Your jewelry collection is more than just accessories—it's a reflection of your style, memories and personal history. But when tangled necklaces, orphaned earrings and cluttered drawers become your norm, it's time for some jewelry organization. Understanding how to organize jewelry well is the key to preserving the beauty and useful life of every piece. When your jewelry collection is well organized, finding the right piece for your day or special occasion is more effortless, so accessorizing for any occasion is a snap! Let’s walk through the essential steps for jewelry organization and storage, from sorting and assessing your collection to exploring creative storage solutions to ensure your jewelry remains beautiful and accessible.
The Basics of Jewelry Collection Storage
When planning how to store your jewelry (before diving right into storage solutions!), you should lay a solid foundation. One of the best ways to organize jewelry is to start by separating them into distinct categories—necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings, etc. This not only simplifies jewelry organization but also allows you to identify any storage needs specific to each type. As you sort, take the time to examine each piece for damage or concerns—loose stones, broken clasps, tarnishing—and set those pieces aside for repairs or cleaning.
Grouping similar items together, like silver earrings or gold necklaces, streamlines your jewelry selection process. For example, separating fine jewelry from costume jewelry will help ensure that each piece is stored according to its delicacy and value. Also, check for any items you may no longer wear or need. Purging your collection can make jewelry organization easier and more manageable. A jewelry collection is meant to be enjoyed and organizing it can help you maintain its beauty and functionality for years.
Best Jewelry Organization Ideas
There's no one-size-fits-all solution for jewelry organization and storage. The best option depends on your collection size, style and available space. Let's explore some popular choices:
Jewelry Drawer
Jewelry drawers utilize existing drawer space with specialized inserts featuring compartments and dividers. These inserts are designed to separate and organize various jewelry types, keeping them neatly arranged to prevent damage and tangling.
- Pros: Jewelry drawers keep pieces hidden from dust and damage, using dividers and inserts to maximize space and prevent tangling. They can be customized to fit various types of jewelry, such as rings, earrings and bracelets, keeping everything organized and safe.
Cons: Without proper dividers and overall organization, drawers can quickly become cluttered, particularly for large collections. Also, keeping pieces out of sight means you may miss admiring bold, statement pieces you might prefer to display.
Jewelry Box
Jewelry boxes are standalone containers with dedicated compartments, trays and drawers designed to hold various jewelry items. They typically feature soft linings to protect delicate pieces and come in varying styles and sizes. Jewelry boxes are usually placed on dressers, vanity tables or nightstands, making them easily accessible for daily use. Depending on their space or preferences, some people may store them in a closet or on a shelf.
- Pros: Jewelry boxes are elegant and classic, with dedicated compartments to keep all your dainty jewelry pieces organized, making it easy to find the right piece. They're portable, which is excellent for traveling with jewelry or those with limited space.
- Cons: Jewelry boxes have limited storage, especially for extensive collections. They can be bulky, making them less ideal for small spaces, and may not accommodate larger pieces, which can be impractical for some collections.
Hanging Jewelry Organizers
Hanging jewelry organizers utilize vertical space, often in closets or on walls, with pockets, hooks or bars to hold necklaces, earrings and bracelets. They keep jewelry visible and tangle-free.
- Pros: Hanging organizers save drawer and surface space by using vertical storage. As one of the best ways to organize necklaces to keep them tangle-free and accessible (we all know how hard it can be to untangle a necklace), hanging organizers allow you to view all your jewelry at a glance.
- Cons: Hanging organizers may not offer enough support for delicate or heavy jewelry and the visibility of pieces can create a cluttered look, especially in smaller spaces. These organizers are also less ideal for those with limited wall or closet space.
Jewelry Stands and Displays
Jewelry stands and displays are perfect for showcasing pieces you wear often or want to display proudly. These come in various shapes and sizes, from elegant standalone designs to tabletop models with multiple arms or hooks for hanging pieces. Some displays have bust-like structures to display necklaces, while others feature trays or dishes for rings and earrings. Jewelry stands and displays help keep your jewelry organized and easily accessible. They can also provide a decorative element in your space.
- Pros: Jewelry stands are perfect for displaying statement pieces or frequently worn jewelry. They offer easy access, allowing you to grab your favorite accessories quickly and keep them visible rather than hidden away.
- Cons: Jewelry stands can take up more space, particularly with large collections, and may not be ideal for delicate, valuable pieces needing extra protection. They can also accumulate dust, requiring regular cleaning.
Decorative Hooks
Decorative hooks are an excellent choice for those who want a functional yet stylish way to organize their jewelry. Hang necklaces, bracelets or even rings on the wall on these made-for-jewelry hooks, creating an easy-to-reach display that can even be built into your overall room design.
- Pros: Hooks offer quick access to jewelry. When organized, they can be visually appealing and complement your room's decor. They also occupy minimal space, making them ideal for smaller areas or an open, airy look.
- Cons: Hooks don't work for earrings. Also, without proper planning before hanging them, they can make your room look cluttered, haphazard or disorganized, which can negatively impact your space’s overall vibe.
Jewelry Armoire
A jewelry armoire is a larger, freestanding storage unit designed specifically for jewelry. It offers a variety of compartments for different pieces and can double as a stylish furniture piece.
- Pros: Jewelry armoires offer a lot of storage, making them ideal for large collections. They are stylish and functional, often including full-length mirrors, with multiple storage solutions like pockets, hooks, slots and trays to keep a wide variety of jewelry organized and accessible. Some even come with a key to lock jewelry safely away inside.
