If you love buying Liquidations, Store Returns and Salvage Jewelry you have likely came across totally damaged pieces that you absolutely cannot sell. But, instead of throwing it out, UPCYCLE it!

Recycling is taking waste and turning it into reusable materials. For example, empty plastic water bottles can be made into t-shirts, sweaters, fleece jackets, insulation for jackets and sleeping bags, carpeting and more.

Upcycling is different. It is taking items and REPURPOSING them. For example, if a Checkers board game is missing pieces and therefore un-playable, the remaining pieces can be turned into jewelry for Checkers lovers. Upcycled merchandise usually sells for MORE than the original item was worth because of the added value due to customization. Almost all Upcycled items are going to be “One of a Kind” (think of License plate art!)

So, now let’s discuss Upcycling Ideas for Broken EARRINGS / CHARMS / PENDANTS

In my opinion, the absolute easiest project for totally broken earrings (or charms / pendants) is art. Photo frames, shadow boxes, trinket cases, etc.

Amazon has a 6 pack of pretty darn nice 4x6” photo frames for under $13:

4x6 is a good size if you have a couple handfuls of jewelry and some paint. Ribbon, lace, glitter, gems and other stuff also makes great embellishments. If you have a box full of parts you might want to opt for 5x7” ($15) or 8x10” ($23). Keep in mind that 8x10” is 38” total length of edge to cover, not counting the width of the edge. That’s over 3 FEET of jewelry & embellishments you will need. Alternatively, you could paint the frame and bedazzle only a portion.

But, if you don’t have enough damaged pieces to decorate something, here’s a couple options that involve only a piece or two of broken earrings:

AMAZING BOOKMARKS

These are seriously so cool that I plan to make some!

Amazon has a huge 500 pack of excellent quality bookmark bases:

Turn Broken Earrings into AWESOME COCKTAIL RINGS!

Rings are super simple to make. You can buy the base online cheap (40 pieces of adjustable rings for under $14):

QUICK NOTE: Many people have reactions to fashion jewelry (their finger turns green while they are wearing it). A mega-simple solution is to coat the inside of the ring with clear nail polish. I personally have to do this with all of my fashion rings. It 100% solves the problem. This is the exact clear polish I use (2 pack for under $10):

Cutest-EVER Fridge Magnets

Grab 36 magnets for under $10!

I have used a lot of pendants to make keychains / purse charms. They’re super simple to make and seller GREAT online, especially if the jewelry says “Lucky Brand” or “Betsey Johnson” or whatever on it.

A lot of people recommend using “jewelry glue”. Personally, I am not a fan of it. I have upcycled tons of stuff, damn near my entire life and my go-to for ALL projects is always (no exceptions) Power Grab CLEAR (make sure it says CLEAR!!!):

If you want to apply it to small things, use some cheap paint brushes from Amazon

Keep in mind that it’s not easy to wash Power Grab out of paint brushes, so it’s usually best to do a lot of gluing at one time then plan on discarding the paint brush.

OR grab toothpicks. I specifically prefer this style because it is easiest to hold (and mega cheap):

If you want to make a Monogram letter to sell, the Most Popular First Name Letters in the USA for boys and girls is “A” (2015 - 2017 data).