Home Decorating Ideas Using Old Jewelry

Did you know that jewelry, especially old jewelry is not just meant to be worn, it can also be used to add a touch of your personality to your home décor. Crafting with old jewelry pieces hidden away in your jewelry box repurposed into pretty home decor accents is a great way to show off your decorating style.

That’s what I am sharing with you today, creative ways to upcycle your old jewelry and breathe new life into your existing home decor. From statement pieces to accents, get ready to instantly transform plain items with these pretty and colorful home decorating ideas.

My latest decorating DIY all started when I brought the yellow daffodils that are blooming in my yard inside my house. I didn’t want to miss out on the cheery Spring color so I clipped a few stems and placed them in a glass vase from the dollar store on a side table in my living room.

Then I had an idea…

I like to see new things around my house to enliven my senses, but I also like to save money and don’t want to buy new decor as I don’t need a thing. At the same time though, I enjoy seeing something fresh and new to look at.

I am not fussy when it comes to flower arranging. I just want to see the colorful flowers in my house and one vase filled with them wasn’t enough.

I had a few blooms that still looked nice from a Valentine arrangement that Ed had given me. I pulled out the lavender blooms and placed them in an empty liquor bottle that I saved to repurpose into a flower vase because I liked the shape.

1 glass vase and 1 glass bottle with old jewelry necklaces wrapped around them to create colorful spring decor.

Alone the flowers in these glass vessels make me happy, but was craving more color. So I headed to my craft stash to find some colorful vintage or old jewelry made with colorful beads. In less than 10 minutes I decorated my glass vases with spring color.

Home Decor Crafting With Old Jewelry Ideas

Vintage button collection

I used to make and sell bracelets using old jewelry, beads and buttons. But since I haven’t made them in a long time, I don’t need my stash for that purpose anymore.

Now I like to find creative ways to re-purpose my collection of beads, old necklaces and vintage clip-on earrings so I can still enjoy all the pretty colors.

Where to Find Old Jewelry or Strands of Beads

I know that most of you may not have a stash of colorful old jewels laying around like I do, but craft stores sell beaded trim by the roll in the fabric/ribbon aisle. For strands of beads, head to the jewelry making aisle and don’t forget to use the stores coupon for a discount.

Thrift stores and retirement homes that have resident shops on the premises are some of the best places to find old jewelry for a few dollars. They are where I found most of my collection.

How to Wrap a Vase with a Beaded Necklace or Strand of Beads

When using a beaded necklaces or strands of beads to wrap around a vase, lamp or any item that you would like to add color and texture, any size and shape bead works. The style is all up to the look you like. Big bold beads would look more modern, while smaller beads more traditional.

There are two ways to wrap and attach a necklace to a vase. The first is to use hot glue or glue dots. The second is thin florist’s type wire.

Once you have chosen the necklace or strand of beads you want to attach, wrap it around the vase to see if the ends will meet up in line or closely in line with each other on the vase.

If it doesn’t and you are using a strand of beads, simply remove or add a few more beads so the beginning and end will be on the same side that you can call the back. If using a necklace you don’t want to break apart, try wrapping it around another section of the item to see if it fits better.

Longer necklaces work better to wrap around a vase or bottle, but don’t let a shorter one stop you from experimenting to come up with decorative ways to use it.

Why throw out perfectly nice bottles that condiments or liquor come in when they are empty. Why not head to your jewelry box or the thrift store to find a few pieces of old jewelry to decorate the vases from necklaces, bracelets and even clip on earrings. Don't miss all the creative old jewelry repurposing ideas.

This strand of wood beads was pre-strung on string that I found in the aisle where rolls of ribbon are at Hobby Lobby. To attach the strand of beads to the vase, I simply wrapped it around and then used hot glue to adhere the first and last bead on the back of the vase.

How to use florist wire to attach a old costume jewelry necklace around a glass bottle to make a pretty vase.

To attach the various sized purple beads on the neck of the bottle, I strung the beads on thin wire that you can buy at the craft store.

I left extra wire at each end and once all the beads were wrapped around the neck of the bottle, I pulled the two wires together and twisted them together. Then once it was secure, I cut the excess wire and pushed the ends under the beads to hide it.

