Family Heirlooms: What To Do With An Ugly Hand Me Down

14k Inlaid Coral, Lapis, and Onyx earrings from Asch Grossbardt at Israel Rose Jewelry
14k Inlaid Coral, Lapis, and Onyx earrings from Asch Grossbardt at Israel Rose Jewelry

An elderly family member has passed, and lucky you, they’ve left you a little bit of bling. Unfortunately it’s hideous and never something you would wear in person. You stuff it in the back of your jewelry box, or put it in the safe deposit box and decide to forget it ever existed. You wouldn’t be caught out in it, but you cant throw it out right? What if there was another option? Orly L posed this very question to me asking what I would do.

Most likely if it was something I couldn’t sell, wasn’t worth much, or had sentimental value, I’d redesign it. You can take the components of any piece of jewelry and make it into something that fits your style and taste.

Amethyst and Pearl earring redesign by Wendy Brandes
Amethyst and Pearl earring redesign by Wendy Brandes

Take these earrings, jewelry designer extraordinaire Wendy Brandes created. she took these boring hum drum earrings that her client bought, and made them into something absolutely amazing. They didn’t have to be another purchase she hated, instead they became a cherished piece that she could wear again and again. To read more click here.

1950's cocktail ring redesigned into a stunning pendant by The Perfect Setting
1950’s cocktail ring redesigned into a stunning pendant by The Perfect Setting

Another beautiful idea is this ring turned pendant from The perfect setting. An old unworn cocktail ring was completely redesigned to be a beautiful pendant, that it’s wearer can enjoy for many years to come.

Jewelry that you don’t love doesn’t need to stay unloved forever. It can be reimagined with a little skill into a new classic that you’ll love wearing, and has a history all it’s own.