Your Masonic medals are more than just pieces of metal; they are symbols of your dedication, achievements, and the rich history of Freemasonry. Each one tells a story and represents a significant milestone in your journey. Given their personal and historical value, it’s essential to store these treasured items properly. This guide will walk you through the best storage practices for Masonic medals, ensuring they remain in pristine condition for years to come.

Proper storage is the key to preventing common issues like tarnishing, scratching, and corrosion. By taking a few simple steps, you can protect your medals from environmental factors and physical damage. This will not only preserve their beauty but also maintain their value and sentimental worth. Let’s explore the best ways to care for your cherished Masonic regalia.

Use a Jewelry Box with Soft, Padded Compartments

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect your Masonic medals is by storing them in a high-quality jewelry box. Look for a box that features soft, padded compartments. This is a fundamental step in ensuring your medals are shielded from potential harm.

Why Padded Compartments Matter

• Scratch Prevention: The primary benefit of a padded jewelry box is that it prevents medals from scratching each other. When medals are stored loosely together, they can rub and scrape against one another, causing surface abrasions and diminishing their intricate details.
• Cushioning: The soft lining, often made of velvet, felt, or suede, provides a cushion against impacts. If the box is accidentally bumped or dropped, the padding absorbs the shock, reducing the risk of dents or other physical damage.
• Organization: Jewelry boxes with individual compartments allow you to organize your medals neatly. This makes it easy to find a specific medal without having to rummage through a pile, which further minimizes handling and potential damage.

When selecting a jewelry box, choose one with dividers that create separate sections for each medal. This ensures they don’t shift and come into contact during storage.

Use Anti-Tarnish Pouches or Cloths

Tarnishing is a natural process where the surface of a metal, particularly silver or copper alloys, darkens due to a chemical reaction with airborne sulfur compounds. This can dull the shine and obscure the details of your Masonic medals. Anti-tarnish pouches and cloths are specifically designed to combat this issue.

How Anti-Tarnish Products Work

These products are embedded with chemical compounds that neutralize the sulfur gases responsible for tarnish. By placing your medals inside an anti-tarnish pouch or wrapping them in an anti-tarnish cloth before putting them in a storage box, you create a protective barrier.

• Anti-Tarnish Pouches: These are small bags made from treated fabric. Simply place one medal inside each pouch for individual protection. They are an excellent option for long-term storage.
• Anti-Tarnish Cloths: These can be used to line your storage container or to wrap multiple medals. They offer a larger surface area of protection.

Using these products is a low-effort, high-impact way to maintain the brilliant finish of your Masonic medals.

Organize Medals to Avoid Physical Contact

Proper organization is crucial to prevent scratching and other forms of damage. Even with a padded box, medals can still come into contact if not arranged carefully. The goal is to ensure each medal has its own designated space.

Tips for Effective Organization:

• One Medal Per Compartment: As mentioned, use a jewelry box with enough individual sections for your collection.
• Use Medal Trays: If your storage box doesn’t have enough dividers, consider using medal trays. These are inserts with molded compartments that can fit inside drawers or larger boxes.
• Original Cases: If your medals came in their own presentation cases, keeping them in these cases is an ideal storage solution. We will discuss this more below.

By preventing medals from touching, you eliminate the primary cause of scratches and preserve the fine details of their designs.

Store in a Cool, Dry Environment

The environment where you store your Masonic medals plays a significant role in their long-term preservation. High humidity and temperature fluctuations can accelerate corrosion and oxidation, leading to irreversible damage.

Why Cool and Dry is Best

• Preventing Corrosion: Moisture in the air is a catalyst for chemical reactions that cause metals to corrode or rust. A dry environment minimizes this risk.
• Avoiding Oxidation: Heat can speed up the rate of oxidation, which is the process that leads to tarnishing. Storing medals in a cool place slows down this process considerably.

Ideal storage locations include a closet in a climate-controlled room or a dedicated cabinet. Avoid storing your medals in places like basements, attics, or garages, where temperature and humidity can vary dramatically.

Use Airtight Storage Containers

For an added layer of protection against moisture and airborne contaminants, consider using airtight storage containers. These containers create a sealed environment that shields your Masonic medals from the outside elements.

Benefits of Airtight Storage

• Moisture Barrier: An airtight seal prevents humid air from reaching your medals, which is one of the most effective ways to prevent tarnish and corrosion.
• Dust and Dirt Protection: These containers keep out dust, dirt, and other pollutants that can settle on your medals and require cleaning, which itself can cause wear over time.

You can find a variety of airtight containers, from simple plastic boxes with gasket seals to more specialized archival storage solutions. For best results, place your individually wrapped medals (in anti-tarnish pouches) inside the airtight container.

