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Camryn Rabideau/Business Insider
As a self-described magpie, I’m always adding new bits of fine jewelry to my collection. But the more I accumulate, the more cluttered my my vanity looks. It’s easy to stuff everything into a drawer, but then I risk tangling my necklaces and scuffing my “good” jewelry.
Decorating my space with a high-quality jewelry box has kept everything stored in a stylish little package. It makes my bedroom look more put-together, and now I spend way less time sifting through boxes full of earrings.
I spoke with professional jewelers for tips on compartmentalizing and tarnish-proof fabrics. Then, I tested out several popular jewelry boxes to see how they compare. My favorites have designated storage space for all types of jewelry, including tiny earrings, dainty necklaces, and chunky rings. Others are more decorative and can hold larger accessories like watches and sunglasses. If being organized brings you as much joy as it does to me, then these are all the jewelry boxes worth considering.
Top 3 jewelry boxes we tested:
Camryn Rabideau/Business Insider
I was impressed by this box’s sturdy construction, and unlike other options we tested, this jewelry organizer has slide-out drawers that make it quick and easy to access its contents. I tested the large version, which includes a top drawer with smaller sections where I organized all my earrings and rings. Its lower drawers provide plenty of space for necklaces, bracelets, bangles, and larger accessories like brooches or sunglasses. The interior is lined with a soft linen fabric to cushion fine jewelry and prevent scratching, and you can even have the glass lid monogrammed for a personalized touch.
If you have a sizable jewelry collection, the Pottery Barn Stella Jewelry Box is a sturdy and stylish organizer that will keep your pieces in excellent condition. It comes in three sizes — small, large and ultimate — to accommodate collections of different sizes. The large suited our needs, but go for the ultimate if your collection is over 100 pieces, or includes a lot of large statement jewelry. The Stella comes in four color options, all of which make an attractive addition to your vanity.
Maria Yagoda/Business Insider
We had travel writer Maria Yagoda test ten of the best travel jewelry cases, and The Organized Jewelry Case by Hammacher Schlemmer was her top overall pick.
“My favorite feature of this stylish, cube-shaped case is its removable insert, which has four folding zippered pouches that kept my jewelry perfectly separate and organized. Each piece fit neatly without any need for draping them precisely into narrow buckles or loops,” writes Maria.
“I have a lot of tiny tiny and chunky jewelry, and this case comfortably and efficiently accommodates it all. The pouches are transparent, too, and I appreciated being able to see where everything is as I’m deciding what to pack or wear.
For non-perfect packers like myself, this case makes it easy to feel like an organized person: It has the right balance of interior storage mechanisms (an earring tree, ring holder, and pouches) as well as empty spaces for throwing items in without any fuss.
For example, my bangles didn’t fit in any of the compartments or holders, so I tossed them into the main space. The whole thing is easy to zip closed — even if you overstuff it — and it has a cute little handle for carrying on its own,” she writes.
Camryn Rabideau/Business Insider
This is the top jewelry box I recommend if you have lots of earrings. The “Set of 3” version has three trays, one with a 25-section velvet-lined grid that’s perfect for keeping pairs matched up. The three stack neatly on top of each other, giving it the appearance of a classic faux leather jewelry box. The lidded top tray has sections for storing rings and bracelets, while the bottom tray has a deep, three-compartment design for larger accessories. The brand also sells additional trays that you can add to the stack, so you can expand the jewelry box according to what you need.
Maria Yagoda/Business Insider
Hanging your jewelry in a closet among all your outfits can help you visualize which pieces you want to wear. Maria especially likes the Away Hanging Organizer because it’s great at keeping necklaces untangled, and you can take it anywhere.
“This roomy organizer is very thoughtfully designed, with plenty of space for a diverse assortment of jewelry, from the fine to the chunky. I appreciated all the smart compartments for securing jewelry in place — my necklaces, in particular, didn’t budge, thanks to two different mechanisms for holding them in place. It closes super easily even if you overstuff it, which I appreciate as someone who doesn’t always have time to pack things delicately,” she writes.
“I had some trouble buckling in my super-thick necklaces, but they fit easily in the large main compartment. That’s what I loved the most: All of my pieces had multiple options for where I could put them. The interior microfiber lining is silky-soft — the exact type of material I want brushing up against precious metals.
