When my high school boyfriend and I started “going steady,” he gave me his class ring to wear. Soon after, we took a day trip to Pismo Beach so I could get some pictures of the pier for my photography class. The ring had yarn wrapped around it to make it fit. When I washed my hands in the beach bathroom, I took it off to keep it dry. It wasn’t until after we left that I realized I forgot to put it back on. We hurried back but too late—it was gone. I was devasted. He kindly said, “I guess you’ll just have to go with me forever.”
For many, their most precious jewelry carries sentimental value. For others, it’s like an art collection—there’s joy in the hunt and discovery of rare and beautiful finds. Some take pleasure in having the right costume jewelry for every outfit.
The 80/20 rule says we wear 20% of the jewelry we have, 80% of the time. For many, it’s only the 5% that can be seen and accessed. Unless your entire jewelry collection is museum worthy and needs special security, you’d benefit from making it visible and accessible for everyday use. Here are five Timely Tips to make that happen.
Timely Tips for jewelry organizing
Photo by Apoorve Jaiswal on Unsplash
SORT
Collect and sort your jewelry on a large flat surface like a table or bed. Lay down a plain sheet if you have a patterned spread.
Macro sort into categories—earrings, necklaces, bracelets, watches, etc.
Micro sort each category by separating broken items, single earrings, sentimental, costume, and high value jewelry.
Separate items for “keep or let go” by asking yourself these questions. Have I worn it in the last year or two? Is it something I would buy today? Does it look and feel good on me? Does it match my current style?
For pieces you’re unsure of or need repair, place in a temporary box and date it 6-12 months later.
Photo by Marija Zaric on Unsplash
LET GO
Choose a next step for things that didn’t make the cut.
SELL - Consider selling fine jewelry to a local jeweler, consignment store, or online—eBay or Poshmark. Some broken items can also be sold for the gold/silver content.
TOSS - Toss single earrings (not diamonds, of course) and broken costume jewelry.
DONATE - Donate items that are still in good condition.
DRESS-UPS - Place a few in the kids’/grandkids’ dress-up bin.
GIVE AWAY - Gift wrap sentimental pieces and give them away to loved ones who will treasure them.
TEMPORARY BOX - Let go of the items in the temporary box if you haven’t repaired or retrieved them by the appointed date.
DISPLAY
Honor the people and memories of your sentimental jewelry by displaying or repurposing it.
Check Pinterest or Craftionary.com for creative and beautiful ideas.
HIDE
Secure your fine jewelry. Sock drawers, the freezer, and of course, jewelry boxes are the most commonly checked by thieves.
Home safe
Hollowed-out book
Diversion Can Safe
MAKE ACCESSIBLE
Remove your daily wear jewelry items from their boxes and place them where they are visible and easy to access.
The hanging jewelry organizer enables you to accessorize while dressing.
Velvet-lined open-topped jewelry dividers fit well in shallow drawers.
Even ice trays can make handy stackable earring holders.
Necklace trees and ring dishes can be used on dresser tops.
wise words
Jewelry is like the perfect spice -- it complements what’s already there. -Diane Von Furstenberg
Jewelry is designed to be worn and treasured. I learned the hard way when I lost my boyfriend’s class ring, 50 years ago. But…a couple years later he replaced it with a wedding ring—which is still on my finger.