We all have it – that baggie or box of old jewelry sitting in the back of your closet. Broken chains, a lone earring, a birthstone ring from your grandmother that isn’t quite your style. I mean, you can’t just throw it out, but what do you do with old jewelry?
Why not recycle it?
Recycling jewelry is an ethical and sustainable way to repurpose your old jewelry. This guide will walk you through all the options available to you to get the most use out of your old jewelry.
Why Recycling Jewelry Is Important
Not only is recycling old jewelry good for the environment – but it’s good for your budget too! Re-purposing broken, out-of-style pieces into new, custom jewelry helps the planet, saves you money and, best of all, retains the memories!
When you recycle your gold, platinum, or sterling silver jewelry, the jeweler will remove the gemstones, and then you can trade in the metal for the purchase of a new design. That way, everything gets reused.
Fun fact: jewelers recycle everything – even the floors of the workshop get recycled because there’s gold dust in them!
Taking your old jewelry to a custom jeweler is a great way to recycle those pieces into something that fits your style. I mean—trends change all of the time. What once was super hot (we’re looking at you, cocktail ring) is just not a thing now.
3 Ingenious Ways to Repurpose Your Old Jewelry
Okay, you’re really liking the idea of repurposing your old jewelry, but you aren’t sure where to start. Here are three unique ways to turn your diamonds into stunning new works of art.
#1: Turn a ring into a necklace.
Do you have an old engagement ring that you aren’t wearing anymore? Or maybe you’ve inherited your mother’s wedding set and want to incorporate it into a new necklace.
Something as simple as resetting a diamond from a ring into a simple pendant design will give old jewelry new life! Or add the small diamonds from a wedding ring to a chain that can be layered with all of your pieces.
#2: Make a custom bracelet from old jewelry.
Maybe you’ve run out of fingers to display those old rings, but you still want to be able to glance down and see that special stone. Why not make a new custom bracelet from your pieces?
Take your original diamond (because who wants to give up those great memories, even if you’ve upgraded to a new, larger diamond) and make a beautiful bangle-style bracelet that you can wear every day.
And don’t forget about those big, chunky, colored gemstones that your Great Aunt Gertie bequeathed to you. Clustered together, they can be made into a gorgeous statement bracelet! There are really so many options when it comes to restyling jewelry.
Add small diamond earrings to your wedding band
Maybe you found a pair of small diamond earrings in that old jewelry stash. They can make great accent stones to your engagement ring, turning it into a meaningful three-stone, or past-present-future ring.
And that lone diamond hoop earring that’s just gathering dust? It can easily be reset into a new stacking band.
What To Do With Costume Jewelry
After sorting through that old jewelry, you may find some pieces that are not precious metal but are, instead, costume jewelry. They can be upcycled, too!
One easy way to showcase those vintage brooches, colored cluster style flower pendants, or large clip-on earrings, popular decades ago, is to visit a craft store and get a shadow box!
Simply outline a pattern in chalk on the fabric of the shadow box. Examples could be a wreath, a Christmas tree, or even a butterfly. Then, using small straight pins or glue, use those old gold-filled chains and costume pieces to fill in the design.
Not only will you have a one-of-a-kind piece of art, but you’ll smile every time you pass by.
Another option for costume jewelry is to donate it to your local theater program or high school, where it will be appreciated over and over again.
How to Redesign Old Jewelry
Redesigning old jewelry into fresh new designs is easier than you think! Follow these simple steps to breathe new life into sentimental pieces.
Step 1: Find a Trusted Custom Jeweler
Start by researching experienced custom jewelers who specialize in redesigning jewelry. Look for customer reviews, portfolio examples, and ethical sourcing practices to ensure quality craftsmanship.
Step 2: Schedule a Consultation
Book an appointment with your chosen jeweler and bring in your old jewelry. Whether it’s an inherited piece, outdated design, or broken jewelry, they’ll assess what can be reused or repurposed.
Step 3: Discuss Your Vision
Share your ideas! Do you want to create a custom bracelet, necklace, ring, or earrings? Your jeweler will help refine your vision, suggest design options, and ensure the piece fits your style.
Step 4: Choose Materials and Design Details
Decide on key design elements, such as metal type, gemstone settings, engravings, or additional stones. Your jeweler may create a sketch or CAD (computer-aided design) rendering for approval before production.
Step 5: Watch the Magic Happen
Once the design is finalized, the jeweler will begin transforming your old jewelry into a stunning new piece. This process typically takes a few weeks, depending on complexity.
Step 6: Pick Up Your New Custom Jewelry
After final adjustments and polishing, your redesigned jewelry is ready! Enjoy your new, personalized piece that carries sentimental value while reflecting your style.
What To Do With Old Jewelry: Frequently Asked Questions
How to get rid of unwanted jewelry?
You can sell, donate, repurpose, or recycle unwanted jewelry. Selling to a jeweler, pawn shop, or online marketplace can get you cash while donating to charities or thrift stores helps others. If the piece has sentimental value, consider redesigning it into something new.
How to dispose of old jewelry?
To dispose of old jewelry responsibly, consider selling, donating, or recycling it. Gold, silver, and gemstones can be melted down and reused. Avoid throwing jewelry in the trash—take broken or unwanted pieces to a jewelry store or metal recycler for proper disposal.
How can I get the most money out of old jewelry?
To maximize value, get a professional appraisal and compare offers from jewelers, pawn shops, and online buyers. Selling directly to individuals through auction sites or marketplaces often yields higher returns. If your jewelry has historical or brand value, consider an auction house.
How do I dispose of old jewelry near me?
Look for local jewelry stores, pawn shops, gold buyers, or donation centers that accept old jewelry. Many jewelers offer trade-in or recycling programs. Searching online for “jewelry disposal near me” can help you find nearby options.
Work with the Best Custom Jewelers in Columbus
Just like a tailor, a custom jeweler will start with measurements. They will remove the diamonds and gemstones from old jewelry, weigh the old gold, silver, or platinum, and send it to a refiner to be reused again in new jewelry. It’s recycling at its finest!
Looking to learn more about recycling your jewelry into new designs? Call 614 336-4111 to schedule your custom jewelry appointment today, or book an appointment here.