If you have a ton of jewelry in your jewelry box or on your dresser, you will need to do something with it when you move. It is not ideal to throw it into a box because the gold will scratch and you will find that your necklaces and bracelets become tangled and knotted.

If you are planning on packing up and storing your fine jewelry, follow the tips below to help keep it in the best condition.

1. Zip-Lock Bags

If you plan on doing some traveling, you can place your jewelry in Zip-Lock bags temporarily. This storage method is preferred during travel, especially since your bag may be tossed around quite a bit.

You should only place one necklace and one bracelet into each bag so they do not become entangled with each other.

2. Get Jewelry Bags for Pearls

You can purchase soft, cloth lined bags for storage of your pearls. Each set of pearls should be placed inside of the bag and sealed. Since pearls do scratch easily, it is important to keep them separate from other jewelry.

3. Clean Your Jewelry

Before you place your jewelry in storage, make sure that you are cleaning it. If you fail to do so, the dirt and grime that collects on the jewelry can wear down the precious metal and also cause discoloration over time.

4. Keep Your Jewelry in a Climate-Controlled Unit

If you are placing your jewelry in a storage unit, make sure that the unit is climate-controlled. If you place it in a traditional unit and your jewelry faces extreme weather changes, it will not hold up. Humidity can destroy your fine jewelry and cause it to peel, deteriorate, and become discolored.

5. Store Like with Like

When you place your jewelry in groupings together, make sure to store like jewelry with like jewelry. For instance, do not place sterling silver and 14k gold together.

6. Choose a Solid Jewelry Box

If you are storing your fine jewelry in your home, make sure to choose a jewelry box that is sturdy on the exterior and plush on the interior. Never overcrowd the jewelry and place each piece in a designated spot.

If you are planning on storing your fine jewelry, follow the tips above to help you keep it free from deterioration.