Keep Away from Direct Sunlight and Heat

Direct sunlight and sources of heat are enemies of preservation. The ultraviolet (UV) rays in sunlight can cause the ribbons attached to your medals to fade and become brittle. Heat can also accelerate the tarnishing process.

Protective Measures

• Avoid Sunny Spots: Never store your display case or storage box on a windowsill or in a room that gets a lot of direct sunlight.
• Stay Away from Heat Sources: Keep your medals away from radiators, vents, fireplaces, and other sources of heat. Consistent, moderate temperature is key.

If you wish to display your Masonic medals, use a display case with UV-protective glass or acrylic. This will allow you to showcase your collection while shielding it from harmful light.

Use Individual Cases for Each Medal

Many Masonic medals are presented in their own custom-fitted cases. These cases are not just for presentation; they are designed to be the perfect storage solution for that specific medal.

Advantages of Individual Cases

• Custom Fit: The interior of the case is often molded to the exact shape of the medal, holding it securely in place and preventing movement.
• Built-in Protection: These cases provide a sturdy outer shell and a soft, non-abrasive interior, protecting the medal from both physical impact and scratches.
• Stackable and Organized: Individual cases can be easily stacked and organized in a drawer or on a shelf, making for a tidy and accessible collection.

If your medals didn’t come with cases, you can purchase generic individual medal cases online or from specialty suppliers.

Use Silica Gel Packets for Moisture Absorption

To take your moisture control to the next level, use silica gel packets. These small packets contain beads that absorb excess moisture from the air, creating an exceptionally dry micro-environment for your medals.

How to Use Silica Gel

• Place in Storage Container: Simply toss a few silica gel packets into your airtight storage box or jewelry box.
• Monitor and Replace: Silica gel packets will eventually become saturated with moisture and lose their effectiveness. Some packets have color-indicating beads that change from one color (e.g., blue or orange) to another (e.g., pink or green) when they are full. You can often “recharge” them by baking them in an oven at a low temperature, or simply replace them.

This is an inexpensive and highly effective way to add another layer of defense against humidity.

Keep Medals Away from Harsh Chemicals

Finally, be mindful of exposing your Masonic medals to harsh chemicals, including those found in everyday products.

Chemicals to Avoid:

• Perfumes and Colognes: Apply these products before you handle or wear your medals, as the alcohol and chemicals can cause damage to the metal finish and ribbons.
• Cleaning Agents: Household cleaners, bleach, and other abrasive substances can cause severe corrosion and discoloration. Never use them to clean your medals.
• Hairspray: Similar to perfumes, hairspray contains chemicals that can coat and damage your medals.

When handling your medals, it’s best to do so with clean, dry hands or, even better, with soft cotton gloves to avoid transferring oils and residues from your skin.

Preserving Your Masonic Legacy

Your Masonic medals are tangible reminders of your journey and commitment. By following these storage best practices, you can ensure they remain beautiful and meaningful for generations to come. Proper care is a small investment of time that pays huge dividends in preserving the integrity and legacy of your collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I store all my Masonic medals together in one bag?
   It is not recommended. Storing medals together in one bag can lead to them scratching and denting each other. It’s best to store each medal in its own pouch, case, or separate compartment.
2. What is the best material for a jewelry box lining?
   Look for soft, non-abrasive materials like velvet, felt, or suede. These materials will cushion your medals and prevent scratches.
3. How often should I check on my stored medals?
   It’s a good practice to check on your medals every 6 to 12 months. This allows you to inspect their condition, check if anti-tarnish products need replacing, and ensure the storage environment remains stable.
4. Are plastic containers safe for storing Masonic medals?
   Yes, but only if they are made of archival-quality, acid-free plastic. Standard plastic containers can release chemicals over time that may harm your medals. Look for containers marketed for archival or collectible storage.
5. How do I clean my Masonic medals before storing them?
   Gently wipe them with a soft, lint-free cloth, like a microfiber or jewelry cloth. For more significant dirt, you can use a cloth slightly dampened with distilled water, but be sure to dry the medal completely before storing. Avoid harsh cleaners.
6. My medal’s ribbon is getting old. What should I do?
   If a ribbon is fading or fraying, it’s best to handle it with care. You can look for a professional restoration service or contact the manufacturer to see if replacement ribbons are available. Avoid trying to repair it yourself unless you have experience.
7. Is it okay to display my medals in the open?
   Open-air display is not ideal as it exposes medals to dust, humidity, and pollutants. If you want to display them, use a sealed display case, preferably with UV-protective glass, to keep them safe.
8. What temperature is considered “cool” for storage?
   A stable room temperature between 65-72°F (18-22°C) is ideal. The key is to avoid extreme temperature fluctuations.
9. Where can I buy anti-tarnish pouches and silica gel packets?
   You can find these items at jewelry supply stores, craft stores, and online retailers like Amazon. They are widely available and affordable.