For most of documented history, diamonds, rubies and emeralds have been regarded as the most highly coveted gems used in jewelry of all kinds.  Gold and silver have long been the chosen media for fastening such valuable jewels into bracelets, necklaces and earrings, helping to secure the investment in nearly priceless stones with the best possible materials. None of that comes as a surprise; rare rocks and metals have been craved for their beauty and their utility throughout the ages. 

In today’s world, sparkling gems and precious metals are certainly no less desired in jewelry than they were in the past. But now, things like old bicycle tires, beer bottle caps, soup cans, newspaper and even x-ray negatives are taking their place among materials considered suitable for making jewelry.

Bicycle tires, soup cans, or silverware spoon rings? These are not the things that spring to mind when conjuring up images of engagement rings or tennis bracelets!

Nevertheless, recycled jewelry is taking the fashion industry by storm. Today, decidedly ordinary objects are finding their way into jewelry pieces via the phenomenon of recycled jewelry designs. How so? Check out these fun examples below!

An old, dilapidated piano relegated to the scrap heap is disassembled. Some of the piano keys are recovered and cut into smaller pieces. These pieces are then polished, holes are drilled in one end, and the recycled black and white keys are suspended from one of the strings taken from the piano. Thus, the collection of materials is spared its planned status as landfill fodder and becomes a fashionable necklace instead.

Reclaimed shavings from a discarded pair of snow skis are carefully carved into mini versions of their larger cousins. These carvings are sanded smooth and painted with vibrant colors, transforming them into earrings that serve as great conversation pieces at a winter party.

Sterling silver spoons whose tarnish is rivaled only by the dust covering the attic box they sit inside are discovered during a long overdue spring cleaning. The spoons are turned over to a recycled jewelry design supplier, which gives the forgotten metal the TLC it deserves. Newly polished and rolled into perfect circles, the sterling silver spoon rings are attractive and take advantage of the ornate patterns present in their handles.

The passion surrounding jewelry made from recycled material has gained recent attention due to the spotlight on today’s worldwide efforts aimed at limiting use of landfills. This alone is reason enough to consider recycled jewelry designs, but the appeal in making abandoned items useful again drives the point home.

If the trend continues with the same enthusiasm it’s experiencing now, who knows? Maybe someday, diamond necklaces and rubies will be replaced by paper clip skeleton key necklaces and skateboard wheels!

Stay tuned for some more examples of recycled jewelry in the next few days!