Though a growing number of consumers are looking to make fewer, more responsible purchases, that doesn’t mean shoppers don’t long for new things.
Consumers still have occasions to mark, accomplishments to celebrate, and a general desire to treat themselves; and when it comes to buying jewelry, higher-dollar purchases typically inspire thoughtful consideration. But as they simultaneously seek to decrease consumption and still delight in purchases that feel good, some shoppers are looking to their own jewelry boxes to devise the perfect new piece.
Giving new life to pieces no longer favored—whether a vintage hand-me-down or a jewel purchased or gifted that doesn’t suit one’s current style—feels an ideal way to shop responsibly. Of the three R’s—reduce, reuse, recycle—resetting jewelry hits on all of them.
“In regard to repurposing jewels, my personal philosophy is that I would rather rethink and reimagine these pieces into modern and wearable styles rather than have them sit in jewelry boxes, or, worse, melted down for materials,” says Grace Lavarro, founder of Jewels by Grace. “Breathing new life into them this way allows the jewelry to actually live on in other forms, and tell their stories once again. It also introduces the world of antique and vintage jewelry to a whole new generation of (hopefully) vintage and antique jewelry lovers.”
“I always feel very honored when customers trust me with their heirloom jewelry,” says designer Judith Peterhoff. “It’s such a special piece to create, giving their sentimental jewelry a new lease on life—creating something that they will treasure forever, that will be worn rather than sit in a jewelry box and still have the sentiment of the once-gifted piece.”
It’s not only custom jewelry projects that have designers recycling and reusing materials—many opt to use them in their own lines, repurposing what they have to create pieces their customers are sure to adore.
“I could send out my silver scraps to a refiner for cash, but that requires more shipping and metal processing,” says Lori Aks Rosenberg, founder of Lori Aks Jewelry. “I save everything and find ways to use it in my studio, and to me this is the most sustainable way to operate. I save broken stones and scraps of metal to practice on. I melt down silver and reuse it as sheet or wire and, most recently, as a collection of charms. This is how I was taught to practice studio jewelry-making and I think it is better for our environment.”
As the popularity of vintage jewelry continues to soar and reach new audiences (like Gen Z), repurposed styles, both as bespoke projects and in-stock treasures, offer fantastic options for the conscious customer (and for the sentimental one too).
Top: Murray cuff bracelet in 18k yellow gold with reclaimed diamonds, price on request; Mason and Books
Follow JCK on Instagram: @jckmagazineFollow JCK on Twitter: @jckmagazine
Follow JCK on Facebook: @jckmagazine
