Magnets

• Magnets are easy to make when you have old jewelry, especially broaches or pins. Even old buttons will work great for this craft project. If possible, remove the clasp from the back of the pin. Do this either by unscrewing it, loosening any glue with warm water or by using wire snips to cut the clasp as closely to the back of the pin as possible. Make the back of the pin as flat you can so that it will be almost flush when placed on the fridge or other metal object. Hot glue works best when attaching a magnet to the back of the pin. Purchase small magnets or, if you have a lot of old jewelry to work with, buy magnet in a roll that can be cut to the necessary size.
  
  

Napkin Rings

• Take broken rings, pendents or pins and turn them into napkin rings. It may be necessary to cut off a portion of the broken part so that you are left with only the setting or the actual jeweled portion. Buy 14-gauge wire and cut off about a 6-inch section. Twist that section around until it is round and large enough to accommodate your dinner napkins. This piece should then be attached to the jewelry using an epoxy that works on metal. Allow the epoxy to dry for at least 24 hours before using the napkin rings.
  
  

Christmas Ornaments

• Making Christmas ornaments with old jewelry is a craft project you can do with your kids. Beads from broken necklaces can be pinned onto foam balls. Add a piece of ribbon so that the ball can be hung on the tree. Make other simple ornaments by looping decorative ribbon through the backs of pins or the clasps of necklaces.
  
  

Shadowbox

• If you do not want to dismantle old jewelry, especially if it is worth some money, consider putting it all together in a shadow box. This will give you a crafty decoration for your home and allow you display precious pieces of old jewelry. Purchase a shadow box as well as some sort of plush fabric, such as velvet. After cutting the velvet to fit the case, arrange the pieces of jewelry on the velvet. Attach the jewelry to the velvet by sewing through the back of the fabric, using clips designed for shadow boxing or with fishing line that will be invisible. Hang the shadow box in a prominent place.