Once you know what you have, you can determine which storage options make the most sense. Generally speaking, it is best to store all jewelry away from extreme heat and bright light, and in a relatively dry space with a consistent temperature.
Many people don’t have extra drawer space, but if you do, try drawer inserts. Using drawers to store jewelry has the dual benefit of allowing you to see everything when you open them, but also keeping items out of sight, so surfaces appear less cluttered. The key is compartmentalization to prevent things from getting mixed up or lost.
In smaller drawers you can stack padded jewelry trays. In larger drawers, you can customize your storage options with different types and sizes of trays, or use an extendable tray. There are inserts made specifically for rings, earrings, and necklaces, so you want to know how many of each you’ll need.
If you want to get creative, replace standard jewelry trays with ice cube trays. You can also use items as fine as antique teacups and as basic as colorful or decorative gift boxes inside drawers to separate rings, earrings and bracelets.
It is best to store silver coins in anti-tarnish bags or in closed boxes to limit exposure to air.
If drawers aren’t an option, there are many other ways to creatively organize and store jewelry using empty wall space. As a bonus, you can personalize them to go with your decoration.
An inexpensive and trendy option is to use pegboard to hang necklaces and bracelets. A pegboard gives you maximum flexibility to rearrange pieces or add new ones. Likewise, try a decorative bulletin board. Pins called T-pins can hold jewelry.
If you’re less handy, purchase a pre-made wall hanger option. Open jewelry hangers are lightweight and easy to attach to the wall. They’re also easy to take with you when you move and come in a variety of finishes and sizes.
If you prefer to lock up your collection, consider a wall cabinet. Jewelry cabinets, or cabinets, come in basic designs, but others come with mirrors, LED lights, locks, and even special fabrics to prevent tarnishing. However, they are heavier and require more work to install. They’re also harder to move if you’re redecorating or moving.
If these options seem too elaborate, hooks designed to hold keys, ties, and belts also work. Just like adhesive hooks, which can be stuck anywhere and will not cause any damage when removed. These hooks also come in different colors, finishes, and sizes and are inexpensive.
Using space to store jewelry gives you maximum flexibility for moving items.
Jewelry boxes range from large and elaborate to small and basic, but regardless of size, they have limited storage capacity. Other options include tiered stands and “trees,” designed specifically for necklaces, bracelets, watches and rings. It’s also fun to add a little personality and color by using special dishes, or even a tiered dessert display.
If jewelry is your passion and you need things to be organized but also easy to access, you may want to consider a real piece of furniture. Jewelry cabinets come in a variety of sizes and finishes and have the benefit of not looking like storage.
Even the best organizing products won’t work if the contents include both your everyday pieces and jewelry you don’t love and don’t wear. It’s understandably difficult to part with jewelry, as it’s often tied to a special memory or it’s just terrible to get rid of something precious.
If you can’t part with particular pieces but know you’ll never wear them, at least store them in a different space than where you store your everyday jewelry.
As for the pieces you no longer want, donate them. Many charities accept donations of fine jewelry, including Goodwill, the Salvation Army, and Support Our Troops. If you want to ditch costume jewelry, check out organizations like Dress for Success, Suitsed for Change, and I Have Wings.
It is possible to sell antique jewelry, but it requires a lot of time and effort, including getting your items appraised. Additionally, you’ll need to decide whether you want to sell online or in a local store, which will require some comparison and research.
If you want to part with diamonds, an engagement ring or an expensive watch, an online auction marketplace called Worthy provides an easy-to-use platform that reaches a wide audience of potential buyers. Worthy partners with the Gemological Institute of America to evaluate and authenticate the pieces you want to sell, and the company works with sellers to guide them through the auction process.
