Organize your jewelry collection

Use drawers, walls to keep items safe and tangle-free

When it comes to storing jewelry, there is no shortage of organizing options. In fact, the choices can feel overwhelming.

Fortunately, the best choice is usually determined simply by what kind of space is available.

But before you run out and buy hooks, trays, dishes or boxes, take an inventory of your collection.

Pair earrings, untangle necklaces, make sure watches have batteries and set aside pieces you no longer wear.

Once you know what you have, you can consider which storage options make the most sense.

DRAWERS

If you have extra drawer space, try drawer inserts.

The key is compartmentalization to prevent things from getting jumbled or lost.

In smaller drawers, you can stack padded jewelry trays. In larger drawers, you can customize storage with different types and sizes of trays, or an expandable tray. Using drawers to store jewelry has the dual benefit of allowing you to see everything when you pull it open, but also of having things out of sight, so surfaces feel less cluttered.

If you want to get creative, substitute ice cube trays for standard jewelry trays. You can also use items as fancy as antique teacups and as basic as decorative gift boxes inside drawers to separate rings, earrings and bracelets.

Silver pieces are best kept in anti-tarnish bags or in closed boxes to limit air exposure.

WALLS

One inexpensive and trendy option is hanging necklaces and bracelets on a pegboard, which allows maximum flexibility for rearranging pieces or adding new ones. Or try a decorative bulletin board, with pins called T-pins to hold up the jewelry.

You can buy a pre-made, wall-mounted hanger option.

Open jewelry hangers are lightweight and easy to attach to the wall. They’re easy to take with you when you move, and come in a variety of finishes and sizes. If you would rather enclose your collection, consider a wall-mounted cabinet. They are heavier, however, and require more work to install.

If those options seem too elaborate, hooks designed to hold keys, ties and belts also work, as do adhesive hooks, which can be stuck anywhere and won’t cause damage when removed.

SURFACE STORAGE

Using surface space to store jewelry gives you maximum flexibility to move things around.

Jewelry boxes range from large and elaborate to small and basic, but all have limited storage capability. Other options include open-tiered stands and “trees,” designed specifically for necklaces, bracelets, watches and rings.

It’s fun to add a little personality and colour by using special dishes or even a tiered dessert stand.