Lately, visions of sparkling new jewels have been dancing through my head.  Since I’m Sensible Sally, I don’t feel right treating myself unless I’m fully utilizing the pieces I already own.  So I went rummaging through my jewelry box in search of items that I’m not currently wearing enough.  

I stumbled upon this Roberto Coin Circle of Life necklace ($520 at Nordstrom.com). 

Back in my 20s, I wore this all the time.  As my style has evolved, though, I’ve reached for it less and less.  It’s been woefully neglected of late, and it’s just wrong to treat diamonds (even teensy ones) like that.

And guess what else I found in my jewelry box?  Diamond cross earrings I received as a gift ages ago.  I wore them often until I dropped one down the drain.  Because they had sentimental value, I was especially upset about it.  I tucked the remaining earring away, intending to have it matched at some point… but I never did.

So when I saw it sitting around all lonely, I decided it was the perfect way to give my Circle of Life necklace some added oomph.  I took the two pieces to my jeweler and Voila:

This turned out to be a cheap and quick adjustment.  My jeweler even gave me scrap value for the earring’s gold post, so I barely paid anything at all! 

I now feel like I have a totally new necklace.  Since charm jewelry is so hot right now, I love layering it with other pendants for an eclectic effect.  (a la the Alice in Wonderland collection for Disney Couture by Tom Binns). 

Crossing my fingers that my next jewelry makeover is as successful!   

Lucie Amberg is also  a contributor to Powder Room Graffiti.