How to Ensure the Durability of Your Jewelry Display Trays

Durable jewelry display trays are not only a good investment, but they also keep your displays or store looking polished and professional over time. Trays which wear out rapidly (e.g. matted velvet or leather, cracked plastic or stained leather), can make jewelry appear less valuable and undermine customer confidence. You can extend the life of your trays by combining smart material selections with proper use, maintenance and protection. Here’s a guide that will help you keep your trays in good condition. It is organized by key practices and materials.

1. The foundation of longevity is to start with durable materials

To ensure durability, choose a tray that is compatible with the way you will use it. Certain materials are more durable than others. Matching the material with your needs (e.g. high traffic stores vs. craft fairs on occasion) will prevent premature wear. How to prioritize durability according to material

 

Material	Inherent Durability	Best for High-Traffic/Portable Use?	Key Durability Features
Leather/Faux Leather	Excellent	Yes	Easy to repair and resistant to water, scratches, and fading.
Plastic (Thick),	Very Good	Yes	Resists moisture and stains.
Satin	Good	Moderate	Resists dust and fraying; can withstand occasional spillages.
Velvet	Moderate	No	Suitable for static displays, but susceptible to staining and matting.
Wood (Sealed)	Good	Moderate	The material is resistant to warping when sealed. It can be scratch-resistant if properly cared for.

• Pro tip: Avoid velvet for high traffic areas (e.g. counter displays in busy boutiques or portable setups at trade shows or craft fairs). Instead, opt for leather, faux-leather, or thicker plastic. If maintained properly, velvet can be used for static displays such as glass cases.

2. Use Trays Correctly to Prevent Unnecessary Worry

 

Misuse of even the strongest trays can cause them to degrade very quickly. To avoid damage, adopt these habits:

When jewelry is overcrowded, it puts excessive pressure on the tray material.

• Velvet : Compressed fibers which never “bounce-back” (resulting permanent matting).

• Plastic : The weight of heavy jewelry can cause thin plastic to warp or crack (e.g. chunky silver cuffs).

• Leather : Stretching the compartments which ruins the tray’s form.

Fill trays 70-80% full. As an example:

• A tray measuring 12×8 inches (with slots of 16mm) should only hold 10-12 rings and not 20.

• To prevent the edges of the bracelet tray from being pressed, there should be 1-2 inches between each bangle.

1. Do not handle trays in a rough manner.

• Drag, not lift: Dragging trays along counters or display cases can scratch the bottom (especially wood or leather) or tear fabric edges (satin or velvet). Always lift trays on their side.

• Avoid dropping. Even leather can dent or scuff if it is dropped. Use padded cases for portable trays to cushion impacts when transporting.

• Keep sharp objects out of reach: Jewelry with sharp edges can damage fabric trays, such as velvet or satin, or scratch leather/plastic. Underneath sharp jewelry, place a piece of felt to protect the tray.

  
  

3. Cleaning Trays Regularly

Over time, dirt, dust and spills can accumulate. If left untreated, these substances may cause permanent damage. To remove dirt without damaging the surface, clean your trays according to their material:

1. Leather & Faux Leather Trays

• Daily : Wipe dust away with a soft, dry cloth (e.g. a microfiber towel) to avoid dust settling in crevices.

• Weekly: To remove light stains, such as fingerprints, use a dampened cloth dipped into mild soap (e.g. dish soap dilute in water). Avoid harsh cleaners, such as bleach and ammonia, which can strip the leather of its natural oils, causing it to fade.

• If you use genuine leather, apply a small amount to a soft cloth and rub in circular motions. This will keep leather soft and help prevent cracking, especially in dry environments.

• Avoid getting leather trays damp for long periods of time. Moisture can lead to warping or mould. If you find a tray soaked, dry it immediately with a soft towel. Let it air dry away from direct sunlight.

1. Plastic Trays

• Weekly: Use a sponge and warm soapy water to wash the plastic. Avoid using abrasive cleaners (e.g. steel wool). They scratch the plastic and make it more susceptible to staining.

