible before sealing.

This can help slow down the wear and tear that often affects plated jewelry.

Our Favorite Gold Engagement and Wedding Rings

Bleu Royale Black Carbon & Beveled Edge Wedding Band

Simon G. Round Cut Supernova Diamond Baguette Halo Engagement Ring

Our Favorite Silver & Gold Fine Jewelry 

Lafonn Three Stone Simulated Round Cut Diamond Necklace

Ben Garelick Shimmering Diamond Marquise Shaped Teardrop Pendant

Securing Your Sparkle: The Golden (or Silver!) Finale

As we wrap up this journey through the realm of gold and silver storage, remember that your precious pieces are more than just adornments. 

They're emblems of love, tokens of cherished memories, and heirlooms for future generations.

Ensuring their longevity is a labor of love, a testament to their significance in your life. 

Treat them with the care and love they deserve (just like you do your special someone), providing them with a safe and suitable environment for their preservation. 

Make a note of these tips! They’re here to help you get the best out of your silver and gold pieces. 

With them, you can ensure your jewelry continues to gleam as brightly as your love, day after day, year after year.

After all, you're not just safeguarding metal and gemstones but also preserving moments, memories, and milestones. 

So, here's to keeping your treasures as timeless as the moments they represent. 

Happy storing, jewelry lovers!

Visit us at our Buffalo, NY store today. Not nearby? Not to worry - chat with our engagement experts online 24/7, call us on (716) 631-1584, or text (716) 574-0966.

Let’s find the perfect engagement ring for the love of your life!

Peter Manka Jr. - Owner at Ben Garelick

Peter Manka Jr. is a passionate member of the family business who joined Ben Garelick in the early 2000s after working in product licensing for Sesame Workshop & The Jim Henson Company for many years. He obtained a degree in diamonds and jewelry from the prestigious Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in order to sharpen his jewelry skills. He takes great pride in providing exceptional customer service and helping clients find the perfect piece of jewelry.