Renfrewshire Council

Below are some options on how you can get rid of your unwanted or broken jewellery.

Community organisations and charities

Jewellery and watches are accepted by many charities. They can be recycled or re-sold to raise valuable funds. Always check the list of acceptable items shown on charity bags first - they do vary considerably

Alternatively, there are on-line organisations like 'Recycling for good causes' that accept jewellery and watches (regardless of condition) via the post, for re-sale/recycling to raise funds for national charities and local groups such as scouts and brownies

Online

Pass on items for free at places such as Freecycle and Freegle

Or sell them on websites like eBay and Gumtree

High Street

Try selling your jewellery at Jewellers' or shops such as Cash Converters - especially if it is made from gold or silver

Friends, family and local events

• Ask family and friends - it might be just what they were looking for!
• Sell items locally at car boots, nearly new and bring and buy sales
• Take them along to a swishing event - jewellery and accessories are a great way to liven up your wardrobe!
• Advertise them in the local paper or on local noticeboards
• Beads from broken necklaces and bracelets could be useful for local craft projects in schools or colleges - why not contact them to see if they need any?

Top tips

Specialist recycling is the best option for jewellery made from precious materials such as gold and silver.  There are lots of companies who offer this service:

• Try searching online for 'recycling jewellery'.
• Check local papers or telephone directories.

Remember, when donating your jewellery to charities: 

• Put them in a separate plastic bag to keep them together - otherwise, they may get lost in the sorting process.
• Items they can accept include: odd earrings, broken necklaces, bracelets, brooches and chains, and watches that no longer work.