DIY Network

New Life for Grandma's Junk Jewelry From "Jewelry Making" episode DJMK-202

Guest artist Holly Firfer breaks apart a vintage necklace and uses the findings to create several contemporary versions.

Materials:

Used jewelry
Beads and charms (new, as appropriate)
Clasps and jump rings (new, as needed)
Beading string
Small, sharp scissors
Needle-nose pliers

Pendant A and ...

... Pendant B -- both recycled from the same vintage necklace!

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1. Collect the family jewels (and perhaps some additional pieces from a resale shop or swap meet) and decide which parts you want to use (figure A). In this case we had a necklace with bracelet with gold, coral and faux topaz units.

2. Carefully dissemble the jewelry you’ve decided to use. Cut the string and gently pry jump rings apart.

3. Arrange materials to create the new designs. Each of the units in the original necklace can become the centerpiece of a new necklace.

4. Position additional beads and clasps adjacent on the design board and adjust until the design is pleasing. Add new beads and findings where necessary.

5. String beads (figure B), add jump rings and clasps (figure C) as needed.

6. Use any leftover pieces for another project.

Figure A

Figure B

Figure C

GUESTS :

Holly Firfer
E-mail: hfirfer@yahoo.com