Spring Cleaning: How to Clean Your Jewelry Box and Get Organized

Have you gotten the itch to organize lately? It’s that time of year when you might feel the need to declutter and get your things in order, spring cleaning style. Spring is the perfect time to clear out your jewelry box, spruce up your old jewelry, and donate the pieces that you no longer wear. Keeping your jewelry box tidy and organized not only makes it easier to find your favorite pieces, but it also helps to keep your jewelry in good condition. Here’s how to clean your jewelry box, both inside and out.

Sort Your Jewelry

The first step in figuring out how to clean your jewelry box is organizing your jewelry. Start by sorting your jewelry into different categories such as necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings. You can further organize your jewelry by color, by style, or by occasion; put your finest, fanciest pieces that you wear to weddings or galas in one area and your daily capsule pieces in another. 

Decide What to Keep or Donate

Once you’ve sorted your jewelry, it's time to decide what to keep and what to donate. As you go through each pile one piece at a time, ask yourself whether you wear the piece regularly or if it holds sentimental value. If you haven't worn a piece in over a year (or to your last few formal occasions), it's probably time to consider donating it. You can donate your unwanted jewelry to a thrift store or a charity. Not only will you be decluttering your jewelry box, but you will also be giving back to the local community.

Clean and Organize Your Jewelry

Once you’ve organized your jewelry, it's time to clean it. To clean most jewelry, mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water. Soak the jewelry in the solution for a few minutes, then gently scrub it with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Rinse the jewelry in cool water and pat it dry with a soft cloth. 

Remember that cleaning your jewelry often can keep it in good condition. A good practice is to wipe down your jewelry with a soft cloth after each wear to remove any residue (like lotions, perfumes, or bacteria) that can build up over time and lead to tarnishing. You can always get your jewelry professionally cleaned, too; we recommend a thorough, expert cleaning twice a year to keep your jewelry shining. 

If some of your jewelry ends up in a tangle (don’t worry, it happens to everyone), you can either spend some time carefully picking apart the knots yourself or visit a professional jeweler who can untangle them for you. Try to keep each piece separated from its neighbors while you’re storing your jewelry; when pieces come into contact with each other, it’s easy for them to get scratched.

Enhance Old Jewelry

If you have old or broken jewelry that you don't wear anymore, consider repurposing it. You can ask a jeweler to refurbish old pieces or turn them into something brand new. Here are some ideas for how to enhance your old jewelry:

• Replace gemstones: If you notice that your gemstones are missing, cracked, or just might look better with something new, consider replacing them. A professional jeweler can source new stones for you and set them in your piece. 
• Resize rings, necklaces, or bracelets: Just like with clothes, some jewelry may not fit the same way forever. There are all kinds of reasons for this: weight gain or loss, temperature changes, or even damage to the jewelry can cause it to be too big or too small. If your jewelry doesn’t fit anymore, take it to a jeweler to be resized. 
• Get a gold or rhodium plating: If you have a piece of jewelry you’re unsure about, or that feels a little drab, consider updating its color and shine with gold or rhodium plating.
• Fix any broken chains: There’s an easy solution when your favorite necklace or bracelet breaks: professional jewelers can quickly solder the chain back together or replace the clasp so you can wear your piece again in no time. 
• Create something entirely new: If you have bits and bobs of old jewelry stashed away — a loose charm, a sentimental pendant, a broken chain, a rogue gemstone — you can use those pieces to create something entirely new. Toss whatever doesn’t spark joy and take the rest to your jeweler along with any fresh jewelry ideas you have in mind. A professional jeweler will be able to help you turn those separate elements into a new design that you’re sure to love. 

Clean the Inside of Your Jewelry Box

Once you’ve cleaned your jewelry, it's time to clean the inside of your jewelry box. Start by removing all of the jewelry and wiping down the inside of the box with a damp cloth. If there are any stains or marks, use a mild soap solution (like warm water and dish soap). Once the inside of the box is clean, you can even add some fresh lining like felt or velvet to keep your pieces safe and cushioned. You can also clean the outside of the box the same way; if the exterior is delicate, try a light dusting with a feather duster. Then be sure to put all your cleaned pieces back into the upgraded jewelry box. 

It’s always good to take a moment and organize, clean, and declutter your jewelry box — even if it isn’t spring! To get your pieces in good condition for the new season, send them to the experts at Quick Jewelry Repairs. Our pro team will thoroughly polish them to make sure they look as good as new.