A Guide to Decluttering and Organising Your Jewellery
We all know that feeling of opening a jewellery box only to find a tangled mess of necklace chains, lone earrings, and rings scattered all over. Even worse is the realisation that you’re the one who has to sort it all out!
While the idea of tidying things up might not spark joy, here’s the good news: decluttering and organising your jewellery doesn’t have to a dreaded chore. It can be the perfect opportunity to fall back in love with old favourites and transform your collection into something beautifully curated rather than chaotic.
By letting go of pieces you no longer wear, you can create a jewellery collection that feels more intentional and less cluttered with plenty of space for new pieces you absolutely adore.
How to Declutter and Organise Jewellery
Step 1: Assess Your Collection
The first step? Take it all out. Yes, everything. Lay it out in front of you so you can get a good look at what you’ve accumulated over the years. This step is all about taking stock, so start sorting your pieces into categories: necklaces, earrings, and rings, or however you like to organise things.
Now it’s time for a little honesty: which pieces do you actually wear? Which ones have you forgotten about? It's likely you have favourites, which you reach for every day – the pieces you wear daily without a second thought. The rest? Take a closer look. Do they still suit your style, or is it best to declutter them?
Step 2: Start Decluttering
Decluttering is all about being honest with yourself. It’s much better to have a smaller, carefully curated collection of jewellery that you adore, rather than one stuffed with jewellery you never wear. So you'll be doing yourself a favour by letting go of pieces you no longer love.
Take each piece one by one, and ask yourself: Does this still suit my style? Maybe you used to love acrylic jewellery, but now it feels a bit too garish. Or perhaps those quirky vintage earrings just don’t feel like you anymore.
Some items might be too worn out or broken, while others simply no longer match your vibe – let them go! If a piece is still in good condition, think about donating it, gifting it to a friend, or selling it on platforms like Depop or Vinted. Giving your old jewellery a new home means it can continue to be enjoyed, even if it’s not by you.
Step 3: Clean Your Jewellery
Now that you’ve whittled down your collection to only your favourites, it’s time to give them the care they deserve. A little TLC goes a long way in keeping your jewellery looking its best but a clean-up also helps it last longer. So it’s well worth the effort before putting your pieces back into its storage box.
Most jewellery can be cleaned with a soft cloth, warm water, and a gentle soap – just be careful not to scrub too hard! Once cleaned, dry each piece thoroughly and polish it up with a microfiber cloth. For more delicate pieces, like those with gemstones, be extra gentle. You want them looking their best without risking any damage.
Step 4: Choose the Right Storage
Your jewellery is clean, your collection is pared down, and now it’s time to think about how to store it all so it stays that way. Proper storage isn’t just about keeping everything organised – it also helps protect your pieces from damage and keeps them looking their best.
A classic jewellery box with a soft lining and separate compartments is a great choice. It keeps everything in place and prevents tangled chains and scratched surfaces. And here’s a handy trick: pop an anti-tarnish strip or a silica gel packet in your storage. This simple trick will help your silver and gold pieces stay looking their best for longer.
Step 5: How to Display Jewellery
While jewellery stands may look pretty, they’re not the best option for long-term storage. Sunlight, humidity, and household products will speed up the tarnishing process and cause permanent damage, so it’s best to store your jewellery in a cool, dry, and dark place – like a classic jewellery box.
That said, if you have pieces you wear so often they rarely make it back into the jewellery box, a decorative tray or simple jewellery stand could be the perfect solution. These are ideal for keeping frequently worn items safe and easily accessible when you momentarily take them off. Just remember to store them properly when they’re not in regular rotation!
Step 6: Maintaining an Organised Jewellery Collection
You’ve sorted, cleaned, and stored your jewellery, but the key to keeping it shining is regular maintenance. Don’t let your collection slip back into chaos – a bit of upkeep goes a long way. Every few weeks, take a quick look – are any pieces showing signs of wear or tarnish? Do you have anything you’ve stopped wearing or that no longer feels you?
Think of this as a mini refresh for your collection; time to clean your jewellery, rearrange your storage, and let go of anything you no longer wear. Staying on top of your collection not only keeps it tidy but ensures every piece you own feels intentional, loved, and ready to wear.
Step 7: Buying Sustainable Jewellery
After all that decluttering and organising, why not add a few new pieces to your collection that reflect your style and values? When it comes to buying new jewellery, think about choosing pieces that are versatile, timeless, and made from ethical materials like recycled metals and responsibly sourced gemstones.
Sustainable jewellery isn’t just about adding more to your collection – it’s about choosing quality over quantity. When you invest in pieces that will last for years and can be worn with multiple outfits, you’re not only making a positive impact on the planet, but you’re also building a collection that’s as meaningful as it is beautiful.
