Wondering what to do with your old jewelry? When jewelry is old, worn, outdated, or damaged, it may no longer bring you joy or even be in style, and it might be time to part with it. For some pieces, however, a new life can be found—either with a new owner or by the same owner—who breathes new life into it through upcycling. Whether you’re looking to sell old jewelry or repurpose broken pieces, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn the options for your old jewelry, from selling to upcycling and beyond.
Ways to repurpose old jewelry
Upcycling transforms waste materials (rubber, glass, etc.), old products or discarded items into something new again—and sometimes of higher value. Often associated with furniture, upcycling involves creatively restoring or redesigning old, worn-out items into something more functional or aesthetically appealing. Old, even broken, jewelry can be repaired, reassembled, redesigned or repurposed into something completely new like home decor, clothing accessories or artwork. Upcycling promotes sustainability, reduces waste and allows individuals to express their creativity while giving a second life to items that might otherwise be discarded.
Here are a few ways you can repurpose your old jewelry:
Reuse old jewelry as different jewelry
It's time to get creative! Reusing old jewelry to create something new can give your collection a fresh and unique look. This could include using earrings or brooches as necklace or bracelet charms or securing a small brooch to a simple ring. Consider transforming an old pair of clip-on earrings into matching necklace pendants that can be shared with a friend or loved one.
Consider disassembling elaborate, gemstone-filled jewelry and reassembling the pieces into a new design or repurposing the gemstones into a new setting. For those looking to take their old jewelry to the next level, consider melting the metal and converting it into an entirely new piece. While melting down gold or silver rings might not be in your skill set, many jewelers are happy to work with individuals to create something special from old pieces. However, this can be somewhat more expensive than other options.
Upcycle old jewelry as home decor
Unique, sparkling brooch cupboard knobs? Absolutely! Old broken necklace chains as picture frame embellishments? How cool! What about framed artwork that arranges all of your old pieces of jewelry into the shape of a Christmas tree? Ho -ho, holy-moly! There’s practically no limit to the artistic ways you can upcycle old broken jewelry into expressive pieces of art and home decor.
For those wondering, "Why would I want my old, broken jewelry displayed as home decor?" First, some upcycled jewelry is out-of-this-world beautiful, unique, quirky, bizarre, stunning—the list goes on. Second, it’s an especially great idea for those jewelry pieces that you just can’t seem to get rid of for emotional or sentimental reasons, like family heirloom jewelry.
Old jewelry crafts
Repurposing old jewelry into crafts is an excellent way to use pieces that aren’t wearable anymore but still have sparkle and shine to offer. The world of crafting with old jewelry is vast, so the possibilities are endless. When it comes to old jewelry crafts, you could turn earrings or brooches into decorative refrigerator magnets, decorate picture frames, create elegant holiday ornaments, or design unique keychains and bookmarks.
To make holiday ornaments from old jewelry, gather brooches, earrings, chains and charms and attach them to a sturdy base like a metal or wooden disk or glass ball, using glue or wire. Add ribbons, beads or small chains for a festive touch.
When to exchange or sell old jewelry
It’s often hard to decide when to let go of old jewelry. If the effort to restore or upcycle a piece is too great, don’t feel obligated to keep it. Sort through your collection and remove pieces that won’t be refreshed or repurposed. Once you know which pieces you’re ready to part with, consider the following for when and where to sell old jewelry.
Gift or sell to family and friends
If you have valuable or stylish pieces that no longer fit your taste, offer them to loved ones.
Sell to antique or consignment stores
Some jewelry, especially vintage or unique pieces, could garner a good price at such outlets. You may also learn more about your piece, such as its history or craftsmanship, as some of these stores specialize in selling vintage jewelry.
Sell online
Online sites like eBay, Etsy, Poshmark and even Instagram are great platforms for selling jewelry. For rare or valuable pieces, consider specialized jewelry resale sites.
Donate to charity
If you have pieces that are still wearable but you simply don't need them, consider donating to a cause that resells or uses jewelry for fundraising. Many organizations accept jewelry donations for resale or auctions.
Organize a jewelry swap party
If you have friends, family, coworkers or community members who like jewelry, consider setting up a swap party. Everyone can browse the collection and take home new items that catch their eye, giving old jewelry a fresh life.
Keep sentimental pieces in a shadow box
If you’re wondering what to do with sentimental jewelry you no longer wear, consider displaying them in a shadow box. This keeps them safe and allows you to enjoy them as a part of your home decor.
What to do with old jewelry: common questions
Figuring out what to do with old jewelry can be tricky. Here are some common questions to guide you:
Are there better times of the year to sell jewelry?
Typically, the best times are during the holiday season or after tax season, when people are in gift-buying mode or have a refund in their pocket.
Is only expensive, fine jewelry sellable?
No, jewelry of all types can generally be sold, including costume, vintage and even broken jewelry. While fine jewelry may fetch a higher price, there are usually markets for all kinds of pieces.
How do I know if my jewelry is worth selling?
If you're unsure of its value, you can have your jewelry appraised by a professional or do some research to see if it's a popular or rare piece.
What’s the best way to sell old jewelry online?
Selling old jewelry online is best done through platforms like eBay, Etsy, or specialized jewelry resale websites. Make sure to provide potential buyers with clear, high-quality photos and accurate descriptions.
Are there reasons I should not sell my jewelry?
If you have a sentimental connection to a piece, keep it. Sometimes, the small amount you’d earn isn’t worth the effort involved in selling.
Protect your old jewelry with Jewelers Mutual
As you sort through your new, outdated or unused jewelry, set aside your precious, valuable pieces and consider insuring them with a personal jewelry insurance policy from Jewelers Mutual. While many people use homeowners insurance to insure their jewelry, there are potential drawbacks to that option compared to personal jewelry insurance. Check your jewelry insurance rate from Jewelers Mutual by clicking the button below.
