Organizing Jewelry
Unorganized jewelry is a disaster. If you don’t have a system for storing and organizing it, there is a high potential for:
lost earrings, rings, pendants, and anything small like…
lost earring backs
tangled necklaces
high likelihood of damage by stepping on or flushing down the sink
You get the picture. Jewelry needs a system for organization just like everything else in your life.
First, designate a location. Depending on how much you have it could be some drawers in a dresser or other piece of bedroom furniture. It could be a shelf in your closet or just a tray on your counter. You just have to decide where to keep it and make sure you have enough space.
Second, decide whether you are a daily or occasional wearer of jewelry. Do you change your jewelry everyday or do you wear the same things and just need to store a few pieces?
If you like to change jewelry regularly, you need a system to be able to see, access, and return your jewelry easily.
One recommendation is to use jewelry trays in a drawer or counter to keep it all visible and easily accessible. Group like categories together like stud earrings, hoop earrings, rings, bangles, chain bracelets, beads, chain necklaces, watches, etc.
You can get a variety of trays that are stackable and in different configurations whether you’re storing earrings, necklaces, chunky bracelets, or rings. I like fabric covered trays but acrylic is a pretty option, too.
Another option is to store it in individual zipper bags in a box or drawer to keep everything from tangling or scratching. This helps if you like to grab them easily for travel.
I’ve used a corkboard with tacks and hooks to store necklaces and earrings. This works if you have the wall or counter space to display the board. It really makes replacing jewelry at the end of the day super easy.
There is nothing wrong with a jewelry box, either. In fact, if it can hold everything, that’s perfect!
If you don’t change your jewelry often and just need to store it, keep it in the box it came in or a fabric pouch and label it. No more opening containers trying to remember what is what. Place the boxes or pouches in a safe or drawer.
If you store jewelry in a safe, it should be in a box or bag first and not just stored loose.
MOST IMPORTANT is to document any expensive or antique jewelry in case it is stolen or lost.
Document with as many details as possible: type of metal, size and type of stones, grades of stones, year purchased and made, where purchased, price paid, etc.
Have some pictures of you wearing the jewelry as well for validation. Make sure you have had fine jewelry appraised and adequate insurance coverage.
If something should happen to it, you will need proof that you owned it and its replacement value. Even items that are more sentimental should be documented as well if you would report them in an insurance claim.
Bottom line, your jewelry needs a home that’s easy to to navigate. The system you create to store and organize your jewelry needs to work for you and your lifestyle.
