Storing your jewellery in style

What you need to know:

TO PRESERVE IT. You can’t just toss your jewellery lest it gets damaged or lost. Here are some pointers on how to keep it well

Being a major contributor to beauty and status, jewellery it is enjoyed and cherished by both men and women in every culture. Jewellery is obtained in various ways; it may be bought, a gift, or even inherited. Whether jewellery is presented in materials in their purest form or refined or replicated, to keep it safe and in good condition proper storage is required.
If not stored properly jewellery over time can become lost or damaged. Jewellery that is not stored properly becomes easy target for thieves and even your own housemates like children. Of course the manner in which jewellery made from expensive mineral is stored differs from costume jewellery.
Let us explore the various ways in which you can keep your jewellery safe and organised;

Jewellery pouches: These come in fabrics like velvet, satin or organza. Some come laced with anti-tarnish properties that help keep the jewellery looking new for a long period of time. They are designed to house a particular piece like a ring, bracelet or necklace. Jewellery like gold is very delicate and can easily be damaged by scratches from hard gemstones and therefore needs to be kept separately.
Jewellery boxes / cases: These come lined with fabric and divided into many compartments making it easy to keep pieces separated from each other to avoid scratching especially if they are made from diamonds or any other gemstones. If you cannot afford one, make use of cookie or chocolate tins, spray paint them to camouflage them then wrap each piece in soft tissue paper and place them in there. Alternatively cut out velvet fabric and glue it along the edges of the tin to keep it dry.

THE REGULAR PIECES
How to store the pieces that you wear daily
•Keep jewellery in a position that is easily accessible to you and away from the other accessories like lotions, perfumes etc. this helps during the morning rush when you are trying to match the pieces to the outfit and your partner is also trying to do his thing in the same space.
•Keep jewellery away from positions that are prone to high temperatures and humidity and dust.
•For long necklaces, usually the African craft type have a board made with hooks on which to hang them so they don’t get entangled.