The short answer: a grandmother's jewellery can be redesigned into a gift by reusing her stones and metal in a new piece that suits the next generation, while keeping the memory attached. Start by deciding what to keep, then talk to us about designