Coco Chanel once famously said, “Accessories are what makes or marks a woman.” However, she also said, “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take at least one thing off.” Both statements are spot-on and sage advice from a woman with whom no one can argue style or taste. If you’re like many people, your jewelry box is overflowing with pieces that no longer suit your taste or that you simply never wear.
JEWELRY
You may be at a crossroads where you’re ready to simplify your life and declutter the things that no longer serve you, and your jewelry collection is no exception; if this sounds like you, keep reading for important tips for personalizing your jewelry box and collection to something you’ll find serious joy in opening each day.
Start By Sorting
The first step to personalizing your jewelry collection is to gather it all in the same place and dump it out (or lay it gingerly) right in front of you. From this point, it’s easy to start sorting. Any broken pieces that aren’t worth repairing and outdated statement pieces you’ll never wear can immediately be set aside for the trash bin. Next, create piles of pieces that are worth repairing and have a section for items you can still yourself wear. Remember, for any pieces that need repairing; it’s best to take them immediately to a reputable jeweler to get quotes on repair work and get the ball rolling on fixing them.
Organization Is Key
For the items, you decide to keep, make sure you honor them. Organizing your jewelry box is key for several reasons. When everything has its place, it’s easier to see, meaning you’ll wear it more often. Organizing your jewelry also prevents tangling and tarnishing. Investing in a jewelry box or jewelry dresser is paramount if you don’t already have compartments that will make organization easy. Keep like items together – charms with charms, rings with rings, necklaces hung appropriately on hooks, you get the idea.
Regular Cleaning
The same way you give your house a good scrub down every week or at least once a month, you want to keep your jewelry collection clean. This means investing in a jewelry cleaning solution and the tools to keep it looking its best. While a patina is nice on a vintage turquoise and sterling silver ring, you don’t want tarnish on a silver chain you’d wear. When your jewelry is kept clean, you’ll wear it; as opposed to seeing a piece you love, but it’s dirty, and so it sits there unworn and continuing to tarnish. Be proactive with caring for the jewelry that is meaningful to you, so it’s ready to wear when you want.
Signature Pieces
As referenced earlier, the Coco quote about making the woman is true with our jewelry when we define what our signature pieces are. Signature pieces are the best because you typically leave them on, you’re known for them, and they compliment your personality and signature style. These timeless and treasured pieces also frequently become heirloom pieces within families. Caring for your signature pieces is critical; if you repair and clean nothing in your collection, these demand your attention.
Personalize It
While the above areas of personalization focus on caring for and curating your collection, a personalized piece of jewelry is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. Whether you opt for a signet ring with your initials or a nameplate necklace with your child’s name, personalized jewelry is a timeless way to put your own twist on your jewelry collection. After all, it was twenty years ago that SJP made the iconic “Carrie” necklace a must-have for women. Today, all those years later, people are still supporting this recognizable style. Personalize several pieces in your collection; you won’t regret it!
Investing in your jewelry collection and honoring it through care and storage is an investment that will pay for itself in spades. Not only will you get more use out of your pieces, but you’ll also treasure them more too! Take the advice of the iconic Chanel and let your jewelry make you! Jewelry is the cherry on top of any polished outfit, so don’t leave home without it!
