Tips for buying and restyling vintage jewelry

DIY

Feb 6

Written By

I love vintage jewelry. Even more, I love DIY vintage jewelry.

The other day a coworker brought in a giant bag of old jewelry she didn't want anymore. I was in heaven. The only thing better than a thrift store is a free thrift store. Cha-ching! I got a little out of control, I mean really.

At thrift stores though, when my money is on the line, I struggle in choosing items that I will never wear or items that need some TLC, but I have no idea what to do with them. So here are a few tips on how to choose vintage jewelry and some ideas on how to restyle them!

1. Pick items that are similar to your current style. I wear lots of solid colored, long necklaces like these. So they are something I am always drawn towards. But be weary of colors you already may have!

2. Think of how you can restyle an item. I came upon these beauts, but they were clip-ons. Yuck. Sorry to any clip-on lovers, but they hurt my ears and besides I didn't get these babies pierced to wear clip-ons!

So, I used my handy jewelry making tools, aka common household pliers, to pull off the backs. It was much simpler than I imagined.

I then added a drop of Loctite Crafters glue (aka cement that dries clear) and a craft ring that I picked up at Hobby Lobby.

And Ta-da! An adorable new ring! Ps, who knew that taking pictures of your hands was so weird. Seriously, this is the best I could do. I need a hand modeling lesson, like for real, I have Creeper hands.

I did the same thing with these, but they had flat backs already, which I imagine means that were earrings many many decades ago.

I wear this one all the time! It is so cute and dainty.

3. Make sure all the clasps and posts are in tact if you don't know how to fix jewelry. I got lucky and found these pairs already made, but I may switch to new earring posts for, ya know, germs and all. So be sure you are willing and able to do the upgrades if necessary, if not keep looking for a piece in better condition.

4. Think of layers. Sometimes a necklace is pretty, but not necessarily a statement piece. I plan to wear a few of these necklaces together, since they are different lengths and colors, they will compliment each other well and create a statement piece rather than a last-minute accessory.

5. Try something new. Check out that sweet granny, pearl brooch! I love it, I don't wear brooches, but I love it. I need to find a way to work it into an outfit and since these were free, I thought I might as well try it. Who knows, I can be a broach lady?!