Ethan Clarke
Costume plastic jewelry is fun to wear, but what do you do with it when you're tired of it or it's broken? First, you might want to check if it's valuable—some vintage pieces can be worth a lot of money. If not, you could try to repurpose it. Many people like to get creative and make new items, such as hair clips, Christmas ornaments, or even artwork. You could also donate it to a local school or theater group for costumes and props. If you don't want to keep it, you can donate it to a charity shop, or sell it online.
What to do with costume plastic jewelry
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Upcycle into hair clips, decorative bits on purses, Christmas ornaments, or jewelry Christmas trees | Reuse waste or unwanted materials to create something new |
| Sell by weight online or on Facebook marketplace | Sell to crafters |
| Donate to a women's shelter or a non-profit organization | Provide to people starting over or to be repurposed and sold to support women |
| Create unique pieces with them | Make hand mirrors, punk vests, or greeblies on miniatures |
| Clean with Jewelry Cleansing Foam, Dazzle Drops Advanced Jewelry Cleaner, or Ultrasoft Polishing Cloths | Remove dirt, grime, and verdigris |
| Check for value before altering | Some vintage or rhinestone pieces can be collectible and worth money |
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What You'll Learn
Upcycle into hair clips, decorative purse bits, Christmas ornaments, etc
Plastic costume jewellery can be upcycled into a variety of decorative items. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Hair Clips
Upcycling plastic costume jewellery into hair clips is a fun and creative way to give new life to old pieces. You can detach decorative elements from necklaces, earrings, or brooches and attach them to blank hair clip bases. This way, you can create unique and personalized hair accessories.
Decorative Purse Bits
Another way to upcycle plastic costume jewellery is to use it as decorative accents on purses or handbags. You can attach brooches, pins, or small pendants to the flap or body of the purse, adding a touch of sparkle and individuality to your accessory.
Christmas Ornaments
During the festive season, plastic costume jewellery can be transformed into unique Christmas ornaments. For example, you can create a jewelled Christmas tree ornament by gluing pieces of jewellery onto a paper or styrofoam cone, or you can hang individual earrings or small necklaces directly on your Christmas tree.
Greeblies on Miniatures
If you enjoy crafting or modelling, plastic costume jewellery can be used as "greeblies" or detailed additions to miniatures. Rhinestones, beads, or small charms can be glued onto models to add texture and visual interest.
Hand Mirrors
You can create decorative hand mirrors by attaching plastic costume jewellery to the backs of old butter knives. This idea transforms everyday items into functional pieces of art.
When upcycling plastic costume jewellery, it is important to be mindful of the value of the pieces. Some older pieces, especially those with rhinestones or signed items, can be highly collectible and valuable. It is worth researching the pieces before making any permanent alterations.
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Sell to crafters online or at thrift stores
If you're looking to sell your costume plastic jewelry, one option is to sell it to crafters, either online or at thrift stores. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Selling Online
You can try selling your jewelry by weight online. Some people are always looking for craft materials, so advertising your jewelry as such can attract buyers. You can post on local buy-nothing groups, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or Poshmark. It's also a good idea to do some research first, as some vintage or rhinestone pieces can be highly collectible and worth more than you might think.
Selling to Thrift Stores
Thrift stores often carry costume jewelry, so you can try selling your pieces to these stores. It's a good idea to clean your jewelry before selling it. You can use jewelry cleansing foam or biodegradable solutions to remove dirt and grime from plastic jewelry. For metal costume jewelry, you can use Dazzle Drops Advanced Jewelry Cleaner or polishing cloths to keep the pieces sparkling without scratching them.
Selling to Crafters
If you're looking to sell your jewelry to crafters specifically, you can try bundling the pieces together and advertising them as craft supplies. Crafters might use the jewelry for various projects, such as creating hand mirrors, decorating purses, or making new jewelry pieces. You can also donate your costume jewelry to schools, where it can be used for theatre groups to embellish costumes or create props.
Other Options
In addition to selling, you can also donate your costume jewelry to various organizations, such as the I Have Wings Breast Cancer Foundation, Dress for Success, or Support Our Troops. These organizations accept jewelry donations and either redistribute them to those in need or sell them to support their causes.
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Donate to women's shelters or charities
Donating your unwanted costume plastic jewelry to women's shelters or charities is a great way to give back to your community. Here are some tips and suggestions for doing so:
Firstly, ensure the jewelry is in good condition and suitable for donation. Clean the jewelry to make it presentable and appealing to potential recipients. You can use a soft toothbrush or cloth to gently remove any dirt or residue. If the jewelry has any broken or missing parts, consider repairing or replacing them to make the pieces whole again.
Next, research local women's shelters and charities in your area that accept jewelry donations. You can contact them to inquire about their specific needs and requirements. Some organizations may have guidelines regarding the type and condition of jewelry they can accept. It is also essential to ensure that the organization is reputable and aligned with your values.
