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How to declutter your jewelry collection
Step 1:
I took out all my jewellery and put them in categories- necklaces, bracelets, rings, anklets, earrings, etc. Next, within each group, I further grouped things by colour. This part is optional but gives you clarity on whether you have too much in the same colour. You could instead group by style (chokers/hoops/etc.) or material (crystal/stone/silver/etc.).
Step 2:
I made 3 sections on my bed-
1. Give away- Jewellery that is in good shape and it kind of hurts to throw it. So I would pass it on to my loved ones. It could also be an idea to sell these pieces.
2. Keep- These pieces go back into my cupboard.
3. Memory box- I am not going to wear these but they are special because they bring back memories (for whatever reason- it could be a special gift, you picked it from a favourite trip or maybe your grandma passed it over to you, etc.). Tuck this memory box away.
The other pieces directly go to the bin.
Step 3: Decision-making
I went through every single piece of non-precious jewellery and made my decision to keep it, give it away or throw it based on the following:
1. Have I worn it in the last 1 year? Yes- Keep. No- Next question!
2. Have I outgrown this piece? Yes- Discard (Giveaway/Memory box/Bin). No- Next question!
Example- These were earrings with hearts and butterflies, or a necklace with too many tassels, even a very bright gold statement necklace which surely I am not going to wear anymore.
3. Do I have pieces similar in style/colour/material to this one? Yes- pick the one that excites you from that bunch of similar things and keep it; discard the rest. No- Next question!
4. Is it really my style and does it make me happy when I wear it? Yes- Keep. No- Next question!
Example- I gave away a beautiful layered necklace just because it was a bit too thick chained for my taste and I would always pick up other layered necklaces over this. I also gave away some silver jewellery because I realised that golds, browns, greens, and orange pieces suit my brown skin better.
5. Is it a unique or statement piece that suits particular occasions only? Yes- Keep. No- Discard.
Step 4: Maintaining this collection
This is more for the future but here is what you could do-
1. Avoid impulse-buys by maintaining wishlists and checking your cart back later to see if these items still excite you. You could ask yourselves the questions 3, 4 and 5 again. Also, with wishlists, you can choose to only buy on sale.
Example- These were earrings with hearts and butterflies, or a necklace with too many tassels, even a very bright gold statement necklace which surely I am not going to wear anymore.
3. Do I have pieces similar in style/colour/material to this one? Yes- pick the one that excites you from that bunch of similar things and keep it; discard the rest. No- Next question!
4. Is it really my style and does it make me happy when I wear it? Yes- Keep. No- Next question!
Example- I gave away a beautiful layered necklace just because it was a bit too thick chained for my taste and I would always pick up other layered necklaces over this. I also gave away some silver jewellery because I realised that golds, browns, greens, and orange pieces suit my brown skin better.
5. Is it a unique or statement piece that suits particular occasions only? Yes- Keep. No- Discard.
Step 4: Maintaining this collection
This is more for the future but here is what you could do-
1. Avoid impulse-buys by maintaining wishlists and checking your cart back later to see if these items still excite you. You could ask yourselves the questions 3, 4 and 5 again. Also, with wishlists, you can choose to only buy on sale.
2. Make it a rule to replace existing items while adding new buys.
3. Figure out the theme of your collection and stick to it- rare finds? trendy pieces?
In the former case, you should avoid stock buying from retail shops/sites, and only pick collectables from travels or vintage finds.
Later, I created a WhatsApp group with all my girls where I posted the pictures of the 30 giveaway items. I asked them to pick whatever they like and I would give it to them when I see them next, Some of them were quite excited about this and 70% of my stuff found a new home where it would find more love.
This process has given me more peace of mind and pride in my jewellery and I wish the same for you.
If you have more ideas on this then please share with all of us in the comments below.
3. Figure out the theme of your collection and stick to it- rare finds? trendy pieces?
In the former case, you should avoid stock buying from retail shops/sites, and only pick collectables from travels or vintage finds.
Later, I created a WhatsApp group with all my girls where I posted the pictures of the 30 giveaway items. I asked them to pick whatever they like and I would give it to them when I see them next, Some of them were quite excited about this and 70% of my stuff found a new home where it would find more love.
This process has given me more peace of mind and pride in my jewellery and I wish the same for you.
If you have more ideas on this then please share with all of us in the comments below.
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