3 Easy Ways to Pack Your Jewelry for Travel

May 2, 2019 1 Comment

Spring is finally here, and with it comes warmer weather and vacation season!

One of the biggest challenges of packing for travel can be knowing how to safely pack your jewelry. We all know the frustration of untangling a necklace chain after it’s been jostled in a suitcase, and the heartbreak of losing an earring from your favorite pair.

We want you to confidently take your jewelry along on all of your adventures (and, tag us in your photos on Instagram with #jadornyourlove!)

With that in mind, we’re sharing 3 easy ways to pack your jewelry for travel, using items that you likely already have at home!

Tip #1: Use straws to keep necklace chains from tangling

This trick for packing a necklace tangle-free is inexpensive and customizable. And, since straws come in multi packs, you can pack several necklaces to have plenty of style options!

Here’s how to use straws to pack jewelry without tangling:

Use a standard sized straw for shorter necklaces (16-18 inches).

If you’re packing a longer necklace, like our Tiered Tassel & Gemstone Necklace, use an extra long plastic straw made for oversized travel cups.

For thin bracelets, we recommend using paper straws.

Here’s how it works:

First, use a pair of scissors to cut the straw to approximately half the length of the bracelet.

Next, gently slide the bracelet into the fitted paper straw with the clasp ends sticking out on either side.

Lastly, close the bracelet’s clasp so the straw can’t slide off. You’re done!

Tip #2: Use Glad Press ‘n Seal to Pack Flat

Use this common pantry item to safely pack your jewelry – even the most fragile pearls and druzies!

Here’s a step by step guide showing how to use Glad Press ‘n Seal for packing your jewelry:

First, cut a length of the film and lay it out flat, sticky side up.

Next, lay out all of your jewelry on the sticky film, making sure to leave enough space between pieces to create a seal.

After the jewelry is in place, use your fingers to gently press each piece into place on the sticky surface.

Lastly, cut a second length of film to match the size of your bottom piece. Carefully place the second layer, sticky side down, onto the first piece and jewelry.

Gently press the top layer of Press ‘n Seal down to seal (get it?) the jewelry in place.

Start at the outer edges, smoothing the adhesive as you go
Work your way inward, pressing gently
Create a protective seal between each piece of jewelry and gently press the top layer around each item

Now you’re all ready to add your packed jewelry to your suitcase!

Bonus Pro Tip: We recommend sandwiching the sealed jewelry layer between scarves or soft pieces of clothing to keep it cushioned while you travel.

Tip #3: Reuse the Your Jewelry’s Packaging

Did you know that at J’Adorn Designs we choose our packaging carefully so our customers can reuse it?

It’s true! **Because we care about the planet and extending the life of your jewelry investment, we provide packaging for your accessories to keep them safe in storage!**

Here are a few ideas of how you can reuse the packaging we provide for J’Adorn Designs jewelry:

If you’ve purchased a piece of Tassel Jewelry from us, you know that we send them in plastic tubes to keep the tassels from fraying. We want you to save these tubes to keep your tassels in top condition whenever you’re not wearing them!

So, when you travel with your tassel jewelry, just slide them into their tubes and place them in their original hard paper box.

The final step is securing the lid in place.

(We like to use a hair band for this, since we’ll need them during the trip, too!)

Our finer jewelry comes with upgraded packaging that you can also reuse for safely traveling with jewelry.

Simply place your jewelry in these heirloom quality boxes, like the pink bracelet box with microsuede lining pictured above.

We love to use our upgraded microsuede pouches for the safe keeping of earrings and delicate necklaces!

**The fabric divider inside the pouch provides a separation for earrings so they won’t knock into each other and chip.**

This is especially vital for druzy gemstone jewelry because the tiny crystals are so fragile.

This pouch also works great with a fine pendant necklace to keep its chain from scratching delicate gems and pearls.

Now that you have all of our best tips for safe jewelry packing, you’re ready to jet set with all your favorite jewels in tow!