One option for donation is to connect with women's shelters in your community. These shelters often support women who are starting over and may appreciate having access to jewelry that can boost their confidence or make them feel special. The jewelry can be a source of normalcy and self-expression for women rebuilding their lives.
Additionally, you can explore charities that focus on empowering women, such as "Dress for Success." This non-profit organization provides workwear and career development services to help women thrive in their professional lives. They accept donations of simple, professional jewelry in like-new condition, which can be a great way to support women in their career endeavors.
Another option is to support charities with specific causes, such as the "I Have Wings Breast Cancer Foundation." They accept donations of costume jewelry, which they use to support women with breast cancer through various initiatives. You can easily mail your jewelry donations to them, making it a convenient way to contribute to a worthy cause.
Lastly, consider donating to local thrift stores or charity shops associated with women's organizations. These shops often rely on donations to generate income for their charitable activities. Your costume plastic jewelry can become a unique find for shoppers, and the proceeds from its sale can contribute to supporting women in need.
Remember to package your donations neatly and securely to ensure the jewelry remains in good condition during transport or storage. Your donations can make a meaningful difference in the lives of women supported by these organizations.
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Create unique pieces by taking apart and reassembling
Creating unique pieces by taking apart and reassembling costume plastic jewelry is a fun and sustainable way to upcycle. With a few simple tools and techniques, you can transform your old jewelry into something new and exciting. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Repurpose into new jewelry pieces: Take apart your old costume plastic jewelry and use the individual components to create something new. For example, you can turn cheap stretchy bead bracelets into dangle earrings, or statement necklaces into hair clips. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to make unique pieces.
- Create keychains and charms: Disassemble your old jewelry and use the beads, charms, and chains to make personalized keychains or charms for your friends and family. These can be added to wallets, purses, or even used as bookmarks.
- Make hair accessories: Take apart the plastic jewelry and use the beads, rhinestones, or other decorative elements to embellish hair clips, headbands, or hair ties. This is a great way to give your hair accessories a unique and personalized touch.
- Embellish clothing and accessories: Detach the individual components from your costume plastic jewelry and use them to decorate clothing or accessories. For example, you can add beads or rhinestones to the collars of shirts or the straps of purses for a unique and stylish touch.
- Craft with plastic bottles: If you're looking for a way to recycle plastic bottles, you can cut them into various shapes and use them to create new jewelry pieces. For instance, you can make jellyfish earrings by cutting the plastic bottles into rectangular pieces, creating "tentacles," and shaping the plastic with heat.
- Incorporate into art pieces: Disassemble the plastic jewelry and use the individual pieces to add interesting details to art projects. For example, you can create stunning hand mirrors using old costume jewelry, giving new life to both the jewelry and the mirrors.
Remember, when taking apart and reassembling costume plastic jewelry, you can mix and match different pieces to create something truly unique. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your style. Happy crafting!
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Research and check for collectability
Costume jewellery, though often overlooked, can have value. Vintage costume jewellery, for instance, is sought after by collectors. The first step in determining the collectability of costume plastic jewellery is to identify the piece.
Begin by examining the jewellery for any markings, such as the manufacturer's name or logo, as this can help identify the piece and its potential value. Even if the piece is unmarked, details like the type of clasp, construction techniques, metals used, and stone embellishments can provide clues about its origin and manufacturing date. For example, a trombone clasp on a brooch may indicate it is of French origin, and iridescent "Aurora Borealis" rhinestones indicate the piece was made after 1955.
If you are unable to identify the piece, consider consulting a jeweller or an expert appraiser, especially if the item could be made of precious metals or stones. They can help determine the authenticity and value of the item. Additionally, online resources and databases, such as Costume Jewellery Collectors International, can provide valuable information and connect you with other collectors.
When assessing collectability, consider the design, materials, and time period of the piece. Collectors often seek items that reflect the style of a particular era, such as a bold statement necklace from the 1960s or a ring from the 1970s. High-quality materials, such as colourful stones or Austrian crystals, can also increase the collectability of costume plastic jewellery.
Finally, the condition of the piece is crucial. Signs of deterioration, such as flaking or green residue, may indicate a low-quality item and reduce its collectability. Therefore, it is essential to handle and store costume plastic jewellery with care to maintain its condition and potential value for collectors.
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Frequently asked questions
You can upcycle your old jewelry into new pieces that you will actually wear, such as hair clips, magnets, or charms for your phone or wallet. You can also sell it online by weight or donate it to a local thrift store or charity.
To clean plastic costume jewelry, use a biodegradable jewelry cleansing foam to remove dirt and grime. For enamel or glass costume jewelry, use Dazzle Drops Advanced Jewelry Cleaner, and for metal costume jewelry, use Dazzle Drops or a polishing cloth.
Some old costume jewelry is highly collectible and can be worth a lot of money, especially rhinestone items and pieces that are signed. It is recommended to research your items before making any alterations to them.
