Ask the Experts Storing Metal Findings Q&A

Should you store metal findings out of their original packages or is it best to leave them in the packages? I inadvertently left a lot of mine out of their packages and in drawers of the little plastic cabinets I was storing them in. Oddly some of both were in good shape and others not so much. Can you advise as to which is recommended?

Any metal that can tarnish requires special handing in storage. The includes sterling silver, copper, brass, and plated metal. 

We recommend anti-tarnish bags. These come in plastic or a more durable fabric form. If you want to store your metal pieces in the containers they arrive in, we suggest adding anti-tarnish paper. Alternatively, if it is all stored in a small space like a tote, you can use an anti-tarnish block to keep a whole small area tarnish free. 

Each of these solutions has a different shelf life, so be sure to take note of that when choosing which method to use.

Additional Resources:

• "Take it Off: All About Jewelry Storage"
• "How To use Anti-Tarnish Strips"

- Patti