Heirloom jewelry is eco-friendly by nature. Pieces that get passed down through generations or transitioned to new hands at antique shows or on eBay never go to waste. But what happens when an old necklace or bracelet starts to look not vintage-chic, but simply not chic at all. Do you leave it to rot in your jewelry box or take it out to the trash? Recently, a new crop of designers has been putting a new spin on old baubles by re-fashioning them into brand new pieces that follow today's trends.

We asked three jewelry designers—Emily Maynard of Elva Fields, Mollie Dash and Jessica Reiss of Ecocessories to do a little eBay jewelry shopping with us in order to get a better look at what really gets their creative minds ticking and to find out just how they assemble all of those vintage and reused goods into masterpieces.  

Emily Maynard of Elva Fields

A beautiful collision of whimsy and bold is what we think best describes the designs of Emily Maynard’s growing eco-jewelry line, Elva Fields. Armed with an educational background in the history of jewelry, a lifelong passion for making and creating art and the desire to start a green business, Maynard launched her collection in 2003. She and her team take vintage brooches, beads, chains and even hat ornaments and reassemble them in her Kentucky studio. They'll even do custom work with their clients' heirloom pieces.

Top row: Emily Maynard and the Elva Fields homepage. Bottom row, from left to right: "Huge Gasp" Selini 5 Strand Rhinestone Enamel Necklace (buy it now price, $125) "I love wearing vintage jewelry and I am absolutely in love with this piece.Talk about wearing a necklace that pops!" White & Green Glass Bead Goldtone Chain Necklace (buy it now price, $18.99) "This necklace is perfect for layering or would work wonderfully as a base for a Deb necklace design [an entirely vintage collection featuring an abundance of chains]". Vintage Signed Hobe Sparkling Brooch Pin Earrings Set (buy it now price, $125) "Hobe jewelry designs are always beautiful and great quality. This rhinestone set would be perfect wired together in a cluster at the side of several strands of clear crystal beads."

 

Mollie Dash of Mollie Dash 

Mollie Dash scours antique stores, flea markets, yard sales and more for the layers of chains and vintage parts that make up her edgy yet nostalgic jewelry collection. Inspired by the “street theater” around her New York City home, this self-described hippy makes sure that from start-to-finish, her pieces not only improve upon the trends she sees being worn by the eclectic locals, but also help the planet. All Mollie Dash pieces are made with minimal impact, often incorporating renewable materials and waxed linen cord instead of leather.

Top row, Mollie Dash and a Mollie Dash design. Bottom row, from left to right: Vintage Brass Pretzel Shape Choker Chain Necklace  (buy it now price, $12.99) "I love this necklace and could definitely see incorporating it into one of my pieces." Vintage Horse Brass (buy it now price, $12) "This horse is fantastic as well, and I could see incorporating it into one of my necklace designs." Massive Vintage 70's Egyptian Revival Bib Necklace (buy it now price, $148) "This necklace reflects the feel of what I do. I gravitate towards this look quite a bit."

 

Jessica Reiss of Ecocessories

Jessica Reiss constructs her dainty beaded and wire Ecocessories pieces out of recycled beads, vintage parts and a small smattering of silver. Wherever she can, she includes a non-toxic alternative in the assembly process. Like Elva Fields, Ecocessories will repurpose clients' old jewelry pieces into brand new designs. First time recycled customers even get a discount. We are loving Ecocessories’ combination of equal parts reused and streamlined.

Top row, Jessica Reiss and an Ecocessories design. Bottom row, from left to right: D&E Juliana Marquis Crystal Rhinestone Flower Pin Set (buy it now price, $149.99) "I love the simplistic elegance of this vintage flower brooch and earrings! I would incorporate both the brooch and the earrings into two different necklace designs, booth with the perfect mix of modern edge and vintage elegance!" Vintage Molded Grape Leaf Lucite Cluster Bead Necklace (current bid, $6.01) "I'm always excited when someone recycles jewelry with lots of colorful beads! I would take this apart and create a series of earrings, bracelet and necklaces." Vintage Pink Shell Thermoset Link Choker Necklace (current bid, $3.21) "This strand of shells reminds me of a recent design I did with layers of new sterling silver chain and recycled components. I would leave the shell pieces intact here and layer it them with a new chain for a modern, draping design."

 

Lexi Green is a Brooklyn-based design, fashion, and shopping writer. She is currently a Master's Degree candidate at Pratt Institutes's environmental sustainability program.