What to Do With Old Jewelry
Jewelry has a way of carrying stories and memories. Maybe it’s that lucky necklace you wore every exam day in college, your grandma’s brooch that she wore each Christmas, or a drawer full of tangled chains and backless earrings that you just can’t part with.
That said, over time, pieces pile up, lose their shine, or simply don’t fit your style anymore.
Instead of letting them sit forgotten in a jewelry box, why not give them a new chapter? From selling or recycling to repurposing or redesigning, there are plenty of ways to upcycle old jewelry and make it meaningful again—and you might even inspire a little creativity, craft project, or cash flow along the way.
1. Sell Your Jewelry
If you have jewelry in good condition—especially pieces made with classic gold, timeless silver, or precious gemstones like diamonds or sapphires—selling could be a smart move.
Vintage or antique jewelry often holds its value, and some can even become collectibles. In fact, vintage costume jewelry can be worth money, too. To connect with buyers who appreciate the craftsmanship of your pieces, consider working with online resale platforms and local jewelers.
Selling is more than just a way to declutter—it’s also a way to extend the life of your jewelry by passing it on to someone who will wear it with renewed joy. And let’s be real: Having a little extra cash in your pocket doesn’t hurt either.
2. Donate or Gift Your Jewelry
Jewelry can be a surprisingly powerful and meaningful gift. Maybe that beaded necklace you’ve outgrown would mean the world to your younger cousin who regularly admired it on family vacations. Or maybe your friend who adores vintage pieces would love to add your unworn pendant to her collection.
Passing along jewelry isn’t just sentimental—it’s sustainable, too. It keeps pieces out of landfills, while giving your jewelry a chance to shine in someone else’s story.
Donating is another great option. Many nonprofits and women’s shelters accept jewelry donations, using them to help raise funds or directly benefit someone in need. This works especially well for costume jewelry, which may not have a high resale value but can still be treasured by someone new. If you plan to donate your old jewelry, look for your local Goodwill to support the community.
3. Recycle Precious Metals
Not every piece of jewelry is in a condition worth reselling or gifting. That doesn’t mean it has to go to waste, though. Gold, silver, and platinum can be melted down and recycled into new designs. Recycling precious metals can also reduce the demand for mining, which is a big win for the planet, too.
Local jewelers or specialized recycling services can also guide you through the process, making sure your metals are reused responsibly. Some designers—like Pandora—have even committed to using 100% recycled metals in their collections, marking a shift toward a more sustainable industry that you can be a part of.
4. Repurpose or Upcycle Your Old Jewelry
Sometimes, the fun lies in transforming jewelry into something totally new. Repurposing old jewelry is perfect for creative types, and it’s often as simple as grabbing a pair of pliers and letting your imagination run wild.
Not sure what to do with old jewelry? With a few simple tweaks, you can turn broken, mismatched, or outdated pieces into something that feels fresh and uniquely yours.
Turn Brooches Into Hair Accessories
Repurpose vintage jewelry, like brooches, by attaching them to plain hair clips or headbands for a new splash of color and sparkle in your wardrobe. Suddenly, you’ve got a one-of-a-kind statement piece that feels both vintage and fresh.
Turn Rings Into Necklaces
Rings don’t have to stay on your fingers. Slip one onto a chain, and you instantly have a new pendant necklace with unrivaled character. It’s an especially sweet way to carry sentimental pieces—like a grandparent’s wedding ring—with you every day.
Use Earrings as Pendant Charms
Lost the mate to a favorite earring? Don’t toss it. Attach the surviving piece to a necklace or bracelet chain and wear it as a quirky charm.
Shorten Broken Necklace Chains Into Bracelets
A necklace that’s snapped or too short to wear can be clipped down into a bracelet. Simply trim it down with pliers and add a clasp.
It’s a quick fix that saves a chain from being forgotten or tossed to the back of the drawer.
Create DIY Bookmarks or Wine Charms
Jewelry doesn’t always have to stay jewelry.
Attach dangling earrings or small pendants to ribbons, magazine clippings, or thin wire, and suddenly you’ve got chic bookmarks and wine charms that’ll spark conversation every time you use them. You can also consider gifting them to friends at a book club or a girls’ night out.
Make Custom Keychains
Cluster beads, pendants, or charms onto a keyring to create a unique keychain. It’s functional, stylish, and a wonderful way to give new life to odd bits of jewelry.
5. Redesign It With a Jeweler
Pieces with sentimental value or heirlooms often need a professional’s touch. Professional jewelers can help you reimagine old designs while keeping the essence of your original, cherished piece.
For example, a pair of earrings with unique engravings can be turned into a charm necklace, or a metal bracelet with an odd fit can be transformed into a set of everyday stacking rings.
Sometimes all you need is to properly clean vintage jewelry to bring it back to life. Ultimately, working with a jeweler means you don’t have to say goodbye to your beloved keepsakes.
Give Old Jewelry New Life With ShopGoodwill.com
At the end of the day, old jewelry doesn’t have to collect dust in a drawer. You can sell it, gift it, recycle the metals, or breathe freshness into the piece with a reimagined design.
If you’re looking for a place to start, look no further than ShopGoodwill.com’s online thrift store. Here, you can uncover a vintage ring that makes the perfect necklace pendant, or donate your own jewelry to a local Goodwill for someone new to enjoy. Every purchase and donation supports job training, sustainability, and local programs for those facing barriers to work, education, or finances.
Be a part of a bigger mission when you start every project with a thrifted item from ShopGoodwill.com.
Sources:
Mia Donna. Eco-Friendly Recycled Metal Jewelry Guide. https://www.miadonna.com/pages/recycled-metal-guide?srsltid=AfmBOorb2FiCbUIZEI-Yh9H9jTD8zrkG94br00IAt60NpGeJrVyglAMm
Scrapware. A Shiny Solution: How Jewelers Are Embracing Precious Metal Recycling to Boost Sustainability and Profits. https://www.scrapware.com/blog/a-shiny-solution-how-jewelers-are-embracing-precious-metal-recycling-to-boost-sustainability-and-profits/