What do Thrifting and Jewelry Repair Have in Common?
I was asked to do some jewelry repairs for an old friend who basically sent me a big box of broken stuff and said 'have at it'. This is not my a normal part of my business but I agreed to try. Several of the items were easy and required only a few new findings or restringing. The challenges for me are the one of a kind and more 'commercial' pieces and what I can do to bring them back to life for her.
Several of the pieces are jet/onyx or black faceted glass pieces, reminiscent of what I might describe as faux 'Victorian Mourning Jewelry'. The necklaces themselves needed simple repairs, but she wanted me to make coordinating earrings for each set and that is the puzzle. I scoured all my usual online sources, but nothing really fit the bill. I decided to take a field trip to my favorite Thrift Stores and see if I might find anything that could be made to work.
What I came away with were 3 sets. 8 glass 8mm jet faceted glass beads ($1) from the first place . From my most fav~ CHKD shop ~Two piece Marcasite type chandelier earrings (a couple of tiny stones missing) ($2.58) and a pair of earrings with black faceted tear drops, and tiny bi-cones with gun metal findings. ($2.98). Did I mention it was 'military day' so I got an additional 20% off the 2 more expensive pairs?
Now to break them down and revamp my treasures. Tune in soon for the big reveal.
I love being thrifty, revamping and repairing. Why throw good things away when they just need some tender care? I really enjoyed your post, you got some great goodies!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE scouring thrift stores for recyclables! Also, places like "Claire" in the mall have items that, when deconstructed, are worth the buy. I also like Spencers for this too. Some of the pendants and charms can't be found elsewhere. Beautiful page and wonderful necklace!!
ReplyDeleteThat's quite a find!!
ReplyDeleteOhh you did really good! I never get that lucky when I go out - must be in the wrong stores!
ReplyDeleteI haven't revamped anything but I have made pieces to go with some earrings and things that I purchased from another artist. I try to buy something from one or more of our fellow artists every couple weeks. It is kind of putting a dent in our budget so thats why I ATTEMPT to make my own coordinating pieces if I can. The pieces I make compliment the artist's piece of jewelry, never copying or out shining their piece.
Please be sure to show off your results! I am really interested in what you come up with.
~ Shelley
I've been in a similar position. One of my best friends bought some necklace at a jewelry party and wanted it a bit shorter. Not my think but, I'd give this girl a kidney in a heartbeat so why not. Stupid thing I had to restring completely and it was a bugger and the pendant was actually a collection of beads poorly tied to make a flower. Had to redo that too. Of course it now looks a million times better just on construction alone. But I bet she still tells people it from that jewelry party line...
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