1 glass vase and 1 glass bottle with old jewelry necklaces wrapped around them to create colorful spring decor.

When displayed on a table, no one will see how the necklace or strand of beads is attached. Seeing the cheery Spring color on my big wicker basket side table makes me smile.

What To Do With Old Clip-On Earrings

I have a hard time passing up vintage clip-on earrings when I see them at thrift stores. Each one is the perfect little piece of stylish art that has its own story and appeal.

In my mind, they are just too cute and pretty to be hidden away in a drawer.

Here are several ideas on how you can use vintage clip-on earrings to accent your decor or furnishings.

old vintage clip-on earrings used to decorate a plain lampshade on a desk.

To add cheerful color to lamp, clip a few vintage clip-on earrings on the bottom of a lampshade. When you want to wear them or tire of the look, just unclip – no damage done.

old vintage clip on earrings made into refrigerator magnets.

If you use your refrigerator as a memo board you can make pretty magnets using old jewelry or clip-on earrings to hold up reminder notes and photos.

Tip: Attaching Earrings or Buttons to Magnets

To get the clip off of an earring to you can attach it to a magnet, use a pair of pliers to pull it off so the back is flat. Doing this will allow the earring to fit nicely and be glued on to a round black magnet.

Gift wrapped with turquoise ribbon and a glass bead vintage clip on earring as an embellishment.

Embellish a gift by simply clipping a clip-on earring one over the knot on the tied ribbon.

3 place cards using vintage clip on earrings as place card holders.

I posted about making these Quick and Easy Place Card Holders with clip-on earrings when I first starting blogging. They are perfect for a Girls Night or Tea Party.

pink chest of drawers with vintage clip on earrings as drawer pulls.

Use a strong bonding glue like Gorilla Glue to attach a clip-on earring that has the clip removed to the front of plain drawer knobs.

blue and white window valance with old jewelry used as decorative accents.

You can also use vintage clip-on earrings to hold the soft drape of a fabric window valance in place.

How to Use With Brooches and Pins When Decorating

decorative pillow on sofa with pretty pin in center
No-Sew Pillow Cover with Decorative Pin

If you have a collection of pretty brooches or decorative pins, pin them to a throw pillow to create a accent that can easily be changed.

Over the next few weeks when you start Spring cleaning or decluttering your home take a few minutes to see if you have any old jewelry in the way of beaded necklaces or bracelets that you haven’t worn in a long time.

Instead of getting rid of them, reimagine them. If you don’t have any and like the colorful look crafting with old jewelry can do to transformf items, head to your local thrift store where you should find lots of colorful beaded necklaces and vintage clip-on earrings.

If you strike out, you can also use colorful ribbon to add cheery color to your existing decor.

It’s fun and inexpensive way to add accents of your personal style around your home.

2 glass vases decorated with old jewelry.

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36 Comments

  1. Your vases are wonderful! It is amazing how elevated a plain glass vase becomes with the addition of a strand (or two) of beads! I love the purple also! So springy! And the earrings…..genius! Thank you for these no-to-low cost updates! I love using what I already have in a new way and you always inspire me!

    1. Diane Henkler says:

      Hi Delanie – Thanks. It makes me happy to know my posts/ideas inspire you. :-) When I put the flowers in the vase, I felt it needed more color – especially purple for Spring. I enjoy simple projects like it to give new life to my decor without having to buy anything new.

  2. I really like this idea!

    1. Diane Henkler says:

      Thanks Carla :-)

  3. Barbara Pilcher says:

    You are a never-ending source of fresh ideas! Thanks for the inspiration.

    1. Diane Henkler says:

      Hi Barbara – Simple ideas like using jewelry to decorate stuff are some of my favorite ways to decorate. Fast, doable and low cost. :-)

    2. Diane Henkler says:

      Thank you Barbara :-)

  4. Caye Cooper says:

    Diane, you’ve re-sparked my creative energies with the vases. They are really cute ideas which I can use on some vases I’ll take to a craft faire at the end of April. Thanks for all your great inspirations!!

