Great-Grandma's Beads X 2

by Patricia Rae
(Crystal Beach, Ontario, Canada)

Great - Grandma's Beads X 2

About 4 years ago I was given a "Rosary" bracelet that consisted of Magnetic Black Hemitite and Silver Beads. After awhile the finish on the silver beads wore off and the bracelet didn't show as well when I wore it.

While visiting my 85 year old mother, my granddaughter and I were looking through her jewelry box. I found an old broken 4 strand crystal necklace, so I asked my mother if I could have it and of course, she said yes.

I took the necklace apart and exchanged the worn out old silver beads of my "Rosary" bracelet for the crystal ones. Wow, did I start getting compliments on my renewed "Rosary" bracelet.

When I got home I found a broken pink bead necklace that my mother-in-law had given me before she passed away that I didn't know what to do with, so I decided to combine the crystal beads from my mother's necklace with the pink beads from my mother-in-law's, and created lovely bracelets for my daughter and granddaughters.

Now they have beautiful keepsakes from their grandmothers / great-grandmothers.

I then made a bracelet like mine for my mother and also one for my niece to have a keepsake of her grandmother, too.

Everyone loved their bracelets and received many compliments on them. I now have a passion for "Recycling" old unwearable necklaces into new wearable pieces.

The picture above is the bracelet I made for one of my granddaughters using the beads from necklaces that belonged to her great-grandmothers.

Patricia Rae
Memories Remade Jewelry

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Great-Grandma's Beads X 2

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Turning Grandma's Beads into New Heirlooms
by: Rena

I love this story, Patricia! What beautiful repurposing projects from the grandmothers' jewelry boxes - resulting in keepsakes that their grandchildren will treasure.

Thank you so much for sharing this lovely project idea and story with us here. I have wonderful memories of my grandparents, and love hearing about people's grandparent / grandchildren experiences!

Wow!
by: Janine

Really pretty bracelets! They will cherish them forever. Your story reminds me of when my husbands grandmother passed on, she had so much gorgeous costume jewelry that every woman in the family got bags full. I reworked some pieces and I will be giving some this holiday if time permits.
Good luck. Your jewelry is beautiful. You should make more:)

Great-Grandmas's Beads X2
by: Patricia

Thanks for the comments Rena. I've enjoyed your tips and newsletters. Your information is so very helpful.
Patricia

Great-Grandmas beads X 2
by: Patricia

Thank you, Janine. I've also taken other necklaces that my mother-in-law had given me, that I knew I'd never wear and redesigned them for myself. I appreciate your comments.