Costume Jewelry

Wrap them individually in paper towels and store in a box with some of those dehumidifying crystals.

Ziploc Zipper Bags might be the least expensive option. You can add a desiccant. Put the bags in a plastic box with a DampRid pouch, readily available at hardware stores, Kmart, etc.

I have never had a problem with costume jewelry

I've had some rust, but they were really cheap ones! Some will also fade if they get lots of sun exposure.

Sterling silver tarnishes extremely quickly in this salt air environment. It's easy to care for however. Just wash it with a mild dish washing detergent and soft toothbrush after you wear it. Blot it dry and it will sparkle. Wright's Anti-tarnish Silver Polish is a great product sold at Walmart and drugstores in the states. For storage, you can buy anti-tarnish strips and place them in a plastic bag along with the jewelry. You can also buy anti-tarnish baggies quite cheaply that last for about one year. Just don't let the silver start to turn black. You often have to remove the top layer of metal to get the sparkle back and silver-plated (costume) jewelry won't stand up to that kind of cleaning.

I second the ziplock bags. I've been working in the jewelry business in the VI for 11 years and ziplock bags are what we use. Just make sure that everything is dry when you put it in the bag. For silver, you can put in the anti tarnish paper, wipe it down with a polishing cloth, then seal it up in a bag when you aren't wearing it.

Thanks!! I was packing ALL night (literally on 2 hours of sleep:-(), and I still chose to leave about 70% of my less worn items behind to go to my home in Minnesota. Though the things I'm brining I love - so I definately appriceate how to care for them in the environment!! 🙂