Dori Shevlen is a home design writer who has written on topics including scented candles, makeup mirrors, and her favorite, popcorn makers.
When I was little, the one thing I enjoyed doing besides borrowing my mom’s jewelry was organizing her jewelry box. I loved how organized everything was: every ring in its own soft corner, every bracelet in its own compartment, and each piece of jewelry uncluttered by a clasp or the gemstone next to it. Maybe it was because I still lived with my picky older sister, but I felt safe knowing that when my mom woke up every morning, opened the lid of the box, and pulled out her wedding rings, her favorite gold pendant, her Snoopy watch, everything would be right where she put it.
If you store your jewelry in the right containers, you will find it easier to choose the jewelry you want to wear and access it faster. Plus, a good jewelry box can extend the life of your jewelry and protect it from scratches, sunburn, warping, or tangling.
As a freelance writer for the Home Improvement Team, I write about storage solutions in our articles on small bedrooms and closets. In my everyday life, I wear all sorts of jewelry—vintage clip-on earrings, delicate gold chains, chunky necklaces—and try to keep it all organized.
Featuring playful ballpoint pens and rounded edges, this jewelry box will add a cheerful touch to any bedroom (without the bulk of storage space).
Why it’s awesome: Playful without being childish, pretty without being formal, the Areaware jewelry box is an aesthetic compromise between what I wanted as a child and what I want now as an adult. The curved lines, sleek handles, and playful corkboard trim add a lot of fun. I love seeing my reflection in the mirror under the lid. The small tray in the box can be slid left or right, or lifted up to provide access to the compartment underneath.
Cons, but not cons: The bottom compartment is only half an inch deep, and the top tray is only a third of an inch deep. Both compartments are too shallow to store large items that would otherwise get knocked against the top tray or mirror. While the cork is unlikely to scratch jewelry, our experts don’t recommend using it as a soft fabric lining for storing delicate or expensive jewelry. In addition to its small size, the box only has three compartments, so it’s better suited for rings and earrings than necklaces or bracelets with thin chains that can easily get tangled.
Dimensions: 10.5″ x 7.5″ x 2.5″ Finish/Color: Cream with red handles, blue with cream handles Materials: MDF (medium density fiberboard), metal hinges and hardware, mirror, cork, plastic feet
This gorgeous box was made by a long-established company that thought of every storage detail, and the price reflects that.
Who it’s for: Curators with a small jewelry collection who want to put it on display.
Why it’s great: Wolf has been making jewelry boxes since 1834, and from what I’ve heard, the company has earned a solid reputation: Its Sophia jewelry box is gorgeous, with thoughtful, impeccable organization features. It features two removable watch holders; walled cubes for small bracelets, pins, and earrings; rows of rolls for rings and cufflinks; and long compartments for necklaces. The glass lid lets you see everything inside when the box is closed. All compartments are lined with a soft fabric that not only prevents scratches but also resists tarnishing. This box comes in four colors. (You can also find a variety of other sizes, styles, and configurations on Wolf’s website.)
Drawbacks, but not deal-breakers: Because the box has a glass lid, it should not be stored near a window, especially if it contains metals that tarnish easily (like sterling silver) or gemstones that are sensitive to light (like opals, amethysts, or pearls). Jewelry expert Grant Mobley told me that prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause some gemstones and pearls to discolor or dry out.
Dimensions: 14″ x 10″ x 2.75″ Finishes/Colors: Rose Quartz, Emerald, Midnight, Forest Green Materials: Leather, Glass, Fabric Lining
This gorgeous container is shaped like a cigar box, but has space inside for efficient jewelry storage. It can bring vitality to any corner of your home.
Why it’s awesome: Jonathan Adler’s Eden Lacquer Jewelry Box is a curious work of art. Depending on where you place it (on your bedroom dresser, on your desk, or on the coffee table in your office), your guests may wonder if it contains cigars or candy (or just a TV remote). What’s more, its practical application is excellent, too. There are six hooks under the lid, each heavy enough to hold several necklaces (depending on the thickness of the necklaces), and elastic pockets under the hooks keep everything securely in place. On the bottom of the box, you’ll find small, fabric-lined compartments for earrings, two large compartments for bracelets, and two compartments for rings. A tasseled key locks and unlocks your item, keeping it a secret. The box comes in a variety of designs (if you like the look of these jewelry holders but want to store other things in them, the site also has some great general-purpose lacquered boxes).
A downside, but not a deal-breaker: This designer box is the most expensive of our recommendations (about $100 more), but fans of Jonathan Adler will likely be willing to spend the money just for one of his creations.
