Repurposed jewelry isn't new. It's also never been more popular. From wall art and statement necklaces to embellished shoes and handbags, this post features 40 genius DIY ideas for turning your old jewelry into gorgeous new bling.
Whether it's gathering dust in your jewelry box, or pieces you found at a Garage Sale, you can repurpose almost any type of jewelry. Junk Jewelry, broken pieces, Vintage, Estate and Designer Costume Jewelry all have amazing potential.
There's really no limit to the number of ways you can give old jewelry new life. Here are some of our favorite repurpose ideas we think you'll want to try.
1. Repurpose Your Junk Jewelry into a Gorgeous Wreath
If you have old jewelry that hasn't seen the light of day in more than a few seasons, you now have 40 gorgeous reasons not to throw it out!
Here's six more...
Top 6 Reasons to Repurpose Your Old Jewelry
1. You'll Get a Big Ol' Hug from Mother Nature
The production of Costume Jewelry releases toxic chemicals that contaminate soil and water, harming wildlife, ecosystems and humans.
When you remove the beads from an old bracelet and use them to make a new necklace, you not only reduce demand for new production, but also keep that jewelry out of the landfill a little while longer.
2. Your Bank Balance Will Thank You
Reusing what you already have will save money you would ordinarily spend on something new. Not only that, but repurposing your existing bling costs less than buying new, too.
3. You'll Have Bragging Rights
Your upcycled jewelry creations are one-of-a-kind "designer originals." So you can brag (or silently feel good) about owning something no one else has.
4. Grandma Will be Pleased as Punch
Heirloom jewelry is often so dated we don't wear it. But Grandma wanted you to enjoy the piece she handed down -- not hide it in a box! Repurposing inherited jewelry in a modern style that suits you is a beautiful way to honor the past while embracing the present.
5. Can You Say Side Hustle?
Repurposed jewelry is the #1 Best Selling category on Etsy. Handmade repurposed necklaces, bracelets and earrings listed on the platform sell for anywhere from $10 to $400. And fashion experts expect the trend to grow in popularity for years to come.
AVERAGE PRICES FOR REPURPOSED JEWELRY ON ETSY:
WHERE TO BUY JEWELRY TO REPURPOSE AND WHAT IT COSTS
If you find that you have a marketable talent for repurposing jewelry, you'll need more bling than you have in your jewelry box. Garage Sales and Flea Markets are good sources for cheap jewelry for your repurpose projects. You can also buy big lots of used costume jewelry on Etsy, eBay, Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace at an average cost of 80 cents to a $1 per individual piece.
It depends on your project, but in general,
LOOK FOR JEWELRY LOTS THAT HAVE:
a lot of solid glass beads in all shapes and sizes
especially iridecent and black beads
but not a whole lot of seed beads or endcaps
pendants (or objects that could be used as pendants)
fancy clasps (like lobster claws)
pieces with a little more weight to them
crystals
charms
rhinestones
chain (especially large chain)
6. It goes well with wine.
I don't know about you, but a glass of sauvignon blanc enhances my creativity and the whole repurposing experience ;-)
What have you repurposed lately? Make my day and tell us about your DIY repurpose projects in a comment below.
Related:46 Wonderful DIY Pumpkins to Make From Upcycled Garage Sale Finds
