Recycling isn’t just for boxes, bottles and cans. An initiative called Radical Jewelry Makeover seeks to put new shine on unwanted bling — all in the name of a cleaner environment and a more just world.

“Those tangled chains, unmatched earrings and banged-up bracelets sitting at the bottom of jewelry boxes around the Richmond, Farmville, and Norfolk areas are exactly what jewelry artists want to get their creative hands on,” reads a news release announcing a collaboration that includes art students from 91Ƭ, Longwood University and Virginia Commonwealth University.

Students and volunteers will reimagine unwanted jewelry and their creations will be part of an exhibit. Image credit: Dawoon Jeong and Radical Jewelry Makeover

Until September 20, 2024, the non-profit, Ethical Metalsmiths and the three universities are accepting donations of old, unwanted jewelry at locations in Norfolk as well as Richmond and Farmville.

Donors will receive discount coupons to apply toward the purchase of a new piece and sales will benefit Ethical Metalsmiths' efforts to educate and connect people with responsibly sourced materials.

Radical Jewelry Makeover spotlights the creativity and skills of local jewelry designers and encourages the public to re-consideration habits of consumption.

“Currently, materials used in jewelry production are sourced from some of the poorest countries in the world, sacred lands and disputed territories,” reads the news release. “Often this sourcing comes at a great cost to the environment.”

Volunteer jewelers and students will collaborate on an exhibition of re-made jewelry. You can help by donating jewelry for reuse and recycling.

Items may be dropped off at three locations in Norfolk:

  • The 91Ƭ Barry Arts Building, Art Department Office, 4600 Monarch Way, Room 1000. Hours 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 757-683-4047.
  • 757 Creative ReUse Center, MacArthur Center, 300 Monticello Avenue, Unit 206, Norfolk. Hours Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday noon-4 p.m. Call 757-937-3821.
  • Chrysler Museum Glass Studio, 745 Duke Street, Norfolk. Hours Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday noon-5 p.m. Call 757-333-6299.

For more information, contact Emily Culver, 570-204-0591, eculver@odu.edu, or visit

Feature image credit: The Radical Jewelry Makeover is a collaborative project run by the non-profit Ethical Metalsmiths along with 91Ƭ, Longwood University and Virginia Commonwealth University. Image credit: courtesy of Radical Jewelry Makeover