How to Store Your Jewelry Properly – Prevent Tarnish & Scratches
Table of Contents
Why Jewelry Storage Matters
Most people search for “how to store jewelry so it doesn’t tarnish” only after a favorite ring or chain has already gone dull. Cleaning helps, but the way you store jewelry at home and when traveling often makes the bigger difference. Good storage protects your pieces from scratches, humidity, tangles and unnecessary wear, so they keep their original look much longer.
Even strong materials like 316L stainless steel and 18K PVD gold respond better when they’re stored correctly. Stainless steel does not rust in normal conditions, but dust, steam and friction can still leave the surface looking cloudy over time. Gold-plated jewelry - even high quality PVD finishes - stays beautiful longer when it’s kept away from humidity and hard surfaces.
This guide is part of our EXCITÀRE Jewelry Guides series. If you want to understand how storage fits into the bigger picture, explore these articles as well:
Below you’ll find a practical, real-life guide on how to store jewelry at home, how to keep necklaces from tangling, how to protect stainless steel and gold plated jewelry, and how to travel with your pieces without destroying them in one trip.
Humidity & Environment
One of the quietest "enemies" of jewelry is humidity. You don’t see it, but it sits in the air in bathrooms, kitchens, gyms and near windows. Over time, moisture mixes with tiny particles of dust and skincare residue, then slowly settles on your jewelry. The result: less shine, more film, and a surface that looks tired even if the metal underneath is still good.
For sterling silver, humidity speeds up tarnish. For brass or copper-based jewelry, it can work with sweat and skincare to leave green marks on your skin. For 316L stainless steel, humidity doesn’t cause rust in normal conditions, but it can still leave a dull layer on top that makes your pieces look less crisp.
If you’re wondering “where should I store my jewelry at home?”, the short answer is: in a dry, stable place. That usually means:
- a bedroom drawer instead of a bathroom shelf
- an enclosed jewelry box or tray instead of an open dish next to the sink
- away from radiators, windows and direct sunlight
You don’t need a special device to control humidity. Simply keeping jewelry out of steamy rooms and away from direct sun is already a big step toward preventing dullness and tarnish.
Friction & Scratches
The second quiet enemy is friction. Rubbing metal against metal, or metal against hard surfaces, creates micro-scratches that slowly change the way your jewelry reflects light. You don’t notice it after one day, but after months of “keys + coins + rings” in the same pocket, the difference is clear.
Scratches and friction show up fastest when:
- you drop chains and rings into the same bowl every night
- jewelry lives in a backpack or gym bag without a pouch
- pieces move around freely in a drawer or on a hard tray
Even tough materials like 316L stainless steel and 18K PVD gold will show this kind of wear over time. The goal is not to baby your jewelry, but to avoid constant metal-on-metal contact. The easiest solution is simple: each piece gets its own soft space.
Daily Storage: What Really Works at Home
Daily storage should be easy enough that you actually do it. If it takes more than a few seconds, you’ll end up placing jewelry on the nearest surface and forgetting about it. A good daily setup lets you take pieces off on autopilot, while still protecting them.
For everyday use, the best ways to store jewelry at home are:
- Soft pouches – Ideal for rings, chains and bracelets. They protect from friction, dust and light.
- Sectioned jewelry trays – Perfect for a bedside table or inside a drawer. Each compartment holds one or two pieces so they don’t rub against each other.
- Closed drawers or boxes – Keep humidity and dust away, especially if you live in a city apartment.
If you like seeing your jewelry, you can still use a tray or small dish on your dresser – just make sure the pieces don’t pile up on top of each other. A simple rule: if chains and rings are resting on metal, glass or stone, add a layer. A microfiber cloth, a soft insert or the EXCITÀRE velvet pouch already makes a big difference.
Cleaning and storage go hand in hand. If you want a full guide on how to clean jewelry at home before storing it, read: How to Care for Silver and Gold Jewelry.
How to Store Jewelry When Traveling
Travel is where most damage happens. You pack in a hurry, throw your everyday ring and chain into a side pocket, and by the time you arrive everything is tangled or covered in tiny scratches. If you’ve ever searched “how to travel with jewelry without tangling”, you already know the feeling.
A simple travel routine:
- Use individual soft pouches – One pouch per chain or ring is the safest option. This is the best way to store jewelry in a backpack or carry-on.
- Add structure – A small jewelry roll or hard travel case with dividers keeps everything in place so pieces don’t move and rub during flights or train rides.
