REMODELLING AND UPCYCLING OLD JEWELLERY

REMODELLING STORIES 

 

As a jeweller I’m often asked to remodel a piece for someone or to value a collection of heirloom pieces left by a loved one. An heirloom passed down may sit unworn in a draw.  Remodelling will bring new life to a piece and enable it to be worn and loved anew. I love working One to One with clients, hearing the stories and history of the piece. Designing and transforming it for them into a special contemporary piece to be worn and treasured.  This is what is so important to me about jewellery, as well as a beautifully designed and wearable object it’s how it makes you feel and the meaning behind it when you wear it.  

Currently the subject of sustainability is making people much more aware of how and where their products are produced. And how spending more on quality, longer lasting classic pieces that stand the tests of time. less disposable is better for the planets resources. Also people are beginning to value and appreciate original crafts.  Remodelling ticks all the boxes for sustainability and is an easy and much more accessible, less expensive option than people might expect.  

 

Here are some recent remodelling commissions I have undertaken.  The pictures show Before & After and in the making.

PEARL ETERNITY PENDANT

Made from a customers Millennium Ingot which was a gift and never worn. She commissioned me to design and make a Pearl pendant to wear on the chain instead.

BEFORE

SKETCHES

AFTER

 

 

CHAMPAGNE DIAMOND V WEDDING RING

Designed to fit around the clients existing Pear Grey Diamond engagement ring. Reusing her grandparents wedding rings melted to make the ring and then pave set with sourced champagne and grey diamonds.

In the making

AFTER

DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING

This was an engagement ring made from the clients mothers 70’s 14ct gold and diamond rings. I melted the gold and reformed to make a more traditional three stone diamond engagement ring if the clients choosing. Using the diamonds, I kept one of the original settings (a pretty Tiffany style setting) for the central stone and thus retained a hint of the original 1970’s pieces. 

 

BEFORE

Three 1970's gold diamond rings

 AFTER

 

HALF DIAMOND ETERNITY RING

From a dated 1970's style to a more contemporary design to be worn stacking with clients wedding and engagement ring.

BEFORE

Sketches

In the making

AFTER