The Marie Kondo Effect: Tidying Up Your Jewellery Box

In recent years, Marie Kondo has become a household name, thanks to her transformational approach to decluttering. Her KonMari Method—centered around the idea of keeping only those items that “spark joy”—has helped millions rethink their relationships with their belongings. While her philosophy has been widely applied to closets, kitchens, and home decor, there's one small but meaningful space often overlooked: the jewellery box. Jewellery, although compact, tends to accumulate quickly, becoming tangled, mismatched, or forgotten. Yet, these small pieces often carry deep emotional value and style potential. By applying the Marie Kondo effect to your jewellery collection, you can breathe new life into old favourites, uncover hidden gems, and create a space that reflects not only your style but your joy.

The first step in the KonMari process is to take everything out. Yes, everything. Gather your necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, and even the broken pieces you’ve kept “just in case,” and place them all in one spot. This visual inventory is powerful—it confronts you with the volume of what you own and sets the stage for mindful editing. Often, people are surprised by how many similar pieces they’ve collected, how many are out of trend, or how many they haven’t worn in years. Seeing your entire jewellery collection at once can be both overwhelming and liberating. It reminds you that jewellery isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about the connection, the story, and the energy each piece brings.

Now comes the most important question: does it spark joy? This is Marie Kondo’s signature test, and it applies beautifully to jewellery. Holding each piece in your hand, ask yourself how it makes you feel. Do you light up at the memory it carries or the way it makes you feel when you wear it? Or do you feel indifferent, burdened, or unsure? Remember, joy isn’t always about cost or utility. A colourful enamel ring picked up at a local market during a trip might bring more happiness than an expensive pair of earrings bought on a whim. If a piece no longer reflects your current style or doesn't resonate with you emotionally, it may be time to let it go. Thank it for the role it played in your life, as Kondo recommends, and move forward.

Letting go can be difficult, especially with jewellery. Many pieces are gifts, heirlooms, or tied to memories. However, part of tidying is accepting that not every item needs to stay with us forever. Gifting a piece to a friend, donating it to someone in need, or reselling items can help extend the life of jewellery you no longer wear. Broken or unmatched pieces can even be repurposed into new designs or recycled through sustainable initiatives. By intentionally letting go, you’re not just making space in your jewellery box—you’re also making space in your mind and daily routine.

Once you've refined your collection, it’s time to organise what remains. Marie Kondo encourages storing items so they’re visible and accessible. How many times have you forgotten about a favourite necklace because it was buried under a pile? Or found a ring tarnished because it was stored improperly? Organisation isn’t just about neatness—it’s about honouring what you choose to keep. Use sectioned jewellery trays, clear boxes, or even small bowls to sort your pieces. Keep similar items together—rings with rings, chains with chains—and store your most-used items at the front or top. If you have the space, consider a dedicated drawer or stand to display your collection beautifully. The goal is to create a system where every piece has a place and purpose.

Storage solutions should also be practical. To avoid tangling, hang longer necklaces or use anti-tangle organisers. Keep pairs of earrings together, ideally in cushioned slots or separate compartments. Delicate items can be wrapped in soft cloths or stored in individual pouches. Anti-tarnish strips can be placed in boxes to protect metals like silver. The more thoughtfully you store your jewellery, the more likely you are to wear it regularly—and the longer it will last. Clean and polish your pieces as needed to maintain their shine. Caring for your collection not only preserves its beauty but strengthens your connection to it.

An often-overlooked tip is to rotate your jewellery seasonally, much like you would your wardrobe. Storing away bold, colourful pieces during winter and bringing them back out in spring can refresh your style and reduce decision fatigue. This practice helps keep your daily rotation feeling fresh and encourages you to rediscover older pieces. Additionally, creating a small display for your “current favourites” allows for easy access and daily inspiration.

Not every piece you keep needs to be worn often. Sentimental items—like your grandmother’s locket, your first friendship bracelet, or a single earring from a lost pair—can still have a place in your jewellery story. Marie Kondo doesn’t suggest throwing away everything without utility. Instead, she recommends storing sentimental items with intention and care. Consider a keepsake box for these memories, perhaps with a note explaining their significance. This ensures they’re preserved, respected, and separate from your everyday collection.

Tidying your jewellery box also has emotional benefits. It creates a moment of pause in your fast-paced life and allows you to reconnect with your style and identity. When you take the time to choose accessories that align with how you feel, you begin each day with more intention. Whether it’s slipping on your go-to gold hoops, stacking a few minimalist rings, or choosing a bold statement piece, your jewellery becomes more than decoration—it becomes part of your self-expression. This shift, from chaotic accumulation to curated joy, is the essence of the Marie Kondo effect.

Another unexpected result of tidying is the change it brings in your shopping habits. Once your jewellery box contains only items you love, you become more selective about future purchases. Instead of impulse buying, you start choosing quality over quantity, pieces that align with your values and style. This leads to a more sustainable and satisfying relationship with jewellery—one that’s mindful and meaningful.

The Marie Kondo method isn’t about minimalism for the sake of minimalism—it’s about finding clarity, creating space, and cultivating joy. Your jewellery box, though small, holds potential for transformation. By decluttering it with care, organising it thoughtfully, and keeping only what speaks to your heart, you can turn it into a daily source of inspiration.

So take a quiet moment, open your jewellery box, and ask yourself: what truly sparks joy? You might be surprised at how much lighter—and shinier—your days feel when your collection reflects only what you love most.