That jewelry box full of single earrings, mismatched brooches and tangled pearls? It belongs on your Christmas tree. Vintage rhinestones catch the twinkle lights like nothing else, and every piece comes with a story: Grandma's church brooch, the clip-ons your mom wore to every holiday party, the estate sale find you couldn't pass up.
Best of all, none of these ideas harm the jewelry. No glue, no drilling, no taking anything apart. When the season's over, everything comes off and goes right back in the box (or back on your lapel).
8 Easy Ways to Turn Vintage Jewelry into Ornaments
1. Pin a brooch to a velvet ribbon bow
Tie a small bow from velvet or satin ribbon, pin a brooch in the center, and tie it straight onto a branch. Deep red, emerald or navy velvet makes rhinestones pop. This is the easiest one and the most striking.
2. Dress up a plain glass ball
Wrap a ribbon around a solid-color ornament like a little gift, then pin a brooch where the ribbon crosses. Matte gold, silver or cream balls look especially elegant.
3. Clip single earrings right onto the branches
Lost the mate to a clip-on earring? Clip it directly to the tip of a branch. Clip-ons hold on surprisingly well, and a scattering of them looks like little stars tucked into the tree.
4. Hang orphan earrings with an ornament hook
Pierced earrings with a loop or dangle can hang from a standard wire ornament hook. Group three or four on one branch for more sparkle.
5. Drape a pearl or bead necklace as garland
Long strands of faux pearls, crystal beads or chunky beads make a beautiful mini garland. Drape them loosely across a tabletop tree, a wreath or a mantel arrangement.
6. Fill a clear ornament
Drop a few small pieces, like single earrings, charms or a broken chain, into a clear fillable glass or plastic ball. Add a little tinsel or tissue so the pieces don't rattle. It's a sweet keepsake for someone who inherited a jewelry box.
7. Make a brooch tree topper
Pin a cluster of brooches onto a velvet bow or a star-shaped piece of felt, then attach it to the top of the tree. A starburst or snowflake brooch in the center makes it shine.
8. Top your gifts
Pin a brooch to the ribbon on a wrapped present instead of a bow. It doubles as a second gift. Our boutique gift wrapping tips show how to get those crisp corners first.
A Few Tips to Keep the Jewelry Safe
- Skip the glue. Glue can ruin the finish and lower the value, especially on signed pieces from makers like Trifari, Coro or Weiss. Pins, clips, ribbon and hooks are all you need.
- Use the safety catch. If a brooch has a locking clasp, close it so it can't slide off a branch.
- Keep heavy pieces low and inside. Hang heavier brooches on sturdy inner branches where they won't swing or fall.
- Watch for pets and little hands. Keep small, sharp or swallowable pieces up high.
- Clean before, store after. A soft brush and a barely damp cloth is all a rhinestone piece needs. Never soak it. Here's our guide to cleaning vintage jewelry without ruining it, and our tips for packing away holiday decorations so everything comes out sparkling next year.
Where to Find Pieces for Your Tree
Estate sales and thrift stores are great places to look, especially for single earrings and odd brooches that are too pretty to pass up. You can also shop our own vintage finds in The Cat's Jewelry Box. The Aurora Borealis Starburst Brooch would make a show-stopping tree topper, and the Gold Tone Curled Leaf Brooch looks gorgeous pinned on a velvet bow.
Not a DIY person? Our Jeweled Birthstone Ornaments are inspired by antique bug brooches, with a jeweled bug for every birth month, personalized with a name and year. And if you'd rather wear your brooches after the holidays, here are 7 fresh ways to wear a vintage brooch.