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
Lovely jewelry and a great lesson in old does not mean useless. Your jewelry is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteGreat vintage finds and great ways to revitalise them.
ReplyDeleteThank 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!
ReplyDeleteI love what you do with old jewelry finds, Michele - it is so inspirational!
ReplyDeleteso pretty....love your gorgeous pieces....
ReplyDeleteI am all about reclaiming, upcycling and vintage...great blog and wonderful shop!
ReplyDeleteI love your style Michele, such beautiful jewelry & the story behind them~
ReplyDeleteI just love your work and your concept of breathing new life into something old!
ReplyDeleteMichele, beautiful jewelry designs in your shop. I love your story.
ReplyDeleteI love the vintage look and feel of your designs!
ReplyDeleteWonderful designs and I love hearing your thoughts on the pieces you make new again!
ReplyDeletewhat a nice collection of Handmade Jewelry
ReplyDeleteMichele's upcycled jewelry is Gorgeous, Affordable and Wearable Art! Makes me want to look for treasures in my own jewelry box!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I love that you use things that would otherwise be tossed out, and they are so pretty!
ReplyDeleteMichele's work is so victorian and feminine. I own some pieces and they are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteLove my earrings I purchased, you have a great eye and talent for making it come alive!
ReplyDeletelove the vintage style that Michele exhibits in her designs. I have some pieces and gave a few as gifts. They are so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteSalvaging 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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