Nothing contained in this article shall be construed to prevent any debtor who does not wish to avail himself of the benefits of this article from claiming the exemptions allowed by Code Section 44-13-100. No person who is allowed the exemptions under Code Section 44-13-100 shall take any benefit under this article; nor shall any person who is allowed the exemptions under this article be allowed the exemptions under Code Section 44-13-100 unless the exempted property so elected is lost by virtue of a sale under an outstanding claim, in which event the election shall not bar an application for an exemption under this article not liable to the outstanding claim.
OCGA § 44-13-21