Dimensions: 11.25″ x 7.25″ x 2.5″ Finishes/Colors: Red Snake, Blue Snake, Zebra, Wink, Basketweave, Sorrento Materials: Lacquered wood, brass lock plate, velvet lining
This elegant mid-century-style jewelry box has a subtle gold sheen and was the most organized of all the boxes we tested.
Why it’s awesome: Aesthetically, the Mid-Century Champagne Lacquered Western Elm Jewelry Box is simply stunning. Its clean lines and simple silhouette are classic, while the shiny champagne finish keeps it modern and fresh. It’s also top-notch in terms of storage, with the interior made from a cotton and linen blend. The medium-sized box I tested had three compartments on the top floor for earrings and bracelets, as well as four rolls for rings. The underside of the lid has six hooks for hanging necklaces and a pocket for storing them. The two bottom drawers are deep enough to store larger items like watches or large beaded jewelry. Like Pottery Barn’s Stella Box, this jewelry box comes in a variety of sizes and several colors (acorn and white). All versions of this box require a $15 stamping service.
There are some downsides, but they’re not major: This isn’t a cheap box. It’s also heavy, even without any jewelry inside (think of a gallon of milk). So it’s not something you’ll want to move around often. On the model I received, one of the necklace hooks was bent too far to fit a necklace (I fixed it by inserting a credit card into it and pulling forward).
Dimensions: Medium, 14.5 x 10.75 x 7.25 inches Finish/Color: Champagne, Acorn, White Materials: Lacquered wood; metal hardware
Simple and classic, beautiful without being over the top, this jewelry box is perfect for keeping a large collection organized.
Pros: Similar in size and style to the West Elm Midcentury Modern Jewelry Box, the Stella Jewelry Box from Pottery Barn also features a top tray and two drawers (the two lower handles are attached to the same double-deep drawer) with spacious, velvet-lined compartments. The top tray has scrolls for rings, as well as two small square compartments for bracelets and one large compartment for larger items. I tried the large size, but the box comes in other colors and sizes.
Cons, but not cons: Like the West Elm Midcentury model, the box is large and heavy. It’s also one of our most expensive recommendations. Like the Sophia box, this box has a glass lid, so if you typically keep your jewelry box near a window, the more fragile gems won’t be on display. And since the top is glass, there’s no room to store necklaces under the lid. Finally, the top “drawer” doesn’t open, which is fine, but I think it’s a little silly.
Dimensions: Large, 15″ x 10″ x 7.5″ Finishes/Colors: White, Matte, Black, Light Burl Materials: MDF, Iron, Glass, and Metal
This jewelry box is convenient for both travel and storage, with plenty of space for your favorite jewelry.
Why it’s awesome: Cuyana is one of Wirecutter’s favorite accessory brands (their bags and travel cases have been popular for years), and the Cuyruna Large Jewelry Box lives up to my lofty expectations. The lid has a zippered closure, and underneath is a hanging strap for bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. The bottom of the container has two half-moon snap-closure pockets for storing delicate accessories, and each pocket has a thin leather cover to protect these items from scratches. This jewelry box looks great with its soft leather and rich color, and I love to toss it in my luggage when I travel. It’s available in a variety of colors, as well as a travel size that’s better suited for carry-on luggage.
Cons, but not major: The necklace/bracelet strap on the bottom of the box lid is very hard and only softened after a few uses. If you travel with this box, you might want to put a scarf or some napkins inside to keep things from rattling, otherwise there will be a gap of several inches between the lid and the bottom.
Dimensions: 3 x 6.5 x 4.6 inches Finish/Color: Black, Ecru, Light Pink, Lipstick, Mango Material: Leather, Metal Zipper
Who it’s for: This isn’t quite a traditional “box” like the one above, but for those who love vintage-style decor, it’s perfect for storing a few pieces of jewelry.
Pros: The textured glass and brass accents of the CB2 Buchannon Clear Jewelry Stand give off the vibe of a vintage soda fountain. Its compact size (about the size of a Yukon Gold) makes it easy to fit on a small bathroom shelf, nightstand, or dresser. For someone who wears the same jewelry every day, this is a great piece to put on at the end of the day and take out the next morning.
Cons, but not cons: Unless you fill this container with jewelry, it won’t hold much, and the lack of dividers means there’s a lot of wasted vertical space. Also, this container doesn’t have a fabric lining, so it’s not suitable for storing fragile jewelry. A few customers have commented that the glue on the lid has come loose or the screws have come loose. I found this stand to be solidly built, but I’ll update this guide if long-term testing proves otherwise.