How to pack your jewelry safely for travel and storage, professional jewelry care tips by J'Adorn Designs custom jeweler in Maryland

Safe travels, and don’t forget to tag us when you take your J’Adorn jewels on your travel adventures!

You can use #JADORNYOURLOVE on all social platforms

(and we love to reshare!)

How-to photos: Britney Clause Photography
Modeled photos: Cecile Storm Pictures

Know Your Bling

3 Summer Jewelry Care Tips

June 29, 2017 1 Comment

Make sure your favorite pieces keep shining long after sundown with this handy summer jewelry care guide.

Summer Jewelry Care Tips, How to Keep Jewelry Nice During Summer, How to Clean Jewelry by J'Adorn Designs custom jeweler

Photo by Brooke Michelle Photography

Ah, summer… The days are longer, the nights are radder; the sun is brighter making the jewels even sparklier!

But while you accessorize your favorite warm weather outfits, keep in mind that summer’s extra heat and social calendar could pose a risk of damaging your favorite pieces of jewelry. (Cue horror movie shrieks!)

Take a deep breath; you don’t have to despair! Your favorite jewelry designer is here with a handy list of summer jewelry care tips to make sure your metals stay shiny and your stones continue to sparkle!

Photo by Madison Short

The single most important part of summer jewelry care is remembering to take it off!

More specifically, be sure to take off your jewelry before any of the following activities to ensure its shine & color will last:

Before you SWEAT
Before you SWIM
Before you SUNSCREEN

Photo by Olivia Reed Photography

1. Before you SWIM

When the ocean calls your name, all you want is to dive straight into the water. But stop for just one second to remove your precious jewels before making a beeline for the waves.

This quick pause can prevent your favorite gold necklace from turning green.

I don’t know about you, but a deeper tan is the only color change I want to bring home from a day at the beach! The same principle also applies for a day at the pool.

2. Before you SUNSCREEN

Practical wisdom tell us to apply sunscreen generously at this time of the year to prevent damage & premature aging. But did you know that the lotion you wear to save your skin can do the opposite for your jewelry?

Take off your jewels before applying sunscreen, and be sure to let it fully dry and soak in before putting them back on.

Photo by Olivia Reed Photography

3. Before you SWEAT

The third “S” to keep in mind when you remember to remove your jewelry is SWEAT.

Depending on where you live, a simple walk outside in the summer could result in a glistening brow or full waterworks. If perspiration reaches the places where your jewelry touches – your neck, hairline, hands, and wrists – it can quickly become a destructive force on the surface of your jewelry, particularly for plated metals.

So, consider how much you might sweat during your walk along the shore or bike ride to the farmer’s market and plan your outfit accordingly!

Summer Jewelry Care Tips, How to Keep Jewelry Nice in Hot Weather, Tropical Jewelry Care, by J'Adorn Designs Custom Jewelry Photo by Brooke Michelle Photography

Sound a little too involved?

If you don’t want to bother with removing your jewelry every time you engage in your favorite summer activities, you can always reach for non-plated metals or colorful statement pieces made of fabric, plastic, or glass when you accessorize for the day. These materials stand up much stronger against the elements of summer. Plus, they could add some unexpected flourishes of color & texture to your look!

Want to read more of my jewelry care tips? Check out my post, “5 Ways to Ruin Your Jewelry,” and learn what else you can do to protect your jewelry!

Know Your Bling

5 Ways to Ruin Your Jewelry

October 20, 2016 5 Comments

You love your jewelry.
But do you know how to care for it?

It’s ok. You don’t have to feel embarrassed. Most people are clueless when it comes to jewelry care!

When you buy a piece of jewelry it doesn’t come with an instructional care tag like your favorite cashmere sweater or silk blouse. But proper jewelry care is the number one way to protect your investment. So, today I’m sharing my list of “what not to do” while wearing your jewelry!

1. Sleep

First on the list of what not to do while wearing your jewelry is something you’ll spend roughly 50% of your life doing: Sleeping.

