What to do when you stop liking a jewel

Tastes change and jewels stay. If a piece no longer represents you, you have more options than leaving it in a drawer.

Before you decide #

• Give it time. Tastes come back; a jewel you do not like today may please you in a few years.
• Ask what you do not like: the design, the size, the metal, the color, what it reminds you of?
• Check its value, in material and in memory.

Options #

1. Keep it carefully. See how to store jewelry.
2. Transform it: change the design, reuse the stones and metal. A good option when what you dislike is the shape. See restoration and repair.
3. Change it a little: a new chain, another clasp, another finish. See finishes.
4. Give it to someone who may like it, especially if it has a story.
5. Sell it. For gold and stones, get several valuations. See 14 or 18 karat gold and gold as an investment.
6. Donate it or swap it.
7. Recycle the metal: melt it for a new piece. See casting.

If it has emotional value #

If the jewel comes from someone dear, there is no rush. See jewelry of people who are gone and inherited jewelry.

To avoid regret #

• Take a photo before changing it.
• Keep some original part.
• Do not decide on a bad day.