Whether it’s around your neck or on your nightstand, fine jewelry deserves to be appreciated and cherished. Your collection holds precious memories: from engagement rings to birthday gifts to milestones in your life, your jewelry has been with you through many important moments. By storing and displaying it properly, you can ensure that it remains in good condition .
There are many types of jewelry storage, each with its own benefits. If you're wondering how to organize your jewelry, you've come to the right place! We've got expert tips for storing , organizing, and displaying your jewelry. These tips are useful for collections of all sizes.
The Importance of Jewelry Storage
While many pieces of jewelry come in boxes, having your own storage system will help you better organize your jewelry, whether it's for women or men. It becomes much easier to find your favorite ring when it's easily accessible.
Specialized storage keeps your earrings in pairs, and fine necklaces and bracelets will be less likely to get tangled when stored neatly.
Types of Jewelry Storage
Cabinets, trays, old boxes, repurposed decorative objects: there are many ways to store your jewelry. The best storage is the one that adapts to your needs and your collection.
Some prefer to display their pieces, while others opt for closed storage. It's all about choosing the system that will allow you to organize your jewelry while keeping it safe.
The most common jewelry storage options include:
- Jewelry boxes
- Pocket trays
- Mirrored cabinets
- Watch boxes
- Jewelry cups
- Hanging organizers
- Felt lined drawers
- Foldable or rollable cases
- Unique displays
- Storage for antique jewelry
From modern mirrors with jewelry storage to antique gilded bronze boxes, jewelry storage solutions combine functionality with aesthetics. It’s best to choose a system that keeps your jewelry safe while organizing it efficiently.
Needs vary from person to person: some will prefer a locked jewelry box to keep their pieces away from young children, while others will opt for hanging organizers that showcase jewelry.
Expert Tips for Storing Jewelry
We tapped Noel Fahden, vice president of merchandising at Chairish, an online marketplace for vintage and contemporary home decor, for her best tips on storing and displaying jewelry.
Keep similar jewelry together
“We recommend storing similar jewelry together whenever possible,” says Fahden. “Having a box or dedicated space for each type of piece helps keep you organized. If you have a history of wearing certain jewelry combinations, keep them together so you can find them easily.”
This can mean a combination of solutions, such as an organizer in a drawer for your larger pieces, and a small tray on your vanity for your wedding ring and a few pairs of basic earrings.
Make it easier to locate frequently worn items
Fahden stresses the importance of how often you wear a piece of jewelry when deciding how to display it. “Is it a piece you wear every day, or an heirloom that you only bring out for special occasions? That will determine how accessible you need it to be and will likely influence how you plan to store it,” she explains.
Tips for storing jewelry based on materials
Proper storage of precious metals, diamonds, pearls and other gemstones is crucial to maintaining their brilliance . Each material has its own storage requirements, which are important to follow when displaying or storing your jewelry.
Gold jewelry
Whether yellow, white or rose gold, these precious metals come in different carats (from 9 to 24), which influences their softness and durability. Store gold jewellery in a cool, dry place, away from temperature fluctuations and humidity. Store fine chains and bracelets separately to prevent them from getting tangled or knotted.
Silver jewelry
Silver jewelry is best stored in a jewelry box or roll lined with felt. Felt not only helps separate items, but also absorbs moisture, limiting tarnishing. Larger pieces of silver jewelry can be stored in a felt pouch to protect them from potential damage when exposed to harder metals or stones in a jewelry dish or drawer.
Gemstone jewelry
Some gemstones are more fragile than others. For example, rubies and sapphires are relatively hard (9 on the Mohs scale), while opals are softer (6). Store similar stones together, separating them into compartments or pouches to prevent them from scratching each other. Protect your gemstones from moisture—this is especially important for opals—and avoid exposing them to direct sunlight, as UV rays can fade and damage the stones.
Diamonds
Diamonds are one of the hardest substances in the world, but they are not indestructible. Fine jewelry, such as diamond engagement rings, are relatively safe from damage, but careful storage is still essential. When not being worn, the best place for a diamond ring is in its storage location. Common options include the original box, a ring storage tray, a specialty dish, or a ring cone.
Other diamond jewelry, such as necklaces and bracelets, should be stored in a way that prevents them from becoming tangled.
