How do you store jewelry? 8 tips to prevent scratches and tangles

The best way to store jewelry is clean, protected, and separated so that different pieces do not rub against each other. Necklaces should be stored so that the chains do not tangle, rings and earrings benefit from separate compartments, and more delicate materials like pearls need extra protection against scratches, strong heat, and chemicals.

Proper jewelry storage does not have to be complicated. A simple jewelry box with soft, separate compartments goes a long way.

The important thing is to understand what actually wears down jewelry when it's not being worn. A necklace tangled with other chains can get knots and scratches. Rings stored loosely together can hit each other. Pearls can be scratched by much harder materials.

Here are eight simple ways to avoid the most common problems.

In this article

• Store clean jewelry
• Store jewelry separately
• How to store necklaces without tangling?
• How to store rings?
• How to store earrings?
• Can you store jewelry in the bathroom?
• How to store PVD jewelry?
• How to store pearl jewelry?
• How to pack jewelry for travel?
• Frequently asked questions

1. Store clean jewelry

Jewelry doesn't need a full cleaning every time you put it away. However, it's good not to store it for extended periods with obvious residues of skin cream, perfume, makeup, sweat, or other products on the surface.

It's a good idea to wipe everyday jewelry with a soft cloth before putting it away.

If the jewelry needs a thorough cleaning, you can follow our guide How to clean jewelry at home? 7 simple steps to maintain shine.

After cleaning, the jewelry should be thoroughly wiped dry before being put back into storage. An important exception is pearls and certain other organic materials, which should not be stored in extremely dry and hot environments.

2. Store jewelry separately to reduce scratches

One of the simplest rules is also one of the most important:

When rings, earrings, chains, and stones move against each other, friction occurs. Harder materials can also scratch softer materials.

A jewelry box with individual compartments is therefore a better alternative than a single large box. This does not mean that every piece of jewelry needs its own exclusive box. The goal is simply to reduce unnecessary contact between pieces.

3. How to store necklaces without tangling?

Thin chains have an impressive ability to create knots precisely when you have the least time to untangle them.

The simplest way to avoid this is to store necklaces separately and with the chain extended.

For example, you can:

• Hang necklaces on separate hooks
• Use a jewelry box with chain holders
• Place each necklace in a separate compartment
• Close the clasp before putting the necklace away
• Use a separate soft pouch for travel

For really thin chains, separation is especially important. Two fine chains lying on top of each other can quickly become much harder to untangle than you'd expect.

4. How to store rings?

Rings are best stored in individual, soft compartments or ring holders.

This reduces the risk of:

• Rings hitting each other
• Polished surfaces getting scratched
• Stones or decorative details bumping against metal
• Rings getting lost among larger jewelry pieces

If you have several rings, they should therefore not just be tossed into a small compartment together.

This also applies to durable materials. 316L stainless steel is hard-wearing, but a polished surface can still get cosmetic scratches from contact with other hard objects.

5. How to store earrings?

Preferably store earrings in pairs and in separate small compartments.

This has two advantages. You reduce contact with other jewelry and avoid searching for the other half of a pair when you're about to leave the house.

For studs, a special earring holder can be practical. You can also use small separate compartments in a jewelry box.

Make sure the backings are on before putting the earrings away. Small backings are otherwise among the easiest jewelry parts to lose.

6. Can you store jewelry in the bathroom?

The bathroom is generally not the best permanent storage location for most jewelry.

Humidity often changes significantly when you shower, and products like perfume, hairspray, and cleaning agents are often present in the same environment.

A bedroom, wardrobe, or another protected place with a more stable indoor environment is usually a better choice for a jewelry box.

But there's an important nuance here. It's easy to make the mistake of saying that all jewelry should always be stored as dry as possible. This is not without exception. Pearls and certain other organic materials should not be stored in extremely dry and hot environments.

7. How to store PVD jewelry?

PVD jewelry does not require any complicated special storage.

