Things You'll Need:
- Broken Jewelry Pieces
- Fabric Glue
- Metal Glue
- Gem Glue
- Fabric
- Lace
- Fabric Flowers
- Ribbon
- Small Mirror Pieces in Different Shapes
- Fabric Paint
- Braid
- Metallic Roping
- Fabric Boxes
- Hats
- Purses
- Shoes
- Jeans
- Denim Jackets
- Jackets
- Table Runners
- Lamp Shades
- Vanity Sets
- Compacts
- Pill Boxes
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Step 1
Determine the jewelry item's metal content. If the piece is gold or platinum, it might make more sense to sell the item for its metal content.
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Step 2
Analyze the broken piece of jewelry to determine if it can be repaired. Sometimes a jeweler can handle a minor repair. If the piece of jewelry means that much to you, you might want to check out this option before recycling the jewelry item into something else.
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Step 3
Determine how much of the jewelry piece can be recycled. The metal content of the item may have an impact on this step since you seldom want to cut into plated items.
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Step 4
Decide if you are going to use the piece in whole or in part. This may have an impact on which recycling choice you make.
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Step 5
Decide what you want to use the jewelry item for. There are lots of options including, but not limited to: making a new jewelry item or a hair barrette; as decoration for clothing or home fashions; to create vanity items; or something else altogether.
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Step 6
Gather the supplies you will need to make your new item. If you don't have everything on hand, you may have to make a trip to purchase the missing items.
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Step 7
Large pendants or brooches that are basically still intact can be used a myriad of ways. Remove any broken or jagged edges, making certain that the piece is absolutely flat on the back. If any stones are missing, replace them with something similar that you purchased at a local craft store. If the piece has good filigree work, the best way to attach it to fabric is with a needle and thread. If it does not, however, you will need to use a glue that works both on fabric and metal. Attach the piece to a favorite purse to make a designer inspired handbag. Sew or glue it to a jacket or coat pocket to give it a more upscale look. Attach it to a table runner for a vintage inspired piece. Accent a lamp shade alone or tie a piece of chiffon fabric around it in a bow and accent the center of the bow with your recycled jewelry item. Use to accent your designer towels. The possibilities are almost limitless.
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Step 8
Smaller pendants, earrings and ring tops can be used to decorate picture frames. They are equally good for accenting belts, handbags or hats. Matching earrings can make a lovely decoration for heels or boots or even to accent back pockets on a pair of stylish jeans.
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Step 9
Take jewelry pieces apart. Mix and match the pieces into something new. Using a small piece of mirror backing that can be purchased at any craft store, glue the pieces on to the mirror in a crazy quilt or art deco style pattern to create a new brooch or pendant that speaks to your unique personality. Sew or glue pieces on to velvet or satin ribbon to make an antique looking choker. Purchase a plain fabric box and accent it with jewelry pieces, ribbon, lace, braid, metallic roping, and/or fabric flowers to create a one-of-a-kind jewelry box. Purchase a vanity (mirror, comb, brush) set at the dollar store and decorate it with the jewelry pieces for a unique dresser or vanity set. Make an everyday compact look like a vintage piece by adhering some of the jewelry pieces to the top. Make a fancy pill box using the same method. Attach your favorite mix and match pieces onto a favorite pair of jeans, denim jacket, clutch or ballet flat shoes.
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Step 10
Remove the stones from broken jewelry items and reset them into new jewelry pieces like a pendant or earrings. Use the stones without the metal backings in many of the same ways as noted in Step 9 above.
