Maybe you are a thrift store junkie and just can’t stop yourself from perusing the vintage jewelry aisle. Or perhaps you’ve just inherited great Aunt Gertie’s shoebox of beautiful designer jewelry collections and gemstone pendants and earrings.
Either way, repurposing fun, vintage jewelry is a fantastic way to breathe new life into old pieces while keeping their history intact. But what can you do with these treasure chests of old jewelry? Here are some creative ideas to bring your vintage designer jewelry back to life.
What’s the Difference Between Vintage and Antique Jewelry?
Before you begin repurposing, you should sort the jewelry and determine it’s worth. So, what’s the difference between vintage and antique?
Vintage describes jewelry that was made between 50 and 100 years ago. So, roughly vintage jewelry today would have been manufactured between 1925 and 1975.
Antique jewelry is generally considered to be at least 100 years old – so any inherited jewelry you receive that was made before 1925 would be antique.
As for jewelry’s value—the gemstones and metal all have a calculated worth based on the market prices for gold, silver, platinum, diamonds, and other gems today. Other factors determine antique value.
Sotheby’s, one of the world’s premier auction houses for art and luxury goods, takes many factors into account when evaluating antique bracelets, necklaces, earrings, brooches, rings, or other jewelry. General condition, the designer (such as Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, David Webb, or Harry Winston), provenance, and comparable auction prices all play a role in determining jewelry value.
5 Ways to Repurpose Your Vintage Designer Jewelry
Once you’ve determined that grandma’s diamond-encrusted cocktail ring isn’t designer jewelry from Tiffany & Co, you have all kinds of ways to repurpose it and make it into your own exquisite piece.
1. Turn pins into pendants.
With more people choosing remote work, blazers and suits just aren’t a thing like they were in the 80s when pins were popular. So turn those vintage brooches into necklaces or pendants!
Sometimes, all it takes is to remove the pin backing and then attach it to a chain or cord for a one-of-a-kind pendant. And a bold, funky pendant will add some fun flare to your sweatshirt at your next Teams meeting!
What if the pin has some valuable gemstones in it? Then, take a trip to a custom jewelry store and let them help you design a pendant that shows off the diamond, ruby, sapphire, or emerald gemstone in a more modern and wearable style.
2. Rework old rings into a new design.
Over time, gold and silver metals will wear away, and vintage jewelry just can’t be worn safely any longer. But those diamonds and gemstones in them can still be enjoyed! A qualified jeweler will be able to recycle the metal and reuse the gems in a new design to complement your pre-owned designer jewelry.
Consider combining multiple vintage rings—especially ones with family stories attached to them—and make a new pendant, ring, or even earrings out of them.
Even better, design matching necklaces with diamonds from mom’s wedding ring for each sister or granddaughter. Having a new piece of jewelry filled with family lore is a great way to connect the generations.
3. Make a charm bracelet.
Repurpose vintage pendants, broken bracelet pieces, or lost earrings into a new custom charm bracelet. Simply add a small ring to the item and have it attached to a link-style bracelet.
Not only will it be a wonderful conversation starter, but a charm bracelet filled with jewelry collected from travel adventures and life’s milestones is another chapter in a family’s jewelry history. Charm bracelets are exquisite pieces that elevate any outfit!
4. Repurpose vintage cufflinks into rings or earrings.
Only have one cufflink from your Great Uncle Joe? Turn it into a gorgeous signet ring. A jeweler can attach it to a ring base, and that beauty has another life to live!
Vintage cufflinks often have beautiful details and, most times can be easily transformed into a pair of fun earrings. Simply remove the cufflink back and attach them to earring wires, available at most hobby centers.
5. Upcycle old jewelry into home decor.
With a little glue and some imagination, old jewelry can often be used to decorate picture frames or mirrors. Adding costume jewelry accents like ornate pins, flower pendants, or colorful ringtops to ready-made picture frames is a great way to upcycle and add a personal flair to your home decor.
Another fun idea is to get a small shadow box from a hobby center and trace a simple tree or holiday outline on the pad with chalk. Then, use small pins to attach the jewelry pieces to the design.
You can even create a Christmas tree by draping chains like garland, filling in the tree with lone earrings, bold costume jewelry necklaces, and crazy brooches. Add a star pendant to the top, and you’ve got a unique piece of home decor!
Vintage Designer Jewelry: Frequently Asked Questions
How to repurpose old jewelry into new jewelry?
To repurpose old jewelry, take it to a custom jeweler who can redesign it into a new piece. Options include resetting gemstones into new settings, melting old gold to create a fresh design, or incorporating elements into a custom bracelet, ring, or necklace
What is repurposed designer jewelry?
Repurposed designer jewelry refers to high-end jewelry pieces that have been redesigned or modified while retaining elements of the original design. This can include resetting stones, altering settings, or combining vintage designer pieces into a new, unique creation.
What to do with deceased parents’ jewelry?
You can keep, repurpose, donate, or sell inherited jewelry. Many choose to redesign sentimental pieces into new wearable jewelry, such as turning a ring into a pendant or combining stones into a custom design. Selling or donating are also options if the pieces don’t fit your style.
Can you resell designer jewelry?
Yes, you can resell designer jewelry, especially brands like Cartier, Tiffany & Co., or Van Cleef & Arpels, which retain high value. Sell through jewelry consignment shops, auction houses, or online luxury resale platforms to get the best price.
Give Your Vintage Designer Jewelry a Fresh New Look with Scott’s Custom Jewelers
Have a vintage designer piece that no longer fits your style? Don’t let it sit unworn—repurpose it into a stunning new design that you’ll love wearing every day! Let’s reimagine your vintage jewelry—start your custom redesign!