If you’re a jewelry lover, you know the challenge of finding the perfect jewelry storage for your collection. You’re not alone in your quest for jewelry organization. Finding the correct method is all about assessing your needs and researching your options.
However, there’s more to jewelry organization than your storage solution. If you want to know how to store jewelry correctly, you also have to think about care requirements and metal characteristics. With this comprehensive guide, you can design an organizational solution that keeps your pieces neat and safe.
Clear Out Your Collection
While it might seem like a big job, cleaning out your jewelry collection is the first step to storage and organization. Jewelry pieces are often small and easy to collect. You may have several pieces you haven’t worn in years that have clumped in a pile on top of your dresser or in other parts of your room.
Between jewelry going out of style and getting worn to the point that it’s unwearable, you might have a lot of work to do. Sort through your collection and look for broken pieces or items you haven’t worn in a year or more. This clear-out stage is also an excellent time to get rid of any earrings that have lost their pair.
During this initial step, you might find old jewelry that you haven’t worn in a while. If you feel you’ll wear it again now that you know where it is, it’s okay to hold onto a few pieces that make you feel this way. However, if you lean into this feeling too much, you may not clear out as much as you should.
If you have some jewelry in good condition you want to get rid of, consider selling it in a yard sale or taking it to a local thrift store. Your jewelry can have a second life with someone who will wear it as much as you once did.
Clean and Dry Jewelry Before Storing
While you don’t have to clean your jewelry before you store it, doing so can help restore the quality of some of your nicer pieces.
Storing dirty jewelry for extended periods may lead to tarnishing and a loss of luster. Dirt and grime can also affect other pieces, so it’s best to take care of each item before putting everything into a jewelry organizer. If you want to know how to extend the life of your jewelry, cleaning is a top priority.
There are several cleaning methods out there for cleaning silver and other jewelry types. Silver polish is one of the most recommended cleaning products. However, it’s not required to clear tarnish. Dish soap, baking soda and toothpaste can all work as alternative cleaning products if you don’t have silver polish on hand.
A mix of dish soap and warm water is the best solution for cleaning gold jewelry. You can also use dish soap with seltzer water to clean your gemstones. The key to all of these cleaning methods is to use a toothbrush that gets into your jewelry’s tiny crevices. Dry each item with a soft cloth to eliminate any moisture buildup.
Pearls are the one exception to these cleaning methods. If you own any pearl jewelry, you know that this gem is soft and porous, and it can quickly lose luster. Toothbrush bristles are too rough for a pearl’s softness, so it’s better to use a soft makeup brush. A small amount of shampoo should offer the cleaning power you need to rejuvenate your pearls. Use a damp cloth to rinse and lay your jewelry flat to dry out.
Find a Storage Solution That Works for Your Space
Ideal jewelry storage solutions are challenging to find, and everyone struggles with finding the right fit. You’re probably used to cycling through different storage types to find the one that suits your jewelry needs best.
It’s essential to note that not every person will benefit from the same storage solution — it all depends on your jewelry collection. Earring storage will look different from necklace storage, and rings require something completely different. Is there one type of jewelry that makes up the majority of your collection?
You’ll also need to consider the size of your overall collection. Some people have a small amount of fine jewelry that requires very little space for storage. Other people are dedicated to a large accessory stockpile and need plenty of room to fit every piece. Assessing the size of your collection will help you find the best solution.
Jewelry Boxes
A classic storage solution among jewelry lovers, a jewelry box is excellent for people with a small jewelry collection. You can opt for a classic box style with a tray insert or a small set of drawers that fits on top of your dresser.
The traditional box style will have a tray with small compartments made for bracelets. It may also have specified ring storage. The larger compartment might have sections or be an open area. If you choose the open style, you may want to use twist ties or small plastic bags to separate your necklaces. Without this added organization, necklaces may end up tangled.
Small chests of drawers are a more spacious jewelry box type. This style often opens at the top and has storage compartments for rings and other small pieces. It may even have a mirror built into the top. The drawers can have velvet trays or inserts to keep your necklaces organized, though you might have to add those yourself. Divided trays are an easy way to keep your necklaces in a row and free from tangling.
Chests and Armoires
Jewelry chests and armoires are furniture pieces made to fit extensive collections. While not as large as a dresser for your clothing, they usually stand tall and have several drawers. Chests and armoires are a popular option to keep all of your jewelry pieces hidden in an organized and aesthetically pleasing way.
Much like small jewelry chests, these furniture pieces may have bare drawers or sectioned compartments. They also have doors on each side that sometimes have interior hooks. These styles are ideal for necklace storage. If you like the idea of an armoire, research your options to find one in your style and price range. If you choose one with empty drawers, consider adding dividing trays.
Cabinets
While medicine cabinets and small pantries aren’t explicitly designed for jewelry, they can be a helpful and attractive solution for your space. With open shelving, you can use smaller jewelry boxes, plastic containers and other types of storage to create smaller organizations within these cabinets. If you choose a wooden cabinet, you can even install hooks on the inside to hang necklaces.
At WG Wood Products, we carry a range of bathroom cabinetry options that you can use as beautiful jewelry storage solutions. With recessed and on-the-wall cabinets, you’ll find a product that fits your space. We also have open shelving options if you’d like the chance to display items. Possible jewelry storage cabinets include:
- Wall-mounted medicine cabinets.
