What's the Best Way to Store My Jewelry?

Written By Allie Perry February 28, 2025

It sucks when you want to wear your favorite piece of jewelry and you reach into your jewelry box only to find out it’s broken!

Shopping for jewelry is the fun part- but proper jewelry storage is essential for keeping your collection safe, untangled, organized, and in excellent condition. 

Here are a few tips and tricks on keeping your jewelry safe and accessible!

Keeping Chains Untangled

Necklaces and bracelets are notorious for tangling, which can lead to frustrating knots and potential breakage. Here are a few ways to prevent this:

• Zip-top Bags: When it’s time to store your chain, place it in a small zip-top bag with the clasp sticking out slightly, then zip it closed. This is my *favorite* method, and it’s how I store chains in my inventory. It helps prevent tangling, protects any associated pendants from knocking into other pieces in storage, and slows the tarnishing process on silver pieces.
• Use a Jewelry Stand or Hooks: Hanging chains individually on a jewelry stand or hooks prevents them from getting all jumbled up. Small command hooks inside your medicine cabinet or inside the door trim of your closet work great for this. Your chains will be easy to see and grab when you want to wear them. A note: never hang your pearls!
• Straws: Thread one end of a delicate chain through a straw and clasp it shut. 
• Compartmentalized Storage: Use a jewelry box with separate compartments to keep chains from rubbing against each other and creating knots. This method is ok for chunkier chains, but I’d avoid it for really fine chains- if you’re not careful, storing fine chains loose in a compartment can lead to tangling, especially in a portable storage solution.
• Pearl Pouches: Pearl strands should be stored in soft pouches and laid flat in your jewelry box or drawer. 

For a more comprehensive look at why chains angle and how to untangle them yourself, check out my blog post all about it here.

Storing Earrings and Backs Safely

Earrings need to be kept safe, and they need to be kept inter respective pairs. Studs are some of the smallest jewelry pieces you’ll own, making them the easiest to lose track of. And if you have any threaded posts and backs, you really need to make sure they stick together- threaded posts and backs come in different sizes and may not be compatible with other threaded earrings in your collection.

• Earring Holders: A jewelry organizer with pre-made holes or slots is ideal for keeping pairs together.
• Pill Cases or Ice Cube Trays: These small, divided compartments make great earring storage solutions and keep pairs neatly separated.
• Corrugated Cardboard: This solution may seem inelegant, but poking your earrings through a piece of cardboard or card stock and then reattaching the backs is a great way to store pairs of earrings. Traveling? Cut a slightly larger piece of cardboard so all of your earrings can be stored together.

Keeping Rings Organized

Rings, and the stones in them, can easily become scratched or misplaced if not stored properly, but ring storage solutions are everywhere!

• Ring Dishes: Keep a small dish in frequently used areas, like your vanity or bedside table, for everyday rings. Some have posts in the center to stack your rings on, but these aren’t necessary. Any simple low profile dish will work, as long as it’s got a smooth surface and a lip around the edge to prevent the rings from slipping off.
• Velvet Ring Box: A soft, cushioned ring box with slots is ideal for keeping rings separated and protected. You can get large version for home as well as small, zippered versions for travel.
• Their Original Box: Most rings you purchase will come in their own box. If you have the room, storing them in their original box will keep them safe and you won’t have to worry about buying a different ring box just for storage.

Preventing Damage to Stones

Gemstones are prone to scratches, chips, and dulling when stored improperly. And some colored stones can even have their color affected if they aren’t protected from long term exposure to sunlight.

• Separate Storage for Soft Stones: Softer stones like opals, pearls, and turquoise should be stored in soft pouches or separate compartments to avoid scratching.
• Avoid Sunlight and Moisture: Some stones can fade or become brittle when exposed to excessive heat, light, or humidity. Keep your jewelry in a cool, dry place.
• Line Jewelry Boxes with Soft Fabric: Avoid storing jewelry on hard surfaces—opt for a box with felt or velvet lining to cushion your pieces.

Final Tips for Safe Jewelry Storage

• Regularly Check for Damage: Inspect your jewelry for loose stones or worn prongs before storing it. And get it professionally checked at least once a year, and more frequently for the pieces you wear more often.
• Keep an Inventory: A quick photo catalog can help you keep track of your collection. This will help you avoid buying duplicates, and will protect you in case of loss or theft if you have to make an insurance claim. For your more valuable pieces, take a picture of yourself wearing the piece to show to your insurance company to prove ownership.
• Store Valuables in a Safe Place: For valuable items, consider a small safe or a lockable jewelry box.
• Never Leave Your Jewelry Lying Around: I can’t tell you how many horror stories I’ve heard over the years of jewelry stolen right off of someone’s dresser by a person they allowed in their house…sometimes even friends of the family.  Do not leave your jewelry out in plain sight.

It doesn’t take a lot of effort to keep your jewelry organized, safe, and looking its best. Once you find a system that works for you, stick with it and your jewelry will always be ready for you to wear.

And now that you have your jewelry all organized, it’s time to treat yourself to a brand new piece for your collection. You deserve it!