14+ broken jewelry crafts to make with repurposed vintage jewelry

Most thrift stores are overflowing with single-pair earrings and busted-clasp necklaces – and it’s all crafting treasure! Repurposing jewelry as a craft material is both eco-friendly and fun. I’ve rounded up several different ideas for crafts that use old jewelry, leave a comment if you know of one that would make a good addition to this list!
If you’re scrolling this post and grumbling that you don’t have a bunch of broken jewelry on hand, here are a few ideas for how to get some!
- Search on https://shopgoodwill.com/, Ebay, Etsy, or Facebook’s marketplace for lots with multiple pieces
- Post in your local Buy Nothing group asking for some (that’s where I got the bulk of mine!)
- Ask friends & family to clear out their jewelry drawers
- Check your local thrift stores – often jewelry is stuffed in jars and sold in bulk.

Photo by János Venczák on Unsplash
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Pin this round-up of 14+ broken jewelry crafts to make with repurposed vintage jewelry with this link or collage image below! Please click through to the original sites to repin individual photos 🙂

14+ broken jewelry crafts to make with repurposed vintage jewelry
Fun for a centerpiece or year-round decor, I love the unique the shape of these upcycled jewelry topiaries!
This tutorial calls for buying resin minis but I think it would be just perfect for upcycled jewelry don't you! A cute vintage-inspired sweater clip to hold your cardigan together.
Probably the most creative idea on the list- upcycled drawer pulls!
I've seen these all over social media and here is a tutorial for one! A really pretty Christmas tree in a frame, made from old jewelry.
Turn old jewelry into wall decor with this quick upcycle craft - or use current jewelry you want to wear and have it be both functional and beautiful!
Lots of jewelry wreath inspiration out there but I was drawn to the shape of the heart project! This would be pretty up year-round.
Use old jewelry to make a new necklace, brilliant!
Not pictured:
- If wreaths and Christmas trees aren't your thing, what about skull art?
- Light on the details, but inspiration to make a fun frame.
- Clever little diy Christmas ornaments!
- Hair clips are simple but look very pretty.
- Hoping to try this one myself soon, a very popular pinterest photo of handmade bookmarks.
- Another super simple one - fancy fridge magnets!
- Jazz up a plain headband with fancy gems.

Stephanie
Friday 7th of November 2025
Love these! Thanks for sharing! 🩷
Stephanie - Swoodson Says
Saturday 8th of November 2025
Glad to hear it, happy crafting fellow Stephanie :)