Alerdivy Deep Ocean Set: Hand-Punched Upcycled Gold & Silver Elegance

When creations meet elegance, every soul shines. ✨

Hi, I’m Fizah, a 14-year-old Grade 9 student in Canada, turning 15 years old this April 16th. I am also the founder of Alerdivy Jewelry, a small business built from a dream I’ve nurtured for 10 years. Alerdivy creates jewelry that enhances natural beauty while staying affordable.

I officially launched Alerdivy in October 2025, but the heart of this brand started when I was just five years old. For a decade, I dreamed of creating affordable, modern jewelry that doesn't just "decorate" a person, but enhances the natural beauty they already possess. I started this business to help myself financially and to build a legacy of independence through my own art.

For my first contest entry, I’m proud to present the Deep Ocean Set, a coordinated necklace and earrings made from upcycled gold-and-silver tin cans and deep blue beads. This set was inspired by the Deep Ocean, reminding me to face hardships and persevere. By using recycled materials, the Deep Ocean Set not only turns waste into beauty but also helps protect the environment and keep our oceans clean.

Every piece from Alerdivy is handcrafted with care, designed to make the wearer feel confident, stylish, and part of a sustainable, meaningful journey.

Follow my journey on TikTok: Alerdivy Jewelry

Materials

1. Recycled Tin Can
2. 1.5 mm Gold Chain/ 3mm silver chain for the necklace extended chain
3. Blue Beads
4. Metal Head Pins
5. 2 Gold Ear Hooks
6. Jump Rings
7. Clasp
8. Paper
9. Pencil
10. Glue
11. Ruler

Tools

1. Aviation Snips
2. Standard Scissors
3. Hammer
4. Round Nose Pliers
5. Side Pliers (Wire Cutters)
6. Standard Pliers
7. Metal Hole Puncher

Safety Gear (Recommended)

1. Safety Gloves
2. Goggles

Before you start, peel the paper label off your tin can and wash it thoroughly to remove any sticky residue. It is very important to put on your safety gloves and goggles now because the metal edges will be very sharp. Once you are protected, use your aviation snips to cut off the top and bottom rims of the can and make one straight cut down the side.

Take the middle curved section of the tin can and lay it on a hard, flat surface. Use a hammer to pound on the metal gently until it loses its curve and stays perfectly flat. This flat sheet will be the "canvas" for your jewelry pieces.

To start your shape, draw a circle with a 4 cm diameter on a piece of paper and cut it out with your scissors. You will need to make three circles in total: two for your earrings and one for your necklace. Apply a small amount of glue to the back of your paper circles and press them firmly onto the smoothest parts of your flattened tin sheet.

Follow the edge of the paper templates with your aviation snips to cut all three circles out of the metal. Be careful of the sharp corners as you rotate the tin while cutting. Once the circles are cut, simply peel or scrape the paper off to reveal your clean, shiny jewelry pieces.

Pick up your metal hole puncher and set it to the smallest hole size available. On each circle, punch five holes evenly across the bottom curve for your dangles. Finally, punch one hole at the very top center of each circle so you have a place to connect your earring hooks or your necklace chain.

Cut a 20 cm chain into five different lengths and arrange them into a “V” shape, keeping the last outer chains the same length and the center chain the longest; then attach a blue bead to each chain using a head pin by forming a loop at the top of the wire (above the bead) and adding the chain before closing the loop.

To assemble, open a jump ring by gently twisting it sideways (not pulling it apart), attach each chain to the bottom holes of the metal circle and close it securely, then use another jump ring to attach the earring hook to the top hole in the same way, repeat the process to create the second earring, ensuring both sides are symmetrical.

For your final metal circle, follow the same "V" shape pattern by adding five beaded gold chains to the bottom holes. Attach your metal circle to the center of the chain using jump rings, and finish by adding a clasp to one end and a piece of larger chain to the other.

Congratulations! You’ve officially transformed a simple tin can into a beautiful, handmade jewelry set made from recycled materials, helping to keep the environment clean.

Now, take your main necklace chain and use metal head pins to add blue beads evenly along its length. If you have charms, you can add those as well. Once finished, your necklace and earrings are ready to wear or gift, showcasing your unique, eco-friendly creation. Also for enhanced safety, you can file the thin circles with a metal file or sandpaper.