People buy and collect jewellery for various reasons. Some buy it as an investment or to follow a particular trend, and others do it for self-expression. Many people also choose to keep jewellery for the memories attached to it.
But, like everything, not all jewellery pieces are meant to be kept forever. People change and evolve over time, and trends come and go. Although we never want to encourage this idea, we understand that there sometimes comes a point where you have to say goodbye to your jewellery. But this doesn't mean it has to be completely discarded — there are ways to breathe new life into your pieces to increase their longevity.
If you have some pieces of jewellery that you no longer reach for, it might be time for a change. Here, we look at the telltale signs that your jewellery no longer serves you, and ways you can repurpose them to rekindle your love for your jewels.
SIGNS YOUR JEWELLERY NO LONGER SERVES YOU
It's not perfect
If you have a piece of jewellery that you haven't worn for a while, there may be a whole host of reasons for this. Maybe you have a ring that you've outgrown and the band is now too small, or maybe you've had a piece for a while that's begun to lose its colour or shine.
Whether it's missing stones or a broken chain, any defect in your jewellery can make it less desirable to you. As a result, you may be reluctant to wear it again and leave it in storage for weeks, months or more.
It holds negative memories
Every piece of jewellery holds a story, whether good or bad. But if you have a piece that carries a bad, negative, or heavy memory, it may be best to let it go, no matter how beautiful it is or how long it's been in your possession.
Just like with anything in life, not all memories are meant to be held on to forever, especially if they prevent you from moving forward. Jewellery is meant to make you feel happy, confident, and content, and if you have a piece that brings you more negative feelings than positive ones, then take it as a sign that it no longer serves you.
It's not visible
If you have a piece of jewellery that isn't in pride of place in your collection, it might be worth thinking about why that is. Maybe you've forgotten it's there, and if it's out of sight, it will generally be out of mind.
One of the most significant signs that your jewellery no longer serves you is if you don't reach for it. If it's not one you gravitate toward when choosing which pieces to wear, it might be worth considering how to give it a new life.
It hasn't been worn in a few months (or more)
Suppose you can't remember the last time you wore a particular piece of jewellery. In that case, this might be a sign you need to consider repurposing it. Of course, there are a few exceptions; if you're an avid collector with a large selection of investment pieces, you might have them specifically for display. Or, you may have a few select pieces that you save for specific and special occasions.
But if you have a jewellery collection in which every piece is for styling, it is worth questioning why you may not have worn it in a few months. Maybe the item no longer matches your personal style, or your lifestyle has evolved, and it no longer fits comfortably within it.
Either way, finding a new purpose for it might be an option to consider.
HOW TO REPURPOSE YOUR JEWELLERY
Regardless of the circumstances, leaving your jewellery out of sight doesn't do its beauty justice. But there are ways to give your pieces a new start, and repurposing your jewellery can help you not only give them another chance, but can also remind you why you fell in love with that piece in the first place.
Here are a few ways to repurpose your jewellery and give it a new lease of life.
Clean it
It's common for people to favour another piece of jewellery if one looks a little worse for wear – but it might just need a good clean!
Cleaning your jewellery is one of the most straightforward solutions for keeping it looking its best. It will make it sparkle and shine and help extend its lifespan.
So, when sprucing up your jewellery, always look into the cleaning methods that your metals and gemstones can withstand (some will react badly to specific chemicals), and never forget about the small nooks and crannies that often prevent it from shining bright, such as the underside of your gemstones.
For more information on properly cleaning and caring for your jewellery, explore our blog post on jewellery cleaning and maintenance.
Repair it
Fine jewellery is an investment, and all your pieces need is a little love and care to ensure they last a lifetime. If your jewellery is taken care of and repaired when necessary, it can be worn for years and even passed down for generations.
Whether it's a new clasp or having a ring resized, small changes to your piece can make a big difference in whether you choose to keep it or not. As part of our Aftercare service, we offer a ring resizing service for those pieces that could fit a bit better, and it's always best to consult a professional about getting your pieces repaired.
Restyle it
One of the best things about jewellery is how customisable it is. There are truly no wrong answers when experimenting with different styles and designs.
If you have a piece in your collection that you haven't worn in a while, try rekindling that spark by restyling it with existing pieces you already love. There's nothing wrong with mixing metals or playing around with different colour combinations!
Alternatively, you can upcycle your pieces into brand-new ones! Have a ring that's too small? Loop it on a chain and wear it as a necklace and pendant! Turn old bracelet charms into beautiful earrings, or modernise an older piece by swapping out the gemstones!
The options are endless, so get creative and see what you can come up with. But don't worry if you've never tried jewellery making, because our partner channel, JewelleryMaker, showcases regular demonstrations on all things jewellery and crafting!
Gift it
As humans, it's always been in our nature to struggle with letting go. It is easy to attach memories to particular objects like jewellery, and it may feel like when you pass those pieces on, a piece of your history goes with it.
First, we must reiterate that it is perfectly normal and perfectly okay to feel attached to your jewellery. Your pieces can hold immense sentimental value and are precious objects for a reason. However, if the emotions tied to them begin to hinder your enjoyment of having them in the first place, it may be time to pass them on.
Gifting your jewellery to friends or family offers the chance to start a legacy of heirlooms that can continue to be passed down. It also serves as a way of honouring precious memories rather than provoking feelings of loss, and can create space in your life for all the new and exciting experiences that are yet to come.
Sell it
We strongly believe in the lifetime value of jewellery, so we only recommend selling your pieces as an absolute last resort. But, we understand that there is occasionally a need for it.
Depending on the materials in your piece, jewellery holds its value pretty well. But before you sell it, always do thorough research and consult a professional to ensure you get the best price for it.
FINAL THOUGHTS
As our styles and priorities change, so do the things we choose to keep in our lives – and our jewellery is no exception. But genuine gemstone jewellery like ours is made to last, and there are so many ways to breathe new life into your precious pieces and allow yourself and others to enjoy them for a lifetime and more.
