Vintage costume jewelry is one of those things that's really fun to upcycle into something new. Why? Because...well, they're pretty, and sparkly, and girlie... and if you're lucky enough to inherit some from your family, the pieces have a special meaning, since they are a connection not only to the past, but to the past of someone you love.
Enamel flower pins, rhinestone brooches, orphaned earrings with clusters of pearls - even shoe clips have new life once they're upcycled into something new. Broken jewelry? There's a reason you kept it, isn't there? Check out the photos below and see what some creative folks have done with vintage costume jewelry and maybe you'll be inspired to go on an old jewelry treasure hunt of your own!
*One final note: Before you disassemble or repurpose any vintage jewelry, make sure it's not valuable!
A few more versions of a vintage brooch bouquets...
Not a bouquet type? How about a simple arrangement...
Pretty packaging...
Or redesign them into something entirely new...
Bracelet made with vintage earrings by AmoreTreasure via Etsy (above and below)
Cute vintage jewelry belt buckle (above) and embellished purse (below) by Georgia Peachez
How about some home decor?
What do you think?
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ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting!
DeleteSuch creative ideas...I really love the bouquets and the framed pieces on the black background.
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked the post!
Deletebeautiful ideas!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by! :)
DeleteFun stuff! My favorite is the wreath.
ReplyDelete:)
DeleteThese are just incredible! Brilliant ways to display these gorgeous collections.
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked the post!
DeleteOh, love the floral arrangement in the jar and the bookmarks. And if I were getting married now, I would definitely want a bouquet! I wish I had my mother's costume jewelry .... I'll just have to look more closely at garage sales! Absolutely wonderful ideas!
ReplyDeleteI love the bouquets too!
DeleteWow! There is so much you can do with vintage jewelry! I love a lot of these ideas and now I wish I had kept my mom's old jewelry...darn
ReplyDeleteThrift shops!
DeleteLove this and all your ideas!! Thank you so much for sharing!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting! Glad you enjoyed the post.
DeleteWonderful blog, fantastic ideas, gorgeous pictures. Now I'm overflowing with inspiration. Thanks. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat! Glad you liked the post and found inspiration in it!
DeleteThanks to these wonderful ideas I may be able to relinquish my hold on all the great jewelry that I have been hoarding and do something productive and fun with it.
ReplyDeleteThat would be great! Might as well enjoy it, better than keeping it in a drawer!
DeleteWow! So many awesome ideas! My mom offered me all her old costume jewelery before she passed away when I was in my early 20s but I thought it was old and ugly- THEN and declined! I wish I had I had her jewels now but I saw so many pieces in this post that reminded me of her. Thanks for posting. ♥
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting Holly!
DeleteHow could we not like these. I have my grandmothers from the early 1900's
ReplyDeleteThat's wonderful - I'd keep that tucked away safe and sound :)
DeleteVery impressive and creative! I have acquired many vintage pieces of vintage jewelry, mostly with beads and have re-created other pieces with them. It is a great feeling to give them new life. What you have done here is very inspiring and very creative. I love your style. Thanks so much for sharing this with us. I am also sharing and pinning this blog!
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting, glad you like!
DeleteReally enjoyed looking at all the ideas of what to do with old jewelry. Nice
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by :)
DeleteWOW! That's all, WOW! and Thank You!!!!
ReplyDeleteGlad you like!
Deletegorgeous photos
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting :)
DeleteReally very beautiful
ReplyDelete:)
DeleteThese are fantastic!! Where do you get all of your jewelry to upcycle with?
ReplyDeleteThrift shops and flea markets, and sometimes from friends/family. Ask people and they will give it to you when they are going through getting rid of things!
DeleteVERY IMPRESSIVE ITEMS.
ReplyDeleteTHANKS :)
DeleteLove ALL of this! I've had a shoebox of old jewelry just sitting "there" with my husband begging me to get rid of...who knew I was just waiting for this idea! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThanks for putting all these ideas together. I absolutely love them, esp the bouquets, framed art, and upcycled jewelry pieces - heck, I love them all :0) Definitely a case of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. I've seen a lot of new necklaces in stores that are inspired by this trend of upcycling old brooches and earrings. They have the look, but are not vintage. Interesting how the trend of upcycling is inspiring new jewelry designers today.
ReplyDeleteI've just started a collection of vintage jewelry pieces and have some odds and ends. Am debating whether to ultimately sell them to other artists or creating something new with them. Decisions. Decisions.
These ideas are amazing!
ReplyDeletehttp://colourmeviolet.blogspot.com/
I love each and every one of these! I'm just starting a collection and now regret turning down some jewelry at flea markets, etc. Earrings don't have to be worn as earrings, they can become a bouquet! Thanks for a beautiful post..
ReplyDeleteWhat type of glue should I use if I wanted to the a frame or mirror?
ReplyDeleteI would use E6000
DeleteI found your blog/post from Pinterest. I have a framed jewelry Christmas tree that my grandmother made. She made 5 of them (one for my mom and each of her 4 siblings)with her old costume jewelry, both great-grandmother's jewelry, and jewelry from anyone else in the family she could pawn it from. Ha! I remember when she made them, I thought she was little crazy... Although, she did let me pick the one I liked best and gave that one to my mom. I inherited it after my mom died. I have it hanging in my studio, I love all the memories that it holds.
ReplyDeleteRuthie
I am still dabbing at the drool on my chin! I also found you through Pinterest and glad I did. Now I just have to acquire a LOT of vintage jewelry!
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful! I love those bouquets.It's amazing, you can really tell the old pieces. Great job!
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