The pearls
Pearl jewelry should be stored separately to avoid damaging these delicate stones. This is especially important for pearl necklaces. The original packaging, silk pouches, or soft velvet cases are the best options for keeping pearls safe.
Jewelry Storage Ideas
When it comes to displaying your jewelry, you have plenty of options. Timeless classics like jewelry boxes and stands are great solutions for your collection, but they're not the only options. Here are some of our favorite ideas for organizing your accessories.
Jewelry boxes and chests
“Jewelry boxes are of course a traditional way to store your belongings, and they can be as beautiful as the pieces they contain,” says Fahden. Jewelry boxes can be elegantly decorated or more understated. They often come with locks, which is ideal for those who want to keep their collection safe.
This type of storage typically offers drawers or tiers with individual compartments for all types of jewelry, from necklaces to delicate bracelets.
Dishes, pocket emptiers, trays
There's nothing like a tray of shimmering jewelry on a dresser to add a touch of glamour to your boudoir. These jewelry displays, whatever you call them, come in a variety of styles to suit any aesthetic.
Since it's unlikely that all of your pieces will fit on a single tray, reserve this space for a few items that you wear every day. Whether it's a pair of diamond earrings or a ring that you wear often, these are the essentials that deserve a spot on your jewelry display.
Our secret tip for finding the perfect container? Don’t limit yourself to classic jewelry storage. A tea saucer, a large ceramic coaster or even a crystal ashtray can work wonders as elegant displays.
Jewelry holder
For those who struggle to keep their necklaces and chains from getting tangled, jewelry holders may be the perfect solution. Marble bases and precious metal clips are luxurious options, but this look can also be easily replicated with more affordable materials.
This type of display can make any jewelry collection look sophisticated, and it's not limited to necklaces. For earring lovers, jewelry holders with small holes are a stylish way to showcase your collection. If you've accumulated several bracelets over the years, choose a holder with wider arms to display them.
Jewelry Organizers & Trays
For those who prefer not to display their jewelry, drawer or closet organizers are a stylish option, reminiscent of luxury boutiques. These modules are designed to keep your jewelry safe, separate, and organized with many small compartments.
Fahden recommends considering custom organization for your current furniture or a new piece of furniture if you have a large collection to store.
Removable jewelry trays are another storage option inside the cabinet, keeping your jewelry organized and easily accessible.
Travel Cases & Jewelry Rolls
Whether it’s a travel case or a jewelry roll, there are plenty of ways to keep your jewelry safe, organized, and protected while you’re on the go. Cases offer a hard shell that helps prevent damage during transport, while rolls are compact and stylish.
The good news is that you don't have to go on vacation to enjoy jewelry cases and rolls. If you have a small collection, a case could be the perfect solution for organizing your jewelry.
Additional Tips and Ideas for Jewelry Storage
Whether you need to organize a few key pieces or are looking to store a larger jewelry collection, there are additional tips you can follow to maximize your storage space.
Adapt your space
The key, Fahden says, is choosing the right type of storage for your space.
“It’s important not to go too big or too small. Make sure the piece of furniture or storage matches the rest of your decor so it’s not too flashy – it should blend in seamlessly with your space, not overwhelm it,” she says.
Protect fragile parts
No matter what storage solution you choose, take extra precautions to protect your pieces. Keep them out of direct sunlight and avoid hanging pearl necklaces. Metals like silver should be stored safely to prevent tarnishing.
Group similar materials together, for example by storing your gold jewelry in one compartment and your platinum jewelry in another. To prevent chains from tangling, leave enough space between them. A good tip to avoid tangles is to hang each necklace or bracelet on an individual hook if you are using a larger storage space.
Avoid clutter
When thinking about how to store or display your jewelry, consider which ones should be stored together and which ones should be separated. For example, pavé engagement rings might not fit in a clutch with earrings because they are more likely to get damaged.
Highlight your style
Your jewelry collection is unique, just like you. For many, jewelry is an art form to be displayed and enjoyed every day. While there are recommended practices for jewelry care, you can be creative in how you display it in your home.
Think of your jewelry as a decorative piece. Think about how your display fits in with the rest of your furniture, or how your storage box sits on your dresser. As long as you don't compromise the integrity of your jewelry, have fun exploring different display options.