How to Organize Your Jewelry in 5 Simple Steps

Mar 15

Organizing your jewelry doesn’t have to be so boring. In fact, the ways in which you display your necklaces, earrings, rings, and bracelets can bring joy to your space and a pop of style to your bedroom, bathroom, or closet.

Check out my five-step system to bring a little more personality to your space and make it super simple to access and style your favorite jewelry every morning.

STEP 1: Bring it all together.

Make sure your jewelry is all in one place. Bringing all your jewelry to a single space — like the top of the dresser, the top of the bathroom counter, or spread it across your bed — will allow you to evaluate exactly what you have.

STEP 2: Sift through.

Ask yourself these three questions to make sure everything you’re putting in whatever organizer(s) you get is in good condition and paired with its mate.

Has the item turned?

This is when jewelry oxidizes and changes color to a not-so-pretty orange, green, or bronze. If it isn’t real silver and can’t be saved by being polished, it’s time to let the piece go.

Is the item broken?

If so, ditch it.

Hold onto jewelry for repair only if you absolutely love it and can stick by your word of fixing it. If it’s been sitting in your drawer for years, and you’ve been promising to fix it, but haven’t yet, it’s time to say goodbye to it.

Do you have both earrings?

If not, get rid of the single one.

Just like the broken items, it’s easy to hold on to one earring for years, wishing that the other one will turn up. Chances are that it won’t, and you’ll spend more energy feeling bummed about it than you’ve got time for.

Lastly, untangle all tangled necklaces.

Each piece needs to be in the shape that allows you to wear it, so make sure your necklaces are ready to go for styling and wear.

STEP 3: Assess your space.

Decide on an organizer based on your space.

Take a look at the open spaces in your bedroom, bathroom, and closet to determine where an organizer could fit. On the wall? On top of a dresser? In front of your clothing in a hanging organizer?

You can add jewelry to just one of those spaces or all three if you have room. Just make sure you’re able to see and access everything easily.

For a free wall, try a hanging organizer. For a large dresser or empty shelf in one of those rooms, try a freestanding organizer.

STEP 4: Evaluate your jewelry.

Choose your organizer based on what jewelry you have.

Take a look at all your jewelry laid out. Is your pile dominated by necklaces, rings, bracelets or earrings? Do you have the same amount of rings as you do earrings or do you have an overwhelming amount of necklaces?

Some organizers allow room for a variety of pieces and others are exclusively for necklaces or earrings. Some have a little room for bracelets and a lot of room for necklaces.

If you have multiple spots open, you can also separate different types of items among the free spaces. For instance, try a wall organizer for long necklaces and a free standing one for bracelets.

STEP 5: Find your perfect organizer.

There are many good places to shop for organizers outside of this list. Some of my favorites include The Container Store, Etsy, Anthropologie, West Elm, and Bed Bath & Beyond. Choose the organizer(s) that speaks to your style and fit the criteria above.