Storing Silver Jewelry

Getting kinks out of chained jewelry, especially the smaller chains is no fun. Find out how to properly store sterling silver chains to reduce the chance they will kink.

Sterling silver jewelry while a precious metal is much more affordable than gold or platinum. However, not taking proper care of sterling silver jewelry can end up costing more money since it will need to be replaced more frequently.

The two major maintenance problems with sterling silver jewelry? Kinking chains and tarnish. This article provides quick and easy ways to keep chains from kinking while they are being stored.

Reducing Kinks in Sterling Silver Chains

When storing sterling silver chains, especially those 2mm delicate ones that are so popular right now, take a page from how manufacturing companies store and ship their chains. Bulk chain is stored on reels. When a customer buys a certain length of chain from the manufacturer, the yardage is cut and wound on a smaller reel, which is placed in plastic bags for shipping. See Image 2 below for examples of how manufacturers ship sterling silver chain.

Making a Sterling Silver Chain Reel

Translating that method to at home use, the jewelry owners can use their own reel, such as an empty paper towel roll. Cut the paper towel roll into numerous smaller sections. Make sure to cut the roll horizontally and not vertically. The objective is to have many narrow rings of cardboard. Each chain is wound around the reel and secured in place by cutting a slit (or two if need be) at the top and threading the beginning and end of the chain through the slit so they are lying on the inside of the roll. See Image 1 below.

To provide more support for heavy chains, try using a utility knife to cut individual size water bottles into rings. Just take care while cutting. Scissors easily cut through cardboard rolls. Plastic is more resistant.

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