Five Tips for a Jewellery Box Audit
Written by Leah Yard
One area that often gets overlooked during spring cleaning is our jewellery box. Jewellery often holds stories, memories, and milestones. A simple jewellery box audit can bring those special pieces back into rotation, help you rediscover forgotten favourites, and ensure everything you own is being cared for properly. It’s also a chance to refresh your personal style, play with new combinations, and fall in love with your collection all over again.
At Leah Yard Designs, we design with intention, and getting the most out of your existing jewellery collection is a core value at LYD. Spring is the perfect time to pause, take stock, and reconnect with the pieces you already own. I like to turn a jewellery box audit into a fun seasonal ritual. I suggest putting on your favourite playlist, making a coffee or tea, and really taking your time with each piece.
Here are my five tips for spring cleaning and auditing your jewellery box to maximize your sparkle.
1) Take Inventory
Going through your jewellery box helps keep your current collection top of mind when you are out shopping. We are often drawn to what is familiar, but you don't want to be adding duplicates. Instead, look for supporting pieces that compliment your favourites. When you see something you love, ask yourself: Do I have something that serves the same purpose?
2) Pass It On
We've all kept clothes for too long, knowing they no longer fit. Are you hanging on to jewellery that no longer serves you? Repair, recycle, or pass down anything that doesn't make you feel good. Your jewellery box should be a place of joy and playfulness. If there are pieces you can't get rid of, but they don't evoke a positive emotion, put them into storage, or take them to a local vintage store where they can find a new home. Keep your jewellery box clear of negativity.
3) Repurpose It
Oftentimes a vintage piece just needs a refresh to turn it into a current favourite. Try adding an extender to an heirloom choker, or attaching a charm to your grandmother's chain to rejuvenate a sentimental piece.
4) Clean It Up
Are there hidden gems in your jewellery box? A simple re-polish can breathe new life to an older piece. Go through your jewellery box and clean up pieces you may have forgotten. Moving forward, follow these simple care tips to help keep your favourites looking their best.
5) Think OUTSIDE the Box
Have you ever gotten rid of something in your closet, only to regret it after seeing the same piece styled in a new way? Sometimes a different perspective or fresh eyes is all it takes to see new styling possibilities. Go through your jewellery box with a friend, or find inspiration on Pinterest to broaden your style palate.
Your jewellery box isn’t just storage, it’s a personal style collection, a little treasure trove of memories, moods, and sparkle. By checking in on your collection regularly, showing your favourites some love, and keeping your pieces in good shape, you’re making sure those sparkly investments actually get worn.
Jewellery and accessories are an expression of daily self. Mix it up. Layer things. Wear the “fancy” pieces to brunch. Let your choices reflect who you are today.