Giving Away 62% of my Jewelry

This is a really hard one for me.  You can look at my jewelry collection and see different colors, styles, patterns, etc., but I see memories.  I see special vacation memories, gifts from friends and family, even good times I had wearing certain items.  Some of them were my favorites for years!  But I'm changing.  I'd like to think that I'm growing.  Styles have changed, my tastes have changed - I no longer feel the need to have one of every color.  I used to pride myself on having a necklace and earring set (and of course Old Navy flip flops) in every color to match everything.  But I'm getting more comfortable with metallics and neutrals and just choosing a few colors to be my signature.  I'm almost afraid to post pictures with this post for fear that I will hurt people's feelings who gave me gifts.  Please don't be offended if I'm giving away something you gave me.  I have loved and worn all of the jewelry that I'm choosing to give away.  It doesn't do justice to keep it in a box or even hanging on my wall if I never wear them anymore.  My interest in minimalism is to reduce stress and decision fatigue.  The only way to do that is to have fewer options.

I'm experimenting with having a very very small amount of visible options currently in use.  I also  have jewelry I'm keeping that I think I may want to wear.  Then I'm giving away the rest in the hope that someone else will wear them and enjoy them.  Jewelry is made to be worn and enjoyed.

Here is the breakdown of the numbers:

In use:
1 set necklace with 2 earrings
2 sets necklace with earrings
1 watch
Total: 8 items (9.5 %)

Keeping:
4 sets necklace with earrings
1 watch
2 rings
3 necklaces
10 pairs of earrings
Total: 24 items (28.5%)
    (in use + keeping: 38%)

Giving away:
10 sets necklace with earrings
7 necklaces
21 pairs of earrings
4 bracelets
Total: 52 items (62%)

Total items: 84

Reducing my jewelry has been an ongoing process for me.  The first time I had to do it was before we moved overseas in 2012.  I got rid of a lot.  I also made a hanging jewelry organizer out of an old pair of jeans.  Gradually, as my tastes were changing, it got really crowded.  I don't remember when, but at some point, I sorted again.  I left only my favorites on the organizer and put away the rest on some scrap fabric.

I had chosen a few jewelry items as part of my current capsule wardrobe.  Just a few days ago, I decided it would help if I could only see the "available" jewelry.  I've always wanted a jewelry tree, but I've always had too much.  I chose my small amount, put them in a bowl, and ordered a jewelry tree online.  Btw I didn't count my wedding ring as part of the numbers, but I did count a necklace and earring set I ordered online (not pictured because it hasn't arrived yet).  I've been wanting a gold leaf set for a long time, and I finally found one I like. 

Current jewelry

Jewelry I'm keeping