- Keep jewelry in your carry-on – Checked luggage is thrown, stacked and compressed. Carry-on bags are gentler and stay in your control.
For necklaces, close the clasp before storing, then lay the chain in a soft loop rather than a tight ball. For rings and bracelets, avoid storing them inside hard cases without padding - the surface of the case can be just as abrasive as a table.
Your EXCITÀRE Velvet Storage Bag
Every EXCITÀRE piece arrives in a soft velvet storage bag. It’s not just a nice extra; it’s a practical tool designed for daily storage and travel. If you’ve ever wondered what the best way is to store stainless steel jewelry or how to protect gold plated pieces in a simple way – this is the answer.
The velvet bag helps to:
- separate jewelry so pieces don’t scratch each other
- limit contact with humidity on bathroom counters or desks
- reduce dust buildup that makes metal look cloudy
- protect chains and rings inside a backpack or suitcase
You can use the pouch as your default “home” for any piece you are not wearing. Take it off, wipe it quickly if needed, and slide it into the bag. This small habit keeps both silver-tone stainless steel and 18K PVD gold looking fresh for a long time.
Long-Term Storage for Rarely Worn Pieces
Some pieces you wear every day; others come out only for special occasions. For those rarely worn designs, long-term jewelry storage matters even more, because they spend most of their life in a box.
A simple long-term setup:
- place each piece in a soft pouch
- store it inside a closed box or drawer
- keep the box in a cool, dry place away from radiators and sunlight
- add a small silica gel pack if you live in a very humid climate
Before putting jewelry away for a long time, give it a quick clean so no sweat, sunscreen or skincare residue sits on the surface. Even stainless steel and PVD gold appreciate starting their “rest time” clean and dry.
Common Storage Mistakes
A few habits damage jewelry faster than people expect. If you recognise yourself in one of these, you’re not alone - and it’s easy to adjust.
- Storing jewelry in the bathroom – Showers and hot water fill the room with steam. Over time, this dulls shine and speeds up tarnish on sensitive metals.
- Keeping everything together in one bowl – Chains, rings and bracelets scratching against each other is a guaranteed way to create micro-scratches and tangles.
- Throwing jewelry into bags without a pouch – Keys, coins and zippers are much harder than jewelry surfaces.
- Leaving chains in tight knots – The longer a chain stays tangled, the harder it becomes to detangle it without damaging links.
- Storing jewelry in direct sunlight – Heat and light together can soften finishes and affect certain materials over time.
None of these mistakes ruin jewelry in one day, but they quietly shorten the time your pieces look their best. Changing where and how you put them away is usually enough to reverse the trend.
Conclusion
Correct storage is one of the simplest ways to keep your jewelry looking new. By protecting your pieces from humidity, friction and dust, you help both silver-tone stainless steel and 18K PVD gold stay bright, smooth and comfortable to wear.
You don’t need a complex system. A dry drawer, a soft tray and the EXCITÀRE velvet storage bag you receive with each piece are already enough to build a good routine. Take jewelry off, give it a quick wipe if needed, and store it with intention instead of dropping it on the nearest hard surface.
Ready to build a collection that fits your daily life? Explore our pieces here:
FAQ
Is it bad to store jewelry in the bathroom?
Yes. Bathrooms stay humid for a long time after showers. That moisture settles on jewelry and slowly dulls the surface, especially on silver and plated pieces. It’s better to store jewelry in a dry bedroom drawer or box.
Should I store jewelry together or separately?
Separately is better. When rings, chains and bracelets touch each other, they create small scratches and tangles. The safest way to store jewelry is to give each piece its own soft pouch or compartment inside a tray or box.
Can I travel with my jewelry in my backpack?
You can, as long as every piece is inside a soft pouch or small travel case. Loose jewelry in a backpack will rub against keys, zippers and hard objects, which causes scratches and tangles very quickly.
How do I store necklaces so they don’t tangle?
Close the clasp, lay the necklace in a soft loop and store it flat in a pouch or sectioned tray. Avoid dropping chains into deep bowls or pockets, where they move around and knot themselves over time.
Does EXCITÀRE provide jewelry storage bags?
Yes. Every EXCITÀRE piece comes with a premium velvet pouch designed for daily use and travel. It helps protect your jewelry from friction, dust and humidity, and is the easiest way to store your pieces safely when you’re not wearing them.
Want a full overview of sizing, materials, care and styling in one place? Read our hub article: Complete Jewelry Guide 2026 – The Handbook .