I get such a thrill when I find something that many may think has outlived its use, and I envision it into something fresh and new. I was making eco-friendly jewelry before the phrase was even coined! A dear friend of mine for over 30 years was my initial inspiration for reusing items, and creating from them something new. Her mom sewed for a living. Knowing I made jewelry, she brought to me some antique and vintage wedding pieces, and rhinestones and buttons, and asked if I could recycle them into something else?
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This same friend also had one cuff link which had been husband’s grandfather’s. She asked if I would like to make something out of it ,which, of course I did; and I made it into a double-sided pendant that she loved it and kept for herself.
I found a jewelry box of things that my mom had wanted me to repair or re-make into something new. There were a lot of broken earrings, much too pretty to throw out. I knew they would be beautiful as rings and I got busy. The middle one and two in the front were clip on earrings.
This ring was made from an antique button that had a broken shank. The green stone is so pretty and looks lovely as a ring.
The crystals in these earrings are from an antique clip-on earring which I recycled into these lovely earrings.
I am a self taught jeweler and I love challenging myself with different techniques. I find it very satisfying to breathe new life into a piece with so much history. I was thrilled when I was first contacted about consigning my jewelry. I was unsure, but my initial hesitation turned to joy as the consignor loved my designs. The recycled and vintage-inspired jewelry and accessories are the most popular!
Sometimes I feel like I belong to a different era, with my vintage inspired, old fashioned style. I believe jewelry is something that should be handed down to the next generation. I have my grandmother’s cameo necklace and a ring which I admire and proudly love to wear. I am happy that I can repair and remake items so they can bring happiness to the next generation of wearers.
Thank you for reading,
Michele of malves1009
18 comments :
Lovely jewelry and a great lesson in old does not mean useless. Your jewelry is beautiful.
Great vintage finds and great ways to revitalise them.
Thank you for re-loving old sad pieces and sending them off into the future! What you do is so important for our history and our environment!
I love what you do with old jewelry finds, Michele - it is so inspirational!
so pretty....love your gorgeous pieces....
I am all about reclaiming, upcycling and vintage...great blog and wonderful shop!
I love your style Michele, such beautiful jewelry & the story behind them~
I just love your work and your concept of breathing new life into something old!
Michele, beautiful jewelry designs in your shop. I love your story.
I love the vintage look and feel of your designs!
Wonderful designs and I love hearing your thoughts on the pieces you make new again!
what a nice collection of Handmade Jewelry
Michele's upcycled jewelry is Gorgeous, Affordable and Wearable Art! Makes me want to look for treasures in my own jewelry box!
Great post! I love that you use things that would otherwise be tossed out, and they are so pretty!
Michele's work is so victorian and feminine. I own some pieces and they are beautiful.
Love my earrings I purchased, you have a great eye and talent for making it come alive!
love the vintage style that Michele exhibits in her designs. I have some pieces and gave a few as gifts. They are so beautiful.
Salvaging something thought to be useless and transforming it into a gorgeous new item makes me think of the caterpillar turning into the butterfly! Gorgeous work, Michele!
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