When everyone reorganizes their closets and their life in January, it’s easy to overlook a crucial wardrobe component: jewelry. Every year after Christmas and my birthday I like to revamp my jewelry box because, wellllll . . . I usually ask for lots of shiny things. Also I had to make room for an incredibly special addition, Nathan’s mom’s wedding ring(!). I use two jewelry boxes for holding my beloved shiny things: a small leather jewelry box for sentimental items that are never worn (the cross necklace I received for my First Communion, my first diamond {awe high school love}, random jewelry from my semester studying abroad in college) and a large wood jewelry box for holding the pieces I wear most often. Like any household purge, it’s important to layout all of the items and contemplate how frequently it’s worn, whether it’s been donned in the last year or not, and if it’s still in style. Then it’s time put the keepers back in a strategic and easy manner. Some quick tips for jewelry storage, care, and organization:
1. A fancy ring, like a rockin right hand ring or wedding ring, should be the last thing put on and the first thing removed once you’re home.
2. Pearls should also be the last item put on to avoid spraying them with hair spray or perfume, which damages the finish.
3. If you can see it, you’ll wear it! Make sure everything is visible to avoid forgetting about/losing awesome pieces. This also means to ensure your jewelry box is placed where it’s easily accessible (my main box is in the closet).
4. Keep more expensive items in the velvet box or envelope they came in. It will help preserve their life. Live long jewelry!
5. If you can’t afford to replace it and you’d be heart-broken if it went missing, insure it. I use Jewelers Mutual, which lets you add on jewelry with a receipt (super convenient for non-appraisal-worthy pieces).
My smaller box, which I rarely get into, stays put on my desk/vanity.
My organization is a top-down approach, with frequently worn baubles getting a front row seat (e.g., stud earrings that I often wear to work, my wedding ring, and watches).
I love the different size compartments in this jewelry box, which are perfect for various sized accessories. Oh, hello, silly giraffe bracelet.
Two things that I love yet rarely wear instantly become a favorite piece of jewelry when worn together: a classic single-strand pearl necklace wrapped around the wrist twice + my grandmother’s brooch = a unique and interesting new(!) accessory.
The middle drawer holds items not frequently used (yet not purge-worthy) and polishing cloths.
The bottom drawer is perfectly roomy to hold two large necklaces and a velvet jewelry envelope holding a très special necklace. Nathan may have snuck in his cufflinks, too.
Happy organizing! If you’re looking for tips on cleaning out your actual closet, read these five tips.