    1. Diane Henkler says:

      Hi Caye – Great idea to use to sell at a craft faire. So happy that my post inspired you.

  5. Diane, Once again you have come up with an idea we all can easily do with things we have or can get on a budget.
    Love these ideas to add a bit of color and bring to everyday items. Yours is my favorite blog to read!

    1. Diane Henkler says:

      Thanks Margot – So happy that you like my ideas and my blog is a favorite. :-) This is so nice to hear.

  6. Fran Hughes says:

    I love what you do with them. I will be looking for them now at thrift shops, garage sales etc.

  7. Andrea @Oasis Accents says:

    LOVE! Lots of great ideas. I would probably cover the whole lampshade so that the light would shine through them. Wouldn’t that be a beautiful kaleidoscope of bling?!! You have an awesome collection, Diane!

  8. that’s a nice collection of jewelry you have there! Fun ways to use them up too!
    I used them on books for Jamie’s bridal shower back in march. (they were her mammaw’s old jewelry)
    gail

  9. Clip Earrings says:

    I am doing a wedding soon. Thanks for the great idea for putting Clip Earrings for the stand on place cards.

  10. That is some collection of clip-ons! I’d love to see photos of any you used in making bracelets. I’ve used clip-ons to turn into pierced earrings (original, huh?), pendants, magnets and push pins. I love them on a shade.

  11. Love the versatility of them!

  12. Hi, Diane
    You are making me drool! I love vintage clip on earrings. You have a great collections and I love how you used them around your home. Lovely!

    Have a great weekend.

    Vanessa

  13. Love them!! OH.. I’m going to be on the look out at all the craft fairs coming up and grab myself some of these beauties!! Thanks for sharing your collection and Ideas!!

  14. I am drooling over these beauties! A little touch of vintagey bling around the house makes me smile.

  15. Ooooh, I really like how you clipped the earrings onto the lampshade. I’m going to do that in my craft room so I can see what I have. I use them in my mixed media mosaics, fabric wallhangings, clay tile bookcovers, decorated boxes. I have also clipped some onto my jacket lapels and purses for a little sparkle.

  16. Coastal femme says:

    They look so cute in your office…good ideas!

  17. Nana Diana says:

    Great ideas for those old clip ons. I have several pairs that belonged to my mother. Love the little lamp shade! xo Diana

  18. beachhouseliving says:

    Oh on the Christmas tree too. Clip to a chandelier crystal.

  19. beachhouseliving says:

    Lets see, I toss some in a bowl, do the magnet and gift wrap thing.
    I like to use them on cloth napkins. I’ve been known to clip onto a the label of denim jacket. I’ve clipped them to wire and inserted them between some fresh flowers, used them a centers for my flower pins…….I could go on.

    If your looking to unload some I would be happy to take some off your hands

  20. i love them on the draw pulls, you have a great collection of clip on earrings, they look lovely around your house. xxx

  21. Clip on Earrings says:

    Where did you get all your earrings to re-purpose in the first place? I love those!! The magnets, lamp shade…all of it! So creative! :)

    1. I have been collecting them for years. I used to be able to pick them up very inexpensively at flea markets, but now they are more pricey. I get most of them at thrift stores. I have never won a bid on ebay for them so I stopped even trying. My best resource – SHHHH! is retirement communities. Most of them have some sort of re-sell shop. They have tons and are very inexpensive. The old ladies love it when I come in to buy all their old stuff. They always want to know what I do with it all. They are so cute -God Bless them.

  22. Very nice job repurposing them! I love the magnets on your fridge, the one holding the ribbon and the placecards. Great ideas!

    Pam

  23. Love that lampshade Diane. Also love the pictures that give us a quick peek of your house. It looks like such a bright, cheery and happy home!

  24. I love vintage costume jewelry! I like the magnets and knobs too.

    I actually wear mine alot but if I find one missing or come across a pair (often) at the flea market, I like to put them on bows on gifts or put them on the tieback to a curtain. One of the coolest things I’ve seen were vintage brooches used to make a wedding bouquet!

  25. What a cool use of all those wonderful buttons you have!! I especially love the magnets and the drawer knobs! Always something creative and fun with you Diane! :)