What's Old Is New Again
Growing up, my mom embarrassed and annoyed me by reusing everything. She'd smooth out old grocery bags, wrapping paper, ribbons and bow, and aluminum foil (clean, of course) and insist that it could be utilized again until it was completely worn out. I can't remember ever ripping open the wrapping on a gift, that was wasteful.
Today, we'd say she was a great recycler and way ahead of her time. She still saves glass and metal recyclables, but I think she's given up on reusing aluminum foil and the grandkids are allowed to rip the paper on their Christmas presents. But Mom's early lessons taught me some valuable lessons.
Sometimes, you can reuse something and make it into something new.
Take old jewelry, for example. Ever glance at a drawer full of Grandma's old costume jewelry or a box of beaded necklaces at a garage sale, shudder and keep going? Next time you find yourself doing that, stop and look again. Are the beads or stones themselves in good condition, of good quality? Is it just the design that's making your skin crawl? Is there something in that old ring/pin/bracelet/necklace or earring that is salvageable, even in a different form? Here are some tips to consider if you've decided to reuse old jewelry.
1. If you are in question about the authenticity of beads, stones, gold, silver or other components, or if you have reason to believe your "costume" jewelry is more than just costume, CHECK IT OUT WITH A PROFESSIONAL JEWELER FIRST. Antique or heirloom value may be lessened if you dismantle a piece, and you do have potential risk in damaging a stone by removing it from the setting.
2. Consider the current design. Before you take it apart, what did the original artist have in mind? Some pieces could benefit from something as simple as a great focal bead or pendant or a new clasp. Can the style be changed slightly to update it?
3. If it's a hopeless case, tear it apart. Be careful and as you tear apart a necklace or bracelet with multiple beads, separate them into small containers by style/color/size for easier use later. Save clasps if they are useable, but discard any old stringing material. If you are dismantling rings, pins or earrings use quality tools to remove stones from settings.
4. Clean your beads with the appropriate cleaning solution, and inspect carefully for damage, flaws and weakness in structure. Remember that pearls, opals and other porous stones should NOT be cleaned with jewelry cleaning solutions. Dry beads and discard any that are damaged or not worth saving.
5. Have fun with a new design! Use your imagination to rework the old into something new and cherished. One of my favorite "recycling" stories comes from a strand of beads from my grandmother. I don't remember all of the beads that were in the necklace, but interspersed were some very pretty blue crystals. I divided the crystals into groups and added other beads: clear crystals, and flower and dragonfly shaped spacers to remind us of Grammie's garden. Stringing them on Stretch Magic, I had enough bracelets for my mom, my sister, the three granddaughters, and myself. I'm hoping they will be handed down through generations to remind us all of the wonderful person my grandmother was.
Recycling old jewelry can be fun and rewarding. You can make new items that have a deep personal significance (like my Grammie Bracelets), or have the satisfaction of giving new life to a piece that was just sitting in someone's drawer unused. Either way, I'm sure you can find new uses for old beads!