This wall mounted jewelry shelf is very sleek, doesn’t take up countertop space, and you can see all your jewelry at once.
Why it’s great: The Yamazaki Wall Jewelry Rack is practical, takes up almost no space, and is still attractive. There are ten hooks for hanging necklaces (some of mine even hold two or three necklaces). The wooden pole can be used to hang bracelets, watches, or even rings that are wide enough to slip on. Installation is easy: Just attach the shelf to the wall with the included nails, then screw two wooden blocks together to form a crossbar. I attached this organizer to the bathroom wall in my previous studio apartment, and now it’s behind a closet door in my still-tiny one-bedroom apartment. I love being able to see everything at once, choosing which jewelry will go best with my outfit for the day. Given my limited space, this is the only storage option that allows me to do that.
A downside, but not a deal-breaker: There is no place for earrings on this stand. You still have to drill holes in the wall to hang it. Technically, you could hang it on the inside of a cabinet door, but since there are no studs at the end of the shelf, you’ll have to be very careful when opening the door to prevent the bracelet from falling out. Fragile jewelry should not be hung near a window (to avoid UV damage). Finally, I wish the included pegs were powder coated to match the color of the steel base.
Why it’s awesome: Perfect for those who love rustic style (or just love flowers), the Anthropologie Mina Floral Gold Metal Jewelry Stand is a beautiful way to display items. Available in large and small sizes, this jewelry stand features delicate brass petals and leaves to hold necklaces, rings, and bracelets, while the rimmed base can hold earrings and pins. The velvety bottom prevents scratches on wood countertops.
Cons, but not deal-breakers: If you don’t like clutter, you’ll want to hang only a few things at a time. Small earrings can be hung from flowers or leaves, or placed on the base, but there are no special hooks for earrings. If you hang necklaces or even bracelets from the bottom leaves, they’ll tumble down to the base. As with our other recommendations, if you’re storing fragile items on this shelf, you’ll want to keep it away from a window to avoid UV damage. This shelf may also need to be dusted occasionally.
Dimensions: Large, 9.5 x 13.5 x 4 inches; Small, 10.3 x 6.5 x 5.5 inches Finish/Color: Brass Material: Aluminum, Brass
For whom: For those who want a clean surface and have extra drawers or want to arrange their own.
Why it’s awesome: Unlike our other products, the Stackers Medium Expandable Jewelry Storage Tray is designed to hide, not display. For some, that might mean shoving it in a drawer. For others, including senior editor Jennifer Hunter, it was an invitation to come up with a whole new system. Jennifer placed hers in a vintage wooden tape stand, as shown below. And Stackers trays expand to fit your space (widths range from 12 inches to 18.75 inches). You can also stack other trays on top for extra storage.
Cons, but not critical: Depending on where you place this tray, it can easily collect dust since it does not have a lid.
No matter how valuable the material your jewelry is made of, if you want to preserve it, you need to handle it with care. Even clothes can become a family heirloom if they are stored properly. Here are some guidelines that experts recommend you keep in mind:
The CB2 Bracelet Dirty Rose Glass Decorative Bowl is a gorgeous, heavy piece made from beautifully colored carbonated glass. It’s 2 inches tall and 10 inches wide, so it’s not ideal for use as a trinket holder. But it’s a great container for larger items in your living room, like your TV remote or keys. Some people still prefer to use it for jewelry storage. Note that the sticker on the bottom isn’t easy to remove, and you’ll need to use Goo Gone to remove the residue.
The medium-sized Crate & Barrel Cream and White Wood Jewelry Box has a pretty mirror on the bottom of the lid, and the drawers are lined with velvet, giving it a nice, almost futuristic look. But the magnetic locking system means the lid makes a slight clunk when it closes, and it takes a little more force to open than I’d like. Also, upon closer inspection, there’s some minor wear on the corners and bottom of the box; given the high price of this unit, I don’t think most people will want to order a replacement.
The Stowit Storage Box from Umbra was a close second to my favorites. I especially liked that the drawers in this box, unlike other boxes I tested, only slide out a certain amount, so they can’t fall out. The top of the box provides extra surface area, and the combination of steel and wood looks nice. But — and this is a big negative for me — the logo engraved on the front is a bit of an eyesore.
I’m responsible for home decor, but I’m rarely indoors. I also frequently write about travel gear, personal technology, and health products for Wirecutter.
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Wirecutter is the product recommendation service of The New York Times. Our journalists combine independent research with (sometimes) additional testing so you can make buying decisions quickly and confidently. Whether you’re looking for great products or helpful advice, we’re here to help you make the right choice (the first time).