Feb 25- Ask Maria: How to Store Jewelry to Prevent Tarnishing

Feb 25- Ask Maria: How to Store Jewelry to Prevent Tarnishing - GON in 5 Minutes Newsletter

Published: Tue, 02/25/25

Updated: Wed, 02/26/25

Get Organized Now!

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by Maria Gracia

February 25, 2025

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Ask Maria:

How to Store Jewelry to Prevent Tarnishing

GON Reader Question

Hi Maria,

Your tips on sorting, storing, and caring for jewelry were helpful. Do you have tips on storing silver jewelry to keep it from tarnishing? I hate to reach for a favorite necklace and find that it is starting to tarnish and I don't have time to polish it on my way out the door.

I'm constantly learning so much from your articles and helpful hints from readers. As I near 80, I find there is always something new to be learned.

Blessings,

Carol in Texas

Maria’s Response

Hi Carol,

I love your enthusiasm for learning! It’s true—there’s always something new to discover, and I’m so glad my tips have been helpful.

Tarnish on silver jewelry can be frustrating. But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with some simple solutions to keep your silver jewelry looking its best.

1. Store Silver in Anti-Tarnish Bags or Cloth
Silver tarnishes when it comes into contact with air and moisture. Using anti-tarnish bags or soft, treated jewelry cloths can help slow down the process. If you don’t have special bags, even a simple zip-top bag with all the air squeezed out will work in a pinch.

2. Keep Jewelry in an Airtight Container
A small jewelry box with a tight-fitting lid or even a glass jar with a seal can help minimize exposure to air. Adding a piece of chalk, a silica gel packet (like the ones found in shoeboxes), or a few grains of dry rice can help absorb excess moisture and prevent tarnishing.

3. Separate Silver from Other Jewelry
When silver is stored with other metals, it can tarnish faster due to chemical reactions. Try keeping silver pieces in their own compartments, pouches, or small boxes to slow down oxidation.

4. Wear Your Silver Often
Believe it or not, wearing silver jewelry helps prevent tarnish. The natural oils from your skin create a barrier that slows oxidation. Just be sure to remove it before swimming, showering, or using lotions and perfumes, as these can speed up tarnishing.

5. Use Anti-Tarnish Strips or Cloth Inside Your Jewelry Box
Anti-tarnish strips are an easy, inexpensive way to protect silver jewelry. Tuck a strip into your jewelry box or storage container, and it will help absorb sulfur and moisture, which cause tarnish.

6. Quick Fix: A Jewelry Cleaning Cloth
Even with great storage habits, silver jewelry may develop a slight tarnish over time. Keeping a treated silver polishing cloth on hand makes it easy to give your jewelry a quick shine before you head out the door.

Carol, I hope these tips help you keep your silver pieces shining beautifully!

Blessings,

Why Tarnish Takes Over

Ever noticed silver jewelry turning dark, old pennies looking dull, or brass losing its shine? That’s tarnish. Tarnish happens when certain metals—like silver, copper, and brass—react with air, moisture, or sulfur.

Instead of rusting like iron, they develop a dark or greenish coating. (That’s why the Statue of Liberty is green!)

Silver turns dark because of sulfur in the air.

Copper turns green when it reacts with oxygen.

Brass gets dull from moisture and oils.

The good news? Tarnish is only on the surface, so a good polish can bring back the shine.

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Maria Gracia
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