I love vintage jewelry. There is nothing better than a mint condition, 1940's, signed rhinestone choker necklace. However, all to often we find pieces of jewelry that have not survived the test of time in tact...missing stones, broken clasps, greening, etc. Instead of shaking our heads sadly with a pitying sigh, we can view these imperfect baubles as treasures of opportunity. There is so much fashion and unique style potential lieing within these jewels. The motto is: RECYCLE, REPURPOSE, REUSE!!!!! The "living green" movement promotes this effort in so many facets of society, but vintage jewelry offers an artistic spin on the concept.
So, here are my creative ideas for rescuing damaged jewels. I encourage my readers to add their ideas to the list.
- almost every pair of earrings can be turned into a charm...charms can dress up bracelets, key chains, bookmarks, zipper pulls, assemblage necklaces and probable a dozen other creations
-clip on earrings can be reborn in snap clip embellishment or on fun cocktail rings.....do up a dozen as party favors for New Years Eve
-Broken rhinestone necklaces or link bracelets can be adhered to barrettes to add a dash of unique bling to one's ensemble
- Jewels that are missing stones in their settings can be revived with the incorporation of new ones.....it does not have to match....it only has to compliment the look of the piece
Those are some of my thoughts on how to recue and cherish all vintage jewels.
5 comments:
What fabulous ideas for recycling jewels that aren't perfect! Love these ideas...I hate to see such quality not reused or repurposed to bring them back to their old glory in some shape or form!
I have a link bracelet with large square turquoise thermoset cabs and one cab is missing. I would love to redo the bracelet but don't know what to put inside the missing cab area. ??? I need an idea Heather.
GREAT ideas for my bags and bags and BAGS of imperfect jewels! Thanks for sharing this!
Re-purposed jewelry is so much fun. I've used old pieces as zipper pulls and put old brooches on my purses. I get oos and ahhs and feel unique.
Thanks for the post. Happy creating.
Fair Winds and Calm Seas,
Deborah Leon
www.mermaidspurseseaglass.com
I've seen clip earrings used to bling shoes as well as snapped all around the edge of a photo frame or mirror to embellish it
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