Top 3 Things to Do with Your Unused Jewelry

Many of us function the best (or at least we believe so) in our own creative mess. But, as it turns out, science has proven that being surrounded by clutter has negative effects on our mental health. So, like it or not, you should really declutter often, because the result of the process benefits your mind. 

Taking that into account, we would suggest you start with something that you’ve maybe never taken care of before. We know you probably deal with the unworn clothes on a regular basis but what is happening inside of your jewelry box(es)?

You probably have some jewelry you inherited from your great aunt that you never wore. Or some earrings bought at the country fair that seemed magnificent at the time, but you have grown up since. 

It’s time to check what you actually wear and what just collects dust at the bottom. In the next few lines, you will find the top three things you can do with those unwanted jewelry pieces. Keep reading, because you might actually end up with some unexpected income. Or maybe you’ll end up treating yourself to some new pieces afterward. 

Give it to someone else

Much like with unwanted clothes, your jewelry pieces might find a new owner among your friends and family members. Think about which jewelry pieces would be a good fit for people closest to you. 

Make sure you first understand the value of the pieces you are giving away. And not just in cash, think what it means sentimentally. For example, your young niece might appreciate your silver chain from high school. But if it’s someone older, they might enjoy an anold pearl necklace more. They will treat it as a family heirloom and something that will remind them of you when they wear it. 

Special attention must be given to those pieces that have sentimental value for you personally. Is it an engagement ring or other jewelry gifts from your ex? Is there a pair of your late grandma’s earrings that just never became your style?

When it comes to these pieces, you should consider who would see some sentimental value in them too. Another thing to take into consideration is whether the potential new owner would wear them. Because there isn’t much point to it if the pieces will now cause clutter in their house. 

Some of your jewelry can be given away through charity. We suggest a local thrift store as the fastest way. 

Sell it to a jewelry buyer

The jewelry made of precious metals, especially gold, as well as those pieces containing diamonds and valuable stones can be sold. We don’t exclude other pieces too, you can find a buyer for those as well on websites like Craigslist.  

For those highly valuable pieces, you have three kinds of jewelry buyers: pawn shops, online buyers, and jewelry stores. However, we don’t recommend pawn shops, as you are for sure going to be offered less money than you should. 

Additionally, the idea behind these places is to give you a loan, and you can get your jewelry back when you repay the loan. So it’s not much of a solution if you want to get rid of that piece permanently. 

An online buyer can offer you a significant amount of money if you offer it for sale in an ad on websites like eBay. Cautiousness is highly recommended here because, as with many things online, online jewelry buyers can easily trick you into losing your pieces. However, if you are able to check their credentials and make sure you are in safe hands, you can sell your jewelry this way. 

The third option is a local jewelry store. You can use the Internet to research which jewelry store is the closest to you and if they are considered a trustworthy jewelry buyer in the community. Online reviews are a way to make sure it’s a reliable place. A great thing about these stores is that you can opt for a new piece of jewelry immediately, and have something you will actually wear.  

Recycle your jewelry 

Our planet needs us to recycle more. Of course, jewelry pieces can be included in this process too. Especially because metals and gemstone mining and processing are one of the worst things for the environment. 

When it comes to your unwanted jewelry, recycling is the best option for pieces that are valuable but very damaged. Jewelers can melt gold pieces into gold bullion or coins and diamonds and gemstones can be used on other pieces of jewelry. All you need to do is research a place that offers this type of service near you. 

Final words

Decluttering is important for your mental well-being. If you need an additional push to declutter your jewelry boxes and get rid of stuff you don’t wear, think of how enjoyable the process of choosing who to give it to will be. Or how much money you might get for it. Or what it can be recycled into. 

One of those can be your reward, as well as the feeling of satisfaction you will get when your jewelry storage is in order and there are only pieces you do care about.