7 Things you need to consider when redesigning your old jewellery from a jeweller’s perspective
Considering remodelling your gold jewellery?
What you need to take into consideration before you decide to remodel your old jewellery
As recycling becomes increasingly important, remodelling old jewellery is more popular than ever. It is nothing new and has existed for centuries, even the Queen of England has had some of her jewellery remodelled to suit different occasions. Whether it's an heirloom brooch you want to change into a necklace or a ring with three diamonds to be divided for three heirs. The possibilities are endless.
But before you embark on this journey there a few things that I, as jeweller with 20 years experience, think you should take into consideration.
TOP 7 THINGS TO THINK ABOUT BEFORE YOU TRANSFORM YOUR INHERITED JEWELLERY
Here are few tips I would like to share with you so you can get the very best out of this process of redesigning your heirloom jewellery:
Don’t rush into it:
Make sure you are emotionally prepared. Live with your pieces for a while before you remodel - wear them and you will begin to understand what you love and what you hate about them. Take time to consider things. If it does need a face-lift for you to enjoy wearing it, if you’ve thought it through properly, you won’t regret that decision at a later stage.
Don’t be swayed by fashion trends, jewellery should be timeless
Think about what in your style has not changed. Maybe you have made a few style transitions in your life, like when you wore those wear low cut jeans in noughties, and then realised it really was not a great look. But you have come to find your style, or maybe you want something that transcends in time. Fine jewellery is stylish not trendy.
Remember your lifestyle.
If you work with your hands or are a little clumsy a delicate setting may not be for you. Are you a new mother? Big earrings and babies are a safety hazard, they love pulling on them. Do your homework.
Understand the real value of your old jewellery:
Your stones may not be worth what you think they are. Just because the ring cost your grandmother a fortune in the past, it doesn't mean it is worth that anymore. Know the real value of your stones, not what your friend or uncle told you. Check for hallmarking to verify the authenticity of the metal. So many times I have been given inherited jewellery to find that it is not 18 carat but 9 carat gold, or that diamond which has a decent size is very yellow and full of inclusions. To better understand the hallmarks on your jewellery check the Assay Office Hallmarks. Get them valued properly!
5.- Work with a jewellery designer you trust.
Most jewellers will do a fine job of remodelling your heirlooms, but if you find someone trustworthy, who gets you and your style, and is willing to listen to your ideas, you will be much happier with the end result. Check for referrals, testimonials and ask to see examples of their work.
Have a look at some of my jewellery remodelling work here
6.-Be realistic about your budget and agree on it before you start.
People assume that because they are giving the jeweller the metal and the stones that the process is a cheap one. But you are employing a highly skilled craftsman to do a job that takes time and precision. A new piece, designed from scratch, handcrafted and finished by hand, may still set you back a few thousand pounds depending on how complicated it is. Sometimes more stones are sourced and added and this also needs to be included into the price. People often assume that recycling metal is easy but it is actually very time consuming and this also must be factored into the price. Most of the time it is far more cost effective to sell the metal as scrap and put the money towards the final piece.
7.- Make sure you get to see a design ,
Be it a drawing or a mock-up to avoid disappointments. Your ideas need to be translated into designs that you can visualise!! Talking about this does not necessary translate visually, what you mean by “modern” may not be the same thing your jeweller means by modern. Size is very hard to understand unless you see a mock up or a true to size drawing. A good jeweller will always provide you with at least a sketch.
Militza Ortiz
A Wimbledon, London based jewellery designer/maker with 20 years experience. I am passionate about envisioning and hand creating future heirlooms.
