Blog Creativity Anti-Tarnish Jewelry Pouches
| 08 March 2009
I am often asked what is an anti-tarnish jewelry pouch? How does it work? Do you actually make them? So to answer all of those questions, first YES I hand make each one. Some time ago I was browsing the fabric section of the local craft store and collecting bolts of fabric, of which I didn't know what I was going to do with it, but needed it because it was 'pretty', when I ran across some fabric called 'silver cloth'. Inside of the bolt of silver cloth was a piece of paper explaining that the fabric was to protect silver items from tarnish.
I make a great deal of my jewelry with sterling silver findings and thought wow I am sure I can do something with this neat fabric! But what? At first I tried pull string pouches, those were OK but always left room for jewelry to fall out of the top. Then I thought a zippered pouch would be perfect. But how do I make one? My sewing skills are novice at best, I can barely sew a button on something let alone a zipper!
Do not wash these in the washing machine, or get them very damp.
I found several tutorials on the internet on how to make zippered pouches, after trying several and coming up with my own method I had a finished pouch that was strong and secure! I have now made over 75 pouches!
The inside of each pouch is lined with the anti-tarnish silver fabric (either in brown or green, whichever matches best or what I have in stock.). I make the pouches in two sizes 4" x 4" and 7" x 5". I found it was easier to just stick to two sizes that work the best instead of trying to offer more.
What to use a pouch for:
- Storing Jewelry in your jewelry box.
- Store a small pouch in your gym bag to protect your jewelry at the gym
- Give them away as gifts with or without jewelry, almost everyone owns something silver!
How is silver cloth made? I don't know the details but from what I have read from the manufacture this particular brand of fabric is chemically treated to create the correct properties needed to make it anti-tarnish.
How long does it last? Your anti-tarnish pouch should work for years, while it can not prevent tarnish 100% it will slow it down considerably. In addition it does help keep gold jewelry cleaner and copper jewelry from tarnish as well. However, with copper the effects are not as great as with silver.
Keep your pouched zipped closed when not in use, this will help it last longer.
Do not wash the pouches, this will destroy the anti-tarnish properties. If the outside fabric is dirty use a lightly damp cloth to wipe clean.
I love finding beautiful fabric, I am glad I now have a great use for it that compliments my jewelry making!