• Use a paste made of baking soda and distilled water to remove tough stains, such as makeup or jewelry polish. Rub the paste gently into the stain using a sponge. Rinse clean.

• Avoid : Exposing plastic to extreme heat.

  
  

1. Satin Trays

• Weekly, remove dust using a brush with soft bristles (e.g. a makeup brush). This will prevent dust from becoming embedded in the fabric.

• Spills: Blot immediately spills with a clean, dry cloth. Do not rub as this will spread the stain. Pour water-based stains, such as coffee or water, mix a little mild detergent in water and dip a clean cloth into the solution. Gently blot. Allow the tray to air dry away from direct sunlight. (Sunlight can fade Satin).

• Avoid washing satin trays in the machine. The agitation may cause edges to fray or shrink. Always spot-clean instead.

1. Velvet Trays

• Weekly: Use the soft brush attachment of a vacuum to remove dust. Hold the attachment about 1-2 inches away from the velvet in order to prevent the fibers from matting.

• Stains: Gently brush dry stains with a soft bristled brush. Pour oil-based stains, sprinkle cornstarch over the stain. Let it sit for 1 to 2 hours. Cornstarch absorbs oils. Brush away the cornstarch.

• Never use water to wash velvet trays. Water can leave permanent marks. Never soak or machine-wash velvet trays.

1. Wood Trays

• Weekly: Wipe dust off with a soft, dry cloth. You can wipe sealed wood trays with a dampened cloth.

• Each month, use a soft cloth to apply a small amount (for sealed wood), or beeswax for unfinished wood. This will protect the wood against scratches and stop it from drying.

• Avoid: Placing moist jewelry on wooden trays (e.g. from the customer’s hand). Moisture may seep in and cause discoloration or warping. Under jewelry, place a felt-lined bag to absorb moisture.

4. Store Trays Properly when not in Use

The way you store trays in between uses, such as after a craft fair or seasonal collection, can have a significant impact on the durability of your trays. Unstable storage can cause creases, fading or mold growth.

• Stack Trays Carefully:

• To avoid scratching leather or wood, stack no more than three to four trays. To prevent scratches, place a piece acid-free tissue between each tray (especially on wood or leather).

• Fabric trays can permanently crease if stacked. Hang fabric trays (using clips along the edges) on a rack or place them flat inside a drawer lined in tissue paper.

• Choose a Cool, Dry Storage Space:

• Avoid damp places (e.g. basements, near sinks). Moisture can cause mold on fabrics and warping of wood/plastic.

• Avoid sunlight (e.g. near windows). Sunlight weakens plastic and fades colors, especially leather and satin.

• Wrap each tray in cotton bags or acid-free tissues for long-term storage. This will prevent dust accumulation and accidental spills.

5. Repair minor damage early (Prevent small issues from growing)

Ignoring minor damages (e.g. a loose thread on satin or a small scratch on leather) could lead to major problems. Repair minor problems quickly to prolong the life of your tray:

• Use a leather/faux leather repair pen to fill in small scratches. The color of the pen should match the tray. To reattach loose edges, use a small amount fabric glue or leather adhesive.

• Plastic: Use clear epoxy glue to seal small cracks. Allow the glue to dry completely before using the tray. Epoxy provides strength and prevents cracks from spreading.

• Satin/Velvet : Use a needle with thread that matches the color of the tray to close small tears or loose threads. Avoid further fraying by using small, tight stitches.

• Fill small scratches with wood filler that matches the color of the wood. After the wood has dried, use fine-grit paper to sand it and then apply wood polish.

Final Thoughts

To ensure the longevity of your jewelry display trays, you need to make smart choices at first (such as choosing the right material) and continue taking care of it (through proper use, cleaning, and storage). Treating your trays like an investment, rather than as a disposable product, will keep them looking professional and protect the jewelry that they contain. Remember that a well-maintained tray will not only last longer, but also make your jewelry sparkle brighter.