Ever opened your jewelry case and watched as clumps of chain and stone spilled out like Pandora's Box? Or dug through a pile of earrings looking for that one lost pair?

As a jewelry designer, Saskia owns her fair share of pieces, ranging in size from super delicate to big and bold. Over time her dresser top grew a mound of necklaces that became unsortable and hugely aggravating. Last weekend, we decided to take action and thought our process would help all of you.

Here is a link to the YouTube video we made, but here are three helpful hints to get you on your way to perfect organization.

Lay It Out

Much like Mari Kondo (who we love), we believe that any organizing project begins with a visual inspection. Open every box, pull down every necklace, dig through all your rings and place it all on a large flat surface for inspection (a bed does nicely). Take the time now to look through and remove all those single earrings (we all have them) and broken chains. All the pieces you want to keep remain laid out and everything you want to get rid of goes in a bin for disposal. Now you have a sense of the project before you.

Sort

Now the creative process begins. You have a big pile of beauty before you - it’s time to put it into categories. Each of us thinks of organization differently - there is no right or wrong way to sort. Try and think of how you wear your jewelry: perhaps casual vs fancy makes sense; maybe you’re a seasonal type. Saskia thinks in terms of design type. We have many brass designs, so for her that is a clear category. Long necklaces, delicate necklaces, chunky designs and medium are all divisions she employs. Bracelets, rings and earrings clearly go in their own piles.

Display

You’re almost there! With your designs combed through and sorted, you are ready to think about how to best access them. We refer to this step as “display” because we like for everything to be visible. Putting your jewelry in cases or boxes is of course acceptable and up to your own discretion. Regardless your aesthetic, it’s time to find your jewelry receptacles. Saskia loves thrift shopping and while in Austin (read more here) she picked up some awesome antique hooks for our bedroom. With her jewelry categories in mind, we thoughtfully placed these hooks in the wall, along with a cool earring display I built a while back. Whether you choose this route, or find one all your own, be mindful of your personal needs for both look and functionality.

Dress Up

You did it! Look at all your beautiful jewelry that you now get to wear!! The best part of your new organization is you know where to find exactly what you want, when you want it. Now go play dress up.