7 options for storing your jewellery: from luxurious jewellery cases to the best sustainable options.
I have been a jeweller for almost 20 years now, so it is quite obvious that I love jewellery. I have loved it from a young age and by now have built up quite a collection. From my own creations, to iconic pieces, to bits and pieces I find on my travels. The one thing I always struggle with is storage.
I feel like you are either one of those people who wants to display their jewellery on racks and be able to see it when you are getting dressed or you are like me and prefer it nicely tucked away in a good jewellery case.
I get it if you do like seeing it while you getting dressed. I have friends that have theirs displayed on walls and can pick out their accessories in a heart beat. But, as a jeweller I also know too well how bad this is for your jewellery.
Why should I store my jewellery in a good jewellery box?
Most jewellery is made with some type of metal, be it precious metals like gold and platinum; wonderful and noble metals like sterling silver or base metals like brass, tin or copper, with or without plating. But the thing is, metal does not like air. They are just not good friends: metal and air; the pair have never bonded.
Most types of metal contain a certain amount of silver. Silver is stable in pure air. But, let’s face it, who has pure air anymore? In the past 200 years the world’s air has become more contaminated and levels of sulfur have risen, so therefore your jewellery tarnishes much quicker than in the pre-industrial era. It is not only the sulfur in the air that causes it to tarnish, but the use of soap, deodorant and lotions. So your exposed jewellery will always tarnish. Whereas in a nice jewellery box with leather, velvet, suede or felt lining that absorbs lotions and sweat, your jewellery has a better chance of staying clean and untarnished.
Another reason I am not a fan of the “let it all hang out there” approach to jewellery storage and display is because I want to avoid jewellery touching each other. Why? Because it scratches, not only scratches the metal and dulls it, but also scratches the gemstones. Not so much of a problem with a super hard diamond but a big problem with softer stones like opals, emeralds and even pearls.
So as much as you love your wall display, your leather trays or ring dishes, it is time to put your jewellery away in a beautiful and practical jewellery box. And unfortunately, for some of you, that means out plain sight.
Below, I have curated the best jewellery boxes for you to choose from. I have made a careful selection from practical to high end and included some wonderful places to source vintage ones too.
Militza Ortiz rings in Stacker’s jewellery storage box.
1. STACKERS - Stacking your jewellery high in versatile cases
Let’s start with the most obvious choice: Slackers. Sold all over the UK, including John Lewis. With the added benefit of being a great value-for-money alternative. Slackers come in beautiful muted colours that will go with any decor.
Probably their biggest benefit is customisation. The fact that you can choose from different trays and boxes to suit your specific needs is unbeatable. Just make sure that top tray has a lid to avoid the dreaded air exposure.
2. SMYTHON - Luxury cases to store your heirlooms.
If you are looking for a bit of luxury to add to your vanity table, Smython jewellery boxes will deliver that. These boxes are incredibly well made using real leather on the outside and soft nubuck suede on the inside to keep your gems unscratched.
They come in various sizes, including a small travel size and deluxe case with various drawers and a detachable tray. An extra benefit is the gold lock and key.
The beauty of Smython luxury jewellery cases and rolls. Photo credit: Smython
3. STOW - a more affordable option of jewellery cases
Stow has a much more affordable option, though it is not my ideal jewellery box as it lacks the compartments other options have to offer. On the bright side, it is deep enough for you to store your jewellery in suede bags offered by manufacturers and it comes in pretty colours.
Aspinal of London’s beautiful jewellery storage box options. Photo credit: Aspinal of London
4. ASPINAL OF LONDON - for outstanding craftsmanship in leather jewellery cases
Craftsmanship is at the heart of Aspinal of London’s jewellery boxes. They are exquisitely made, and it shows. If money were no object, I think I would own at least a few of these jewellery cases.
They come in several sizes, with lovely locks and keys with tassels. And you can get them personalised.
5. THE OLD JEWELLERY BOX SHOP - The antique jewellery box of your dreams
If you love all things vintage and have a desire for a jewellery box from a precise period in time, The Old Jewellery Box Shop is for you. The dream team, Catherine Gothard and James Clark, source antique jewellery cases and restore them.
They always have a great selection on the web shop for you to choose from, but if don’t see one you like there, they can always source one for your specific needs be it size or a certain period of time.
Already own antique jewellery box? Why not get it restored? They offer to bring it back to life for you with new lining and mirror polishing.
6. EBAY.COM - The best option for jewellery lovers concerned with sustainability
For those interested in sustainability, buying a used or vintage jewellery box is a great option. Look out for treasures on ebay.
Though ebay does have many new items, you can always add filters to your search such as used and locality to avoid piling air miles onto your purchase.
7. Why not make your own jewellery box?
With a few tweaks, scissors and some crafts materials you can turn any box into a jewellery box to store your treasures. Take a look at how Laura Gunnerman from “A Beautiful Mess Blog” makes hers:
Click here for A Beautiful Mess Blog post- Make any box into a jewellery box
Or try making yours from an old cigar box with Anna Bode’s instructions.
For Anna Bode’s DIY Jewellery Box from a cigar box instructions
And that is all folks. Hopefully, I have convinced you to stop hanging your jewellery on your walls and stay way from jewellery trays.
Militza Ortiz
Wimbledon based jeweller with 20 years experience. I envision and hand create future heirlooms.