For everyday jewelry in 316L stainless steel with a PVD finish, the most important principles are:

1. Put away the jewelry clean and wiped dry.
2. Store it separately from hard or sharp objects.
3. Preferably use a soft compartment, a pouch, or the original box.
4. Avoid direct contact with household chemicals and cosmetic products during storage.
5. Do not let chains get tangled.

PVD provides a durable surface finish, but it doesn't mean the surface is impossible to scratch. Friction and hard objects can still affect the finish.

If you want to understand the material better, you can read What is PVD gold? How it differs from regular gold plating.

8. How to store pearl jewelry?

Pearls require more care as they are relatively soft and can therefore be easily scratched by hard metal and harder stones.

In practice, this means:

• Store pearls separately from harder jewelry.
• Use a soft pouch or a lined compartment.
• Avoid prolonged storage in extreme heat or very dry environments.
• Keep perfume, hairspray, and strong chemicals away from pearls.
• Gently wipe them after use.

Pearls should therefore not be treated exactly like ordinary steel jewelry. This is a good example of why material-specific care matters.

Which storage suits different jewelry?

How to pack jewelry when traveling?

The same principle applies for travel as at home: separate the pieces and minimize movement.

A small travel case with multiple compartments is the simplest solution.

Preferably pack:

• Rings in padded compartments
• Earrings in pairs
• Necklaces separately
• Pearls in soft protection
• Jewelry with stones so they cannot hit each other

Furthermore, only bring the jewelry you actually think you will use. Fewer pieces mean less to keep track of and fewer opportunities for tangles.

What common storage mistakes should you avoid?

Putting all jewelry in the same bowl

It's convenient in the moment, but increases contact between different surfaces and thus the risk of scratches and tangles.

Putting away tangled necklaces

A small knot can become much harder to untangle later. Untangle the chain before putting it away.

Storing jewelry with cosmetic residues

Wipe off visible residues of skin cream, perfume, makeup, or sweat before longer storage.

Storing pearls together with hard jewelry

Pearls are softer and can be scratched by hard metal and certain stones.

Assuming all materials need the exact same environment

Steel, silver, pearls, and different stones have different properties. Adapt storage according to the most delicate material in the jewelry.

Frequently asked questions about jewelry storage

Should you store jewelry in pouches?

Yes. A soft separate pouch can be a good way to reduce contact and scratches, especially when traveling. For more delicate jewelry, the material of the pouch should be soft and clean.

How do you prevent necklaces from tangling?

Store each necklace separately, preferably hanging or extended, and close the clasp before putting it away. For travel, a travel case with separate compartments can help.

Should you store jewelry in its original boxes?

Yes, this is often a good option. A lined box or soft pouch helps protect the jewelry from contact with other pieces.

Can you store jewelry in the bathroom?

For most jewelry, a place with a more stable indoor environment is a better choice than a humid bathroom. Pearls, however, are a special case and should not be stored in extremely dry or hot environments.

How do you store jewelry so it doesn't get scratched?

Separate them. Use individual compartments, soft pouches, or lined holders so that hard surfaces do not rub against each other.

How should jewelry be stored when traveling?

Use a small padded travel case and keep rings, earrings, necklaces, and more delicate pieces separated. This reduces the risk of tangles, scratches, and impact damage.

Good storage starts with simple habits

You don't need an elaborate storage system to take care of your jewelry.

The most important habits are simple: keep them clean, separate them, and adapt storage to the material.

Hang or separate thin necklaces. Give rings their own compartments. Keep earrings in pairs. Protect PVD finishes from unnecessary friction and give pearls the extra care their softer surface requires.

Together with regular, mild cleaning, good storage helps you reduce unnecessary scratches, knots, and wear.

Sources and further reading

• Gemological Institute of America: Tips on Caring for Jewelry
• Gemological Institute of America: How should I care for my pearls?