Being a fashion maven means essential pieces and plenty of accessories. A change in accessories alone can completely change the look of an outfit. While having a variety to choose from is great, sometimes it becomes just too much.
We all have plenty of jewelry that we don’t use regularly. Maybe we even have pieces that we don’t use at all. Rather than letting it sit around and collect dust, find ways to get more value out of your jewelry pieces.
I have many pieces of great value that are taking up space in my jewelry box, but I simply do not wear them. They’re family heirlooms and not something I ever intend to get rid of. Instead, I’ll pass them along to my daughters and my husband can pass his along to our son. In the meantime, I can free space by storing them in a safe or security deposit box.
I do have pieces I don’t want to keep that have some value on the market. Selling jewelry can be overwhelming, particularly if you’re unsure of its value. Check for shops like San Diego Jewelry Buyers that have a good reputation and wont make you feel pressured. Find someone that you feel comfortable doing business with or you won’t be happy with your decision.
There are pieces of jewelry that I have that just simply aren’t my style but have some beautiful elements. I have a gorgeous ring setting and a pair of earrings with breathtaking emeralds in less desired yellow gold arrangement. Instead, I’ve decided to redesign the pieces to match my style. I was even able to work first hand with a local jewelry designer to customize the pieces to my exact specifications. We created stunning emerald solitaire earrings set in white gold, then used the diamonds from the earrings and a small pink tourmaline for my new ring which I wear regularly.
Some pieces are simply just not worth passing along as heirlooms or selling. Most of these pieces are costume jewelry that I picked up at flea markets or needed for a specific look. Others are pieces that broke or are missing pieces like a single earring. Since I know I’ll never wear them again, I’ve found some creative ways to repurpose them.
I used a few cheap necklaces and created some gorgeous and chic curtain tiebacks. Faux pearls are eye catching and add a nice bulk and touch of flair to what I used to think were drab curtains. I used some broaches and single earrings and created some magnets for the fridge, which adds sparkle to the space I use the most. I even used a few beads from a broken necklace and decorated some bobby pins, then added some tulle and a broach to a headband for my daughter. My favorite project has to be the jewelry bouquet I’m creating for my friend’s wedding. We’re locating vintage broaches and putting them together to be used as her “something old” and it will last forever.
When it boils down to it, it’s not about freeing up space in your jewelry box just so you can fill it with more jewelry down the road. It’s about finding the true value in your jewelry and allowing it to reach it’s full potential, whether it’s with you or with someone else.
Thanks to Sara Stringer for providing this post. Sara is a freelance writer who enjoys writing about frugal fashion. In her spare time, she enjoys maintaining an active lifestyle through swimming and practicing yoga.