- Cons: Jewelry armoires require significant space, making them less suitable for smaller rooms or apartments. They can be bulky and heavy, which makes them harder to move. High-end armoires can also be expensive, making them a less budget-friendly option for smaller collections.
DIY Jewelry Storage Ideas
DIY options can provide unique alternatives if you're looking for creative, budget-friendly jewelry organization and storage solutions. Here are some ideas for organizing jewelry with items you may already have at home:
Cork Board Display
A cork board display provides an easy and customizable way to organize necklaces, earrings and bracelets. Simply hang the jewelry using push pins or small hooks.
- Pros: Cork boards are affordable, customizable and space-saving, offering a budget-friendly way to organize jewelry. They can be hung on a wall, keeping pieces within easy reach while saving drawer or countertop space.
- Cons: Push pins or hooks may cause delicate pieces to tangle or get damaged. Additionally, cork boards don’t protect jewelry from dust, moisture or environmental factors, which can lead to tarnishing or damage. Jewelers Mutual does NOT recommend using this DIY idea for your valuable pieces; only for costume jewelry.
Repurposed Containers
Repurposed containers, such as glass jars, vintage tins or small boxes, can be great for storing jewelry in a creative and environmentally friendly way. They can be used to separate earrings, rings or other small items.
- Pros: Repurposed containers are affordable, eco-friendly and a great way to reduce waste while organizing jewelry. They also add a charming, vintage or eclectic feel to your decor.
- Cons: While glass jars and tins work for everyday jewelry, they don’t protect your valuable jewelry from scratches or damage so Jewelers Mutual does not recommend using them for high-value jewelry; only for costume jewelry. They also lack space for larger items and can easily become disorganized, leading to tangled or misplaced jewelry.
Picture Frame
If you’ve struggled with organizing your earrings in the past, this option might be perfect for you. An old picture frame can be turned into a unique jewelry holder by adding mesh or fabric to the back. This allows you to hang earrings, necklaces and bracelets in an organized yet attractive way. The fabric provides plenty of space for organizing stud earrings, buttons, hoops, danglers and more.
- Pros: Picture frame jewelry organizers are easy to make, customizable to fit your aesthetic and versatile for storing various jewelry pieces. Different fabrics and meshes can be used to suit your style and the frame offers a creative way to display your jewelry.
- Cons: Picture frame organizers work well for earrings and lighter jewelry but may not provide enough space for larger collections. They can become overcrowded and disorganized, and the open design may expose jewelry to dust and environmental factors.
Branches
If you’re wondering how to organize necklaces in a chic way, look no further than branches or twigs! Place a branch in a vase or hang it on the wall and use the branches to drape jewelry over. The steps for arranging your jewelry will vary from person to person, as different jewelry types require different spacing and arrangements, and personal visual preferences play a key role.
- Pros: Branches offer a unique, artistic storage solution, bringing nature into your decor. They're customizable, allowing you to arrange them to suit your collection, and their versatility is ideal for storing necklaces and bracelets without overcrowding.
- Cons: Branches aren't ideal for small or delicate jewelry, as fine chains or earrings can slip off or tangle. Branches may be hard to organize neatly, and the open design may expose jewelry to dust and environmental factors.
NOTE: While the various jewelry storage options listed above can help organize, display and protect your valuable jewelry pieces, many options don’t provide proper security. Consider storing especially valuable or sentimental pieces in a home safe or safety deposit box (or a hotel safe while not wearing them on vacation!) to help protect your jewelry from theft.
How to Store Delicate Jewelry
Storing delicate jewelry requires extra care to preserve its condition. Follow these tips to keep your jewelry in tip-top shape:
Jewelry Storage with Soft Lining
For delicate jewelry, consider using storage options that feature soft lining, such as felt or velvet. This provides a gentle cushion and prevents scratching or tarnishing.
Store in Anti-Tarnish Cloth
Anti-tarnish cloths are ideal for precious metals and metals prone to oxidation and tarnishing. These cloths are treated to absorb moisture and prevent tarnish buildup.
Separate Containers
Use separate containers to avoid damage when storing delicate pieces like fine rings or heirloom jewelry. Soft pouches or small boxes with dividers are perfect for keeping jewelry safe from scratches or tangling.
Store Jewelry in a Dry, Cool Place
Humidity and heat can negatively affect jewelry, especially gemstones and metals like silver and gold. Store your jewelry in a cool, dry location to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to tarnishing or rusting. Avoid storing jewelry in bathrooms or near windows where it might be exposed to heat or humidity.
Rotate Jewelry Regularly
Give your jewelry a break by rotating pieces regularly. This is especially important for items you wear frequently, like engagement rings or everyday bracelets. By alternating the jewelry you wear, you reduce the wear and tear on your most-used pieces, helping them last longer and maintain their original beauty.
Protect Your Organized Jewelry with Jewelers Mutual
Now that you know how to organize and store your jewelry, ensure it remains safe with a personal jewelry insurance policy from Jewelers Mutual. Protecting your valuable pieces gives you peace of mind, knowing they are covered in case of theft, loss or damage. Additionally, there are several benefits to insuring your jewelry with a personal jewelry insurance policy and not under a homeowners insurance policy. Check your rate for a personal jewelry insurance policy using the button below.