How to store jewellery and beads | Beads Jar UK

22/01/2018 0 Comment(s) Introduction to Beading for beginners, Tutorials and Mini-Makes,

It is important to store your jewellery components and finished pieces of jewellery properly to avoid scratching, tarnishing and damage. Different materials need to be stored separately and it is vital metal is not mixed together as this can affect their quality. There are a range of storage solutions available to buy or you can use materials from your home to create your own containers.

Here is some information on how to keep your beads and jewellery in top condition and some of the storage solutions available. The storage you choose depends on the type of material and the size. Ensure you store each type of component individually to keep them at their best.

Compartment boxes

There are a range of boxes available with built in compartments enabling you to organize your beads and Findings easily. They are usually made out of transparent plastic so that you can view your components clearly and they come in different sizes. These are ideal for beads and metal jewellery findings so that you can find what you require with ease. If you are using them for metal findings ensure you keep the same type of metal within one box and do not mix Silver, Gold and Copper. It is useful to label the boxes once you have filled these as it makes it clearer to find what you need. You can find this type of storage with removable compartments so you can take out each required section at a time.

Ideal for beads and jewellery findings
Store metal components separately by material
Clearly displays items in transparent compartments

Jewellery storage bags

These storage bags are ideal for beaders on the move! It makes it easy to carry around your beads and findings whilst leaving them organized. They are usually rectangle shaped so that you can fit in several flat storage boxes stacked inside. Pockets within the bag are ideal for storing your Tools. The craft mates storage bag includes six compartment boxes inside the bag ready to fill with beads and findings.

Ideal for travelling
Space to stack flat jewellery storage boxes
Pockets to store Pliers and tools

Glass jars

Use glass jars to store a range of larger beads. You can buy empty storage jars or reuse jars from your kitchen cupboard e.g. Jam containers. These clear containers can be inexpensive storage solutions and are perfect to store a mixture of beads and decorative craft items.

Ideal for larger beads
Inexpensive
Transparent glass displays content effectively

Small glass bottles

Use smaller glass containers to store Seed beads, spacers or crimps. These are similar to the glass jars but smaller and often have a cork lid. They look fabulous to display seed beads! You can find these in a range of sizes and they look decorative when on display.

Perfect for seed beads
Look decorative on display
Transparent glass to show content

Stack Jars

These are very handy to store small findings and beads. They are round plastic pots which stack together and twist to secure. They are travel sized so perfect for if you are on the move. These jars keep your beads and charms separate so you can simply twist off the jar that you require.

Ideal for small beads and charms
Great for travelling
Made from clear plastic making it easy to view beads

Storing finished jewellery and metal components

Different types of metal and pearl jewellery needs to be stored separately to avoid scratching, tarnishing or any damage. Do not mix silver and gold items and ensure they are regularly cleaned. Take a look at our cleaning jewellery guide for some tips on how to keep your pieces sparkling for longer.

Silver

This reacts naturally with the environment and over time will tarnish through oxidization. Store silver jewellery in a protective pouch to avoid tarnishing and scratching. You can use a tarnish resistant cloth for cleaning and anti tarnish strips within the pouch.

Gold

You will find that gold is tarnish resistant however it can get dirty and lose its shine if not stored properly. Like silver you can store it separately in a pouch to avoid scratching and any damage.

Pearls

Limit exposure to chemicals and elements by storing your pearls in a cloth pouch. Pearls have a natural moisture and must not get dehydrated. You can store them with a small cup of water nearby to ensure they keep their moisture. Make sure they are not in an airtight container as this can cause them to dry out.

Tips for storing beads and jewellery

Store each type of jewellery individually
Use anti tarnish strips and cloth for silver items
Store gold, silver and pearls in protective pouches
Clean your supplies approximately every six months
Keep in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight
Any beaded jewellery on fine thread e.g. silk store flat or in a pouch

Take a look at our storage solutions for your beads and findings.