I also love that I can hang it in a hotel room closet when I get to my destination. The case is minimalist, highly functional, and clearly designed by a brand whose focus is travel,” according to Maria.
Mode RSVP
A jewelry box serves a purpose, but it can also be a way to beautify your space. “I love the jewelry portfolios from Wolf’s Zoe collection,” says Corina Madilian, owner of jewelry brand Single Stone. “They are beautifully made, embellished with embroidery, and offer a functional way to store my jewelry.” The boxes come in three floral-embellished velvet finishes that add an artful flair to your vanity, and all the inner compartments are lined with a special fabric that helps prevent tarnishing.
Amazon
If you have precious heirlooms, a diamond engagement ring, or other high-end jewelry in your collection, it’s worth investing in a lock box like the Amazon Basics Security Safe to protect your valuables. This compact safe can be installed in a closet or on a shelf, and it comes in several sizes, depending how much space you need. It’s secured by a digital keypad and comes with two backup keys, and the interior is lined to prevent scratching your jewelry. Plus, it’s big enough to accommodate a jewelry organization tray to hold your favorite pieces.
Read our full review of the Amazon Basics Steel Security Safe in our guide to the best home safes.
Camryn Rabideau/Business Insider
This leather jewelry box has the best storage for rings, with a six-channel section for keeping precious gems safe and easily accessible. The outside is made from real leather, and it comes with three inner trays that are lined with an anti-tarnish microsuede. You can change the arrangement of the trays to keep your most-used pieces on top, but keep in mind that you do have to remove all the trays to access pieces on the bottom. The Quince jewelry box comes in either a black or nude color, and it has a snap closure to keep the lid securely shut when it’s not in use.
Read more about our favorite pieces from the brand in our full Quince review.
Urban Outfitters
It can be tricky to store necklaces, as they can easily get tangled together if laid flat: “You don’t want necklaces clumped together because you don’t want the chains to tangle and get caught in each other,” explains Robin Williams, jewelry expert and vice president of H Tim Williams Jewelers. “This can cause knots or even for the chains to break running the pieces.”
The Mele and Co Trina Jewelry Box is the best jewelry box for storing lots of necklaces, as it has two compartments with rotating hooks to hang your favorite chains. There are six hooks on each side, allowing you to hang necklaces without them tangling. The interior box also has a designated section for rings, as well as two small pull-out drawers for other accessories.
Amazon
You can display your entire jewelry collection in full with the Umbra Terrace 3-Tier Jewelry Tray. It features three removable wooden trays that are lined with linen, and they have divided compartments to hold rings, earrings, and bigger pieces like bracelets. The trays slot into the A-shaped metal frame, and you can slide them out to easily access each tray’s contents. It’s a cute addition to any vanity and highly functional — a true win-win.
Amazon
If you’re trying to free up space on your vanity, this Amazon score is a wall-mounted option that offers plenty of storage for all kinds of jewelry. The exterior of the cabinet features a large mirror, and inside there are dozens of necklace hooks, earring holders, and ring slots, all of which are lined in velvet. There are also two small shelves where you can store makeup or other accessories, and the whole thing locks shut to keep your valuables safe.
Pottery Barn
When selecting the best jewelry box, you’ll want to look for an option that can comfortably accommodate your collection. Ideally, you’ll want a box with sections for different types of jewelry: “It’s important that specific jewelry types like rings, necklaces, and bracelets are each stored specifically to protect them,” explains Williams. It’s also beneficial to select an organizer that’s lined with a soft material like linen or velvet, which will help prevent scratching.
For precious jewelry, experts recommend storing pieces in a padded box that’s lined with a non-tarnish material. “A padded jewelry box stands out as the superior choice for storing fine jewelry,” says Jerry Taylor, gemologist and co-founder at Taylor Custom Rings. “Unlike stackable trays or hanging stands, a padded jewelry box is designed to shield your pieces from environmental conditions and accidental mishandling, making it the ideal option for expensive, delicate items.” If you have a larger collection, another option is to store pieces in velvet pouches to keep them separated in your jewelry box.