Your bed might seem like a harmless place to wear your jewelry. After all, you’re surrounded by pillows and blankets! What’s the worst that could happen?

Because you move around while sleeping, the potential to sustain unintentional damage to your jewelry is actually quite high. Tossing and turning in the sheets can catch a ring prong between threads, pulling it open ever-so-slightly. You may not even notice a change when you wake up, but over time a stone could come loose or even fall out. You’re better off playing it safe.

Solution: Invest in a ring box or dish to keep on your bedside table. Get yourself into the habit of taking off your accessories each night before bed. Keep your jewels safe all night and they’ll be ready for you to wear in the morning!

2. Shower

Between abrasive soaps, slippery water, and the drain, the shower is one of the last places your jewelry wants to be.

Ok, I’ll be the first to admit that I have broken this jewelry care rule. In fact, I’d wager that most women wear their wedding rings into the shower. But your fine and fashion jewelry are both better off on the counter (or back in that special box you bought back in #1!)

This is because the ingredients used in soaps, shampoos, shaving creams, and scrubs can cause both temporary and long-term damage to your favorite accessories. Residue from these substances gets caught between the prongs of your rings, dulling the shine and making stones appear dirty. Furthermore, abrasive agents eat away the finish on your metals, requiring you to have them re-plated by a professional jeweler at more frequent intervals. If this happens to your fashion jewelry, which is generally not built for longevity, the plating could come off altogether after a dip in the shower.

Finally, we’ve all heard horror stories of people who lose their wedding ring down the drain. Even if it feels secure when you step into the shower, the combination of conditioner and water can cause a ring to slide right off your finger!

Solution: Save yourself the headache and make sure you’re totally naked before taking a shower.

3. Swim

Whether you’re taking a dip in salt water or a chlorinated pool, remove your jewelry first!

Any blonde who’s spent too much time in the pool on a summer day can attest to the caustic properties of chlorine. But did you know that it can also discolor your jewelry? Gold-plated jewelry responds particularly poorly to pool water, since the chlorine can strip the plating completely. When this happens it exposes the raw brass underneath, which can turn green in the chemicals.

Salt water and its close companion, beach sand, also pose a risk to your jewelry because of the small, abrasive particles of which both are comprised.

Solution: Leave your jewels at home. Or, bring along a small zippered bag made of neoprene or plastic that eliminates any risk of sand getting inside. Tuck it inside your beach bag, and you’re set!

4. Spray

Remove your jewelry before applying hairspray, perfume, aerosol deodorant, or spray-on sunscreen.

Much like the products you use in the shower, spray-on substances adhere to the surface of your jewelry, dulling the shine and getting stuck in small nooks. The damage that sprays cause is two-fold:

Sticky sprays like hairspray can catch dirt, dust, and particles from the environment, which will then stick to your jewelry.
Non-sticky sprays like perfume will cling to the surface of your metal jewelry and eat away at the finish or plating.

Solution: Keep all of these cosmetics in a place near your shower. That way, you can apply them first thing after washing up, before getting dressed or putting your jewelry on for the day.

5. Sweat

My final jewelry care tip is to go [metal] accessory-free before you exercise.

Sweat isn’t a great substance for most types of jewelry to come in contact with. Plated metals are particularly vulnerable to the damage sweat can cause. The oil and salt that your skin produces during a heavy workout or long afternoon in the sun are both abrasive and adhesive, so the finish wears away while other damaging particles like dirt and dust easily get stuck. This isn’t the glistening goddess look you’d envisioned!

Unlike rules 1-4, this one has a couple of exceptions:

Cloth jewelry: hemp, cotton, nylon, etc. (as long as you can wash it!)
Stone bead jewelry like Mala bracelets, which are a popular accessory and meditation aid among yogis

Solution: Leave your jewelry at home before hitting the gym. Or, use the same type of bag from #3 to keep your jewels safe!