FROM TRASH TO TREASURE
When Montalvan started her project, she worked with orphaned earrings in her own jewelry box. But as she expanded she asked others to donate their mismatched earrings. Now Montalvan accepts all kinds of jewelry donations and reuses the beads, in addition to those she purchases.
“In a way it’s like a recycling program,” she said. “About 10% of what I get is not usable. I rarely throw anything away.”
