Recently, I spoke with someone about her mother's buying and hoarding costume jewelry (Affiliate Link). She was concerned that she would not be able to get rid of almost new costume jewelry (Affiliate Link). As she discussed the issue, she became increasingly frustrated with the possibility of having to discard all those jewelry (Affiliate Link) pieces. "What a waste of money!" She told me. So it got me thinking: where CAN you donate costume jewelry (Affiliate Link)? I found lots of costume jewelry (Affiliate Link) at consignment shops and flea markets where there was very little demand. So, I recommend donating the jewelry (Affiliate Link) or making unique pieces with them.
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Where to Donate Old Costume Jewelry?
Below are places to donate jewelry (Affiliate Link). I included the links below.
Goodwill or Other Charity Locations:
The first place I donate jewelry (Affiliate Link) is to Goodwill or other charity locations. Over the years, I have organized and downsized clients' and family members' belongings; Goodwill has been my go-to place to donate jewelry (Affiliate Link).
I Have Wings Breast Cancer Foundation:
I found an online non-profit that accepts costume jewelry (Affiliate Link) called I Have Wings Breast Cancer Foundation. You can mail the costume jewelry (Affiliate Link) to them. Although I have never sent them anything, it sounds interesting. Before sending, contact them to make sure they are still accepting them.
Dress for Success:
The third place I found was Dress for Success. You can donate jewelry (Affiliate Link) and clothing for women. This is a great place to give because they help other women improve their lives. Again, be sure to contact them to make sure they are accepting jewelry (Affiliate Link).
Support Our Troops(R):
Support Our Troops® is now collecting jewelry (Affiliate Link) and is the fourth place to donate jewelry (Affiliate Link). They state that they will maximize the fine jewelry (Affiliate Link) for the benefit of American troops and their families and that your jewelry (Affiliate Link) will be handled with respect and dignity. They also state that it will go only where it is appreciated and valued. Visit their website for more details. Visit this link.
Helping Hands of America:
Helping Hands of America also accepts jewelry (Affiliate Link). You can contact them for details on what they accept and their process. While I haven't used them before, they are a Better Business Bureau-accredited business. Feel free to check them out for yourself.
Community Art Studios:
Updated 2023: Some art studios that specialize in making art from old items may also be an option for donating your unwanted jewelry (Affiliate Link).
Art Therapy Places:
Updated 2023: You can also contact the American Art Therapy Association to donate jewelry (Affiliate Link). Also, check Artzonline.org; they have a place to donate unused art supplies. They may want some of the custom jewelry (Affiliate Link) for future classes.
Chemocessories:
Chemocessories is based in Manhattan Beach, California. I heard about them on Facebook. They reached out to me there when I posted this post on social media. They accept new or gently used scarves, turbans, and jewelry (Affiliate Link) so they can repurpose them into pieces for cancer patients. Learn more about what they accept on their website.
StudioReMod:
Updated 2023: Studio Remod is a site I recently discovered online. Studio Remod gives old heirloom jewelry (Affiliate Link) new life by redesigning and repurposing it for something new. Studio Remod’s online jewelry (Affiliate Link) makeover/ redesign service was established in 2019. They have a minimum cost for transforming old jewelry (Affiliate Link), so check out their Q&A page.
Where to Sell Old Fine Jewelry?
If the jewelry (Affiliate Link) is gold or silver and may have real stones, you can try selling it to a friend, family member, a local jewelry (Affiliate Link) store, or a pawn shop. Here is a funny story (Affiliate Link): at our rehearsal dinner, my soon-to-be father-in-law sold a gold ring to my uncle from Australia. I didn't know this until after the wedding.
People like to sell jewelry (Affiliate Link) on eBay. They have a huge community there. This link shows you how to sell your jewelry (Affiliate Link) on eBay. eBay is great for selling fashion jewelry (Affiliate Link).
Another option is selling them on your local Craigslist. But, I don't recommend having the meeting alone. And it should never be at your home.
Visit the American Gem Society to find Jewelers who may buy jewelry (Affiliate Link).
The RealReal Inc. is an online store that sells designer high-end jewelry (Affiliate Link), watches, clothing, bags, and much more. They are located in the New York City area. You can sell some pieces of jewelry (Affiliate Link) on their website. I contacted them once, and they said you just need to connect with them online to view the item. If it is something they can sell, they will give you more information.
WP Diamonds is another place to sell high-end designer jewelry (Affiliate Link). If you feel you have a designer or high-end piece but don't know for sure, visit your local jeweler for them to assess the piece, usually at no cost. If you decide to get a written appraisal, you will have to pay a fee.
