Heirloom Remodelling
Our heirloom remodelling service takes precious metals and gemstones from old jewellery, and transforms them into a fresh new design.
This process allows you to preserve the emotional and sentimental significance of your jewellery. By transforming old pieces into new designs, you can keep the memories associated with them while enjoying an updated look. It’s also is a sustainable choice, as it recycles and reuses existing materials.
For this project our client wanted to update her engagement ring. We repurposed her gold and asscher-cut diamond in the new ring, and adding a new halo of baguette diamonds
How it Works
The remodelling process begins with a no-obligation consultation, providing an opportunity to discuss your ideas and goals, and to assess the materials you have. We can re-work your jewellery into one of our existing designs, or help you to create something entirely new and unique. Bringing inspiration pictures is not essential, but is helpful for us to understand your style preferences.
Once we understand the design, we’ll provide an accurate quote. From there, we can refine the design and begin manufacturing. Typically, the manufacturing process takes 4-6 weeks from the time the quote is accepted.
Materials we can work with
Most precious metals (gold, silver, and platinum) are suitable for remodelling. However, there are some caveats. Chains, for example, don’t usually rework well due to the amount of solder they contain. Unfortunately, we don’t work with base metals like brass or titanium. We also don’t recommend remodelling silver, as the cost typically outweighs the value of the metal. During your consultation, we will advise whether there are any limitations to working with your metal. We can work with a wide variety of gemstones, with almost no exceptions.
Our client’s inherited diamond ring, the yellow gold ring to the right, had become too worn-out and fragile to be worn safely. We re-purposed her original diamonds and replicated the original design, but in her preferred colour of rose gold.
Do I save money by remodelling old jewellery?
Generally, yes. The value of a remodelled piece combines the value of the labour and new materials we provide with the value of your existing materials. This often makes remodelling cheaper than buying an equivalent off-the-shelf item. However, remodelling can be labour-intensive and is not necessarily "cheap”. For this reason we recommend you also consider the following:
Quality of Materials
Remodelling is most beneficial with quality gemstones and metals. For example, repurposing an inherited diamond into a new engagement ring might cost $3000, but the finished ring could be worth over $10,000, representing a significant saving compared to buying the same ring new.
Value of Gemstones
Conversely, spending $3000 to create a ring for a $20 gemstone may not be worthwhile. Except if the gemstone has sentimental value!
Suitability of Materials
Ensure the gemstones and metals you have will work well for the new design. If you dislike your collection of gemstones, remodelling may not be the best option.
If you're unsure about the value or suitability of your old jewellery, we can provide guidance and may recommend gemmological testing to confirm the identity of certain gemstones.
What is the price?
There is no fixed price for jewellery remodelling – every project is different and is priced accordingly. The cost of a remodel is determined by the complexity of the design, and whether you have enough gold and gemstones to create the desired piece. We will always provide you with a set quote before starting any work, however here are some general pricing guidelines:
$500 - $1,000
Possible, but with limited options. Simple pendants, plain bands, or bangle are the types of designs that would be in this range.
$2,000 - $4,500
Most projects fall in this range, including engagement-style or dress rings with gemstones, and are typically made using precious metals such as gold or platinum.
$4,500+
Covers more complex designs, heavy gold usage, or the addition of significant gemstones.
We remodelled two rings that our client had inherited, consolidating them into a new single engagement ring. We designed the ring with a vintage nod, to honour the antique style of the diamonds and sapphires. The leftover gold was combined and used to create wedding rings for both him and her, from the same ingot.
Original Rings
New Ring
What if I don’t have enough gold or gemstones to make the design that I want?
If you don’t have enough gold or gemstones for your desired design, we can source matching or complementary stones and metals to complete your piece.
I have yellow gold, but I want white gold – or vice versa
It is possible to alloy yellow gold to white gold in certain situations; however you need to start with 18ct or higher. If we’re not able to convert your gold into the colour you want we can supply you with fresh metal, and can offer you a credit for your old metal.
Craftsmanship & Warranty
Our skilled craftsmen take great pride in transforming old pieces into new designs. This high level of craftsmanship ensures that each remodelled piece is of the same quality and strength as one of our new items of jewellery. As such, our lifetime warranty extends to all all materials and labour that have been supplied by us.
New Toi et Moi design.
Toi et Moi design - Our client inherited a princess cut diamond ring that just wasn’t quite her style, so sourced a complementary pear cut diamond to nestle next to it in a new Toi et Moi design. The gold from the original ring was repurposed to create her new ring, with a matching beaten gold band
New dress ring - The brief for this project was to design a dress ring to compliment our client's diamond. We sourced a natural pink sapphire to add a pop of colour, on a new gently winding platinum band.
New dress ring
Our client had a collection of jewellery that had strong sentimental value, but was either broken, missing stones, or earrings without a pair. We created a fluid, asymmetrical design to compliment her stones, with handmade roses to add balance.
Original Rings
New Ring