Caring For Your JewelryCaring For Your Jewelry Whether they be pearls, gemstones, precious metals, or just beautiful pieces with sentimental value, we all want to protect our items of jewelry and keep them looking good from year to year and generation to generation. To minimize scratches and damage to your jewelry collection and make sure it retains its sparkle and shine, follow a few simple guidelines from an expert.
Julie Sogg Seymour is the co-owner of New York's James II Galleries. Founded by her mother 35 years ago, the gallery specializes in 19th century decorative arts and jewelry. Seymour also owns a personal collection of jewelry, ranging from Victorian to contemporary pieces, and offers the following hints on taking care of your own beloved jewelry:
- Material.
Seymour believes that keeping jewelry organized by material is very important. She keeps all her copper jewelry in one box, and her silver jewelry in another.
- Soft and hard.
Certain soft metals and gems may get scratched if stored alongside harder materials. A softer amethyst, for example, could become scratched if it rubs against a harder diamond, so it's important to keep these separated.
- Protection.
Jewelry stores often provide little flannel bags with their pieces, and these are effective for preventing scratches and for reducing tarnish. According to Seymour, many metals become tarnished much more easily if left out in the air and light.
- Perfume.
Always remember to spray on your perfume before you put on your jewelry, not after. Any sort of moisture can lead to tarnish or rust, so keep your jewelry as dry as you can.
If you keep your pieces of jewelry safe, separated and put away, you'll protect their beauty and value for years to come, so organize that jewelry box today! | 
