Organisation & Storage Ideas | Jewellery

I like to separate jewellery collection into the costume pieces and expensive or valuable pieces and store them accordingly. The tricky part I found is that my collection continues to grow as does my style taste. I want a system that will suit for years not months and for all types of jewellery.

I suggest spending a considerable amount of time working out what doesn't work for you and what options are available. For example you may like the look of the vintage boxes/ dishes but are always in a rush when getting ready, so fumbling through many items in a boxes may not be practical.

Always plan for the space you have not want. Allow for some room for your collection to grow so it doesn't quickly not work for you. Having unity in colour and style of pieces (bins, dividers, buckets) adds cohesion to your room and based on appearance is easier on the brain especially to process.

If you can't find what you're looking for or picturing in your head google it using key works. Such as 'acrylic necklace holder'. You may even be able to find it on Etsy for a reasonable price.

Costume Jewellery | Hanging Options - small to medium collections/ small vertical space
Over the door organisers with some have storage pockets that keep pieces dust free are great at utilising vertical space. Jewellery pieces are easy to see, great for a medium collection. However pieces aren't dust free and are likely to tangle and possibly damage if in an area with a lot of movement.

Shelf Options - small to large collections with lots of space

Ceramic bowls/ dishes/ serving trays are great for small collections with adequate shelf or open space. Different types of jewellery can be separated into each bowl. It's a unique and awesome way to add decoration to a room as the type and size of bowl can vary. Pieces aren't dust free and likely to tangle and be damaged if there is a lot of movement and pieces in the one bowl. This would suit those who have a busy lifestyle where they tend to grab pieces and go.

Stands/ trees are great for medium to large collections with lots of shelf space. There are different styles that suit different sized collections. Generally these are suited for one or two types of jewellery, meaning a separate organisation method is needed for the other type. Some tree designs hold all four types but are suited for a small collection. For example most hold both necklaces or bracelets and limit earrings and rings. A large collection can take up a lot of shelf space if not properly accounted for.

No tangles, easy visible and adds a decorative touch with designs suiting different style tastes. Some designs may not be suited for long/ chunky pieces, otherwise tangles could occur. Some designs as shown in the examples offer dust protection but otherwise pieces aren't dust free. This would suit those who have a lot of one particular type of jewellery such as necklaces or who likes to have their favourite key pieces on display.

 

Ring holders are great for small collections and small space. There are different designs with some offering the ability to hold more rings. These are great for small pieces and offer a unique way to decorate and suit different style tastes. It would have to be used in conjunction with another storage method for other pieces and may not be a great space spacer. This would suit those who have few rings they wear on a daily basis.

Cases/ towers are great to medium to large collections and adequate shelf space. They are the ideal all in one organiser. They fit all four types of jewellery. Some have a built in ring space and divided drawers to easily keep pieces together and tangle free. They are durable, easy to clean, dust free and come in a variety of styles and sizes for different style tastes and collections.

The drawers allow for each type of jewellery to be kept together. Some cases even have felt lined drawers to even further protect pieces form tangling. There is a large mirror option on a stand that opens up to reveal jewellery storage for all types but is hidden when not in use. This would suit someone who is after an all in one jewellery organisation.

 

Drawers is the last option that can suit any sized collection. They keep pieces dust free, durable, easy to see each item, suits both delicate and chunky pieces and great for all types of jewellery. Depending on the amount of space can easily be arranged to suit a larger collection. The length, depth and amount of drawers can accommodate other accessories into such as sunglasses, watches and polishing clothes and become the ultimate all in one organiser.

The depth of the drawer can be used to stack divider trays to accommodate more pieces. If not pre built,  dividers can be added to suit any style taste, width and types of jewellery. Small squares for small individual items to long rows for lots of stacked brackets, laid flat necklaces and earrings as well as big squares for different sized rings/ earrings/ bracelets. May be a waste and unable to be reutilised if collection is downsized. Pieces can become tangled in large square dividers if alot are stored here. This would suit someone who had a built in wardrobe with drawers and likes and out of sight clean look.

DIY Options:

1. Use the bottom of an empty egg carton as holders for any type of jewellery. Better yet you can customise how many long it is by cutting off what you don't need. It makes a great divider inside jewellery cases/boxes.

2. Use chicken wire stapled to the back of a wooden photo frame. Earrings can be hooked on the wire and the frame attached to a wall

3. Screw door knobs on wall and hang statement necklaces. Adds decor to the room while being functional.

4. Use a shadow box photo frame. Remove the glass if appropriate and screw tiny hooks onto the backing. Attach to a wall and hang necklaces off the hooks.

5. Use a thin plastic pipe or wooden rod and lay over two hooks screwed into a wall or door. Loop necklaces and bracelets over this. This way the rod is easy to lift up and remove the item wanted. Hang either item over an 'S' shaped hook thats hooked on the rod and hang items onto here.

Expensive/ Valuable Jewellery

As they are more expensive I store these items in their relevant pouches/ boxes that came from the jewellery store, like my Pandora bracelets and all my rings are in their boxes for example. For the amount of money spent, you want to do all you can to protect it and extend it's life. Being 'hidden' in their pouches makes me feel more secure about the pieces as I know they aren't easy identifiable to a stranger or burglar as compared to a jewellery stand. These can be stored in a jewellery case/ hidden mirror. The first drawer of a chest of drawers is a perfect solution too!

I store mine in their own drawer/ section in my wardrobe. They are arranged by type of item and wear frequency. The lesser worn items are at the bottom and back of the draw. There's not many of these items so my photogenic memory remembers what each item looks like. Seeing as this draw is longer then it is wide, I also store my sunglasses and watches so they are all in the one place away from harsh sunlight and chance of damage. Of course you can always find or make specific sunglass and watch storage items to organise your these.

Going left side to right of the draw, my drawer is organised;
back row- (all less worn items) anklet, 2x delicate chain bracelets, stud dangle earrings, Pandora ring
middle row- Pave ball stud earrings, 2x sunglasses, jewellery polishing cloths, Cartier Love bracelet
front row- Tiffany & Co pouches, small jewellery divided dish (containing a pair of studs, 2x delicate necklace, pandora bracelet opener, and key and lock for handbag), 2x rings stacked behind each other, 2x watches stacked behind each other and 2x pandora bracelets stacked on top of watches.



I really hope this has helped you out in some way as it did take a long time to put together and categorise. It is a lot to think about but trust me once you figure out what you want, it's so more efficient. A lot if not all of these examples can be found at a home storage store or online shop. I found they have a larger range as they specialised in this area. If you have any more suggestions please let me know, I love finding out new was to organise things, even on a cheaper scale!