Worthy is an online auction option where you can sell in three easy steps. I've never used them, though. They are ranked as the best for auctions by InStyle Magazine.
Other options to sell your fine jewelry.
Poshmark is great for more trendy pieces of fine jewelry (Affiliate Link), among other things.
If you have some vintage pieces of fine jewelry (Affiliate Link), you may want to try Ruby Lane. They have a lot of unique pieces in their jewelry (Affiliate Link) section.
If you have a ton of estate jewelry (Affiliate Link), you can also check out ThingsWeBuy. They purchase only high-end name-brand jewelry (Affiliate Link) pieces, like Tiffany, Cartier, Designer Jewelry (Affiliate Link), Diamonds, and Watches.
At myGemma, they also sell things like designer jewelry (Affiliate Link), loose diamonds, and diamond jewelry (Affiliate Link), as well as watches.
Cash for gold USA is another option. They are great at doing secure sales.
Feel free to visit all of these jewelry (Affiliate Link) sellers to decide which one is best for the fine jewelry (Affiliate Link) pieces you would like to sell. Be sure to read their policies and procedures to ensure you understand when you will be paid and what you need to do to receive payment.
Tips when donating, selling, or repurposing jewelry
Now that you have found places to donate your jewelry (Affiliate Link), here are some additional tips on what to do with costume jewelry (Affiliate Link) without getting rid of them.
If you have expensive jewelry pieces, before giving your jewelry, get them appraised for your IRS deduction.
It should be a specific appraisal per the IRS guidelines: "Jewelry (Affiliate Link) and gems are of such a specialized nature that it is almost always necessary to get an appraisal by a specialized jewelry (Affiliate Link) appraiser. The appraisal should describe, among other things, the style of the jewelry (Affiliate Link), the cut and setting of the gem (Affiliate Link), and whether it is now in fashion. If not in fashion, the possibility of having the property redesigned, re-cut, or reset should be reported in the appraisal. The stone's coloring, weight, cut, brilliance, and flaws should be reported and analyzed. The sentimental personal value does not affect Fair Market Value. But if a famous person owned the jewelry (Affiliate Link), its value might increase." Keep in mind there is a cost for getting jewelry (Affiliate Link) appraised. I found this post that will give you more information: How Much Should a Jewelry Appraisal for Insurance Cost?
If you are looking for a place to appraise your jewelry (Affiliate Link), visit The National Association for Jewelry Appraisers to find a person near you.
Want to sell jewelry (Affiliate Link)? Visit our Items to Sell for Cash Today post!
Know your jewelry!
If you don't recall where you obtained the piece, you may want to visit a local jewelry (Affiliate Link) store for more information. They can tell you the type of diamond, what type of gold it is, etc...
Some of the best top-resale value designer jewelry (Affiliate Link) brands are Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Tiffany & Co., and David Yurman.
Visit places online like eBay to see if there is something similar to the piece you are selling to help determine the price range you can get for the item.
Do Your Research
Be sure to research the different companies, whether you are selling a single piece of jewelry (Affiliate Link) or donating a collection of pieces. Review the company's About page and its policy and procedures page, and contact them directly before taking any action.
Keep a record of what you donated.
If you feel sad about donating something, try taking a picture of it and storing it in a place where you can view it often. I like creating a folder labeled "My Favorite Things" on my computer (Affiliate Link) to store these images, so they don't get lost.
I had a client who made a scrapbook (Affiliate Link) of all the items she donated/sold from her mother.
How to Reuse Old Jewelry?
I have really enjoyed repurposing some of my jewelry (Affiliate Link) pieces. Below are some suggestions on what to do with the older, outdated pieces you may have.
Display the ones you love!
If you don't wear them any longer, buy a shadow box that hangs on the wall and frames the beautiful necklace pieces. I had this watch framed years ago.
Make old jewelry into new pieces of jewelry
It is fun to take apart jewelry (Affiliate Link) and turn it into something new. This works well with the beaded jewelry (Affiliate Link) pieces. You can take a necklace and unstring it. Then, turn it into earrings or a bracelet with different necklaces, placing them together with other jewelry (Affiliate Link) beaded pieces. You can then give them as a gift to loved ones in honor of the person who has passed.
Create DIY displays for jewelry
You can easily make DIY jewelry (Affiliate Link) picture frame holders, like the ones below for jewelry (Affiliate Link). It will offer two purposes: to display your best pieces of jewelry (Affiliate Link) and two to keep you organized. Click the links below for how-to instructions.
SEE HOW TO MAKE A NECKLACE ORGANIZER PICTURE FRAME for detailed steps.
LEARN HOW TO MAKE AN EASY DIY EARRING ORGANIZER PICTURE FRAME post on how to make this frame.