- Framed pantry cabinets.
- Frameless medicine cabinets.
- Frameless pantry cabinets.
Storage Mirrors
Mirrored cabinets designed for jewelry storage are similar to medicine or pantry cabinets. Instead of basic shelving, storage mirrors will usually have hooks, ring slots and bracelet rods. These storage mirrors may also have shelving for other accessories and items, like sunglasses or nail polish.
You can find these storage mirrors in tall standing styles and wall-mounted designs. Use a short or tall mirror, depending on the size of your collection. If you have a reasonably extensive jewelry collection, you may want to use this storage solution alongside another organizational method.
Separate and Store Jewelry by Metal
Failing to group jewelry by metals or type is among the most common jewelry storage mistakes. The chemical interactions of different metal types can accelerate tarnishing, so it’s best to separate them according to material.
If you have a lot of unidentified jewelry, you can take it to a jeweler who will identify the metals for you. Make separate piles of the different types and design your storage solution around the metal types you have.
Costume
Costume jewelry, also known as fashion or gold-plated jewelry, is at the lower end of the quality spectrum. Costume jewelry is usually more affordable than other types, and it uses a thin gold plating to give it a shiny appearance. The base of costume jewelry is usually aluminum, copper or brass. Other fashion jewelry includes acrylic pieces, beads and leather.
This type of jewelry usually uses gemstone alternatives like cubic zirconia, contributing to its lower price tag. You can usually keep these items out in the open, as tarnishing is less likely than in other metals.
Semi-Fine
Semi-fine jewelry is a step up from costume jewelry. It usually uses a thick gold plating called vermeil or a gold filling. Often, the base metal of a semi-fine piece is sterling silver, making it more durable than costume jewelry counterparts. Semi-fine jewelry also uses genuine stones like opals, morganite and more.
However, the sterling silver base makes these pieces more susceptible to tarnishing. Make a point to store semi-fine items in an enclosed space.
Silver
Silver is among the more finicky metals because it tarnishes when it undergoes oxidation. Keeping silver out in the open air can cause it to tarnish much faster, especially if the space is humid. You should separate your silver in specific storage, like felt-lined trays or specialty tarnish prevention bags. These materials will absorb moisture and block sunlight to limit the oxidation process.
If the fear of tarnishing may make you feel like you can’t wear your silver jewelry, remember that these pieces are meant to be worn! The friction of wearing your silver can actually slow the tarnishing process, so make sure to wear your silver every now and then. Make a point to occasionally clean these pieces to prevent tarnish buildup.
Other Fine Jewelry
To maintain their shine, you also need to contain other fine jewelry types, like gold and precious gems, in a cool, dark place. While not all fine jewelry will react to sunlight, storing these high-value pieces away will also protect them from theft.
In terms of other storage needs for fine jewelry, consider the gems and stones. Diamonds are extremely hard, and they’ll scratch metals and other gems. Keep diamond jewelry in its own designated bag or compartment. Pearls can disintegrate inside plastic, so you should store all real pearls inside a wooden box with a soft felt lining.
Display Your Favorite Pieces
While silver and fine jewelry have particular storage requirements, you can display custom or fashion jewelry so it doubles as a decoration. Look into some of the display setups you see at jewelry stores, like bracelets and jewelry stands. You can also find perforated boards and racks that show off your earrings.
You can make creative jewelry displays if you’re interested in trying out a do-it-yourself project. You can build a dynamic wall feature of necklaces with a series of hooks on an empty wall. You can even create a jewelry board with a frame and square of cork.
Ring trays and holders are also an excellent idea for external jewelry storage. You can find handmade ring holders and dishes that bring style and beauty to your space while holding your ring collection. This storage solution makes it easy to pop your rings off at the end of the day and put them in their rightful place.
Storing some of your jewelry out in the open can serve as a reminder of the pieces you have. It’s easy to forget about specific items, especially when you have a large collection. Spotting your rings, necklaces and bracelets in the morning can spark inspiration for the day’s outfit and remind you to take all of your pieces for a spin.
Stay Consistent With Your Storage Solution
The key to jewelry organization is sticking with it. However, that’s easier said than done. At the end of a long day, sometimes all you feel like doing is taking your jewelry off and leaving it on your bathroom counter or dresser. If you do this all week, soon you’ll have a pile of tangled necklaces with tarnish or lost luster.
Once you have a jewelry organization technique in place, keep up with it. Build the habit of putting necklaces, bracelets and earrings back in their designated spots. This habit can keep your surfaces clear of a tangled mess, prevent losses and protect your jewelry over the long term.
Find Jewelry Storage Ideas at WG Wood Products
Jewelry organization can feel like a significant task, especially when you have an extensive jewelry collection. Now that you have all the knowledge of metals, cleaning and storage options, you can create a solution that reflects your unique needs.
At WG Wood Products, our solid wood storage cabinets support your jewelry storage needs. Our wood constructions offer more beauty and durability than other products on the market, and they ship for free. With free customizations and sizing options, your can make your cabinet work for you. Every cabinet is made in the U.S.A. Explore our products today and request a quote to receive more pricing information.