Tired of not being able to find your most loved pieces of jewelry (Affiliate Link)? I feel your pain. I have been dealing with this issue with Clients since the early 2000s. Lucky for you, I have some ideas! Visit my Amazing Ways to Organize Your Jewelry post for inspiration! You can also visit this Jewelry (Affiliate Link) Amazon page to explore the organized jewelry (Affiliate Link) products they have. This is an affiliate link.
When pieces look dated or broken, make them into something new.
If the gems are real, bring them to a jeweler and have them place the pieces into another setting or re-string the stones into another necklace or bracelet. I did this a few times with my mother's and grandmother's pieces, giving them new life. It's great to be able to wear something that belonged to your grandmother, so spend the time to update it!
I hope this post inspires you to donate some unwanted and unused jewelry (Affiliate Link) in your home or your parent's home.
What do you have a lot of in your home? Are you a jewelry (Affiliate Link) collector? What do you think of donating costume jewelry (Affiliate Link)? Please comment below. I would love to hear from you.
Looking for ways to organize the jewelry (Affiliate Link) you love? Check out this post for ideas: 6 AMAZING WAYS TO ORGANIZE YOUR JEWELRY
If you are looking for additional charities for other products you want to donate, please check out our charitable locations page.
Please note that these are affiliate links through Amazon (Affiliate Link), and at no additional cost to you, I will earn affiliate fees if you decide to make a purchase.
Visit our other posts to learn about donating various items!
Nancy says
Collectibles With Causes accepts jewelry donations of all types. Most of us who have a large collection often find ourselves with missing pieces of a set, or busted chains. Luckily, they accept them! Pretty simple process too, they ask for info on it then they send you shipping instructions and you get a tax form in return to use as a deduction. https://www.collectibleswithcauses.org/donate-jewelry.html
Sabrina Quairoli says
Thank you for sharing, Nancy.
Beverly harrell says
Great ideas I have some good costume jewelry my daughter won't want I give to good will all the time and would love to give to dress for success thank you
Jennifer says
Hi. Thank you so much for this site. I recently lost my mother and she has so much costume jewelry. I want it donated to someone who will want it and use it. I wish to honor her possessions. I will definitely look into your suggestions. At a time like this it is nice to find this kind of help.
Sincerely,
Jen
William Rusho says
Don't wear jewelry myself so do not know what to say, except wonderful places you listed to donate it to. Thanks for sharing.
Janet Barclay says
I love the idea of using old costume jewelry to make something else. Even those of us who aren't crafty probably know someone who is and would love to have it.
Rose M Griffith says
Another good way to declutter, that's for sure.
I just went through my jewelry for a Dress for Success event and realized that over the years I've narrowed it down to the things I wear. That was a surprise!
Seana Turner says
I've had luck with Dress for Success as well, and our local thrift shop. Good idea to make sure you get items appraised if they may have value!
Phoenicia says
Costume jewellery quickly brings an outfit to life. I own enough but drawer fulls like some women!
I like your suggestions of displaying old jewellery and making mismatched jewellery into something new.
Erica says
This is interesting timing. I found out last week that I'm getting my mother's as well as her mother's jewelry sent to me. It is kind of a weird situation because I'm probably not going to wear any of it. I'll probably just throw it in a safe deposit box, but I think my family would be horrified if I got rid of it. It is funny how we feel obligated to hold onto things for sentimental value. With costume jewelry, donation is a really good option. If it is taking up space, have someone else enjoy while potentially raising money for a good cause.
Sabrina says
I had this happen to me too, Erica. My mom passed some years ago but, before she passed she said that I must keep all the jewelry. She would call it her investment. She loved buying gold. But, some of the gold pieces were missing their match so I decided to sell those pieces and turn my grandmother's single ear ring into a ring. It looks great and I wear it all the time.
Marquita Herald says
What a wonderful idea! I've never worn much jewelry myself but I know a few ladies who literally have so much they probably don't even remember all of the pieces, so I will gladly share your article as a little hint to maybe do something meaningful with all that stuff that's just been gathering dust. Thanks for the inspiration!
Sabrina says
Thanks Marquita!
Ken Dowell says
I don't have any cosutme jewelry Sabrina but if I did these sound like pretty good suggestions as to where it can be donated.
Donna Janke says
I don't wear a lot of jewelry and so don't have much of my own. But I like these ideas for dealing with old or unwanted jewelry. The shadow box idea particularly appeals to me for things you might like to look at but are unlikely to wear. Resetting stones into other pieces is also a good way to make use of broken jewelry or use stones from a piece whose setting is not quite your style.
Sabrina says
Thanks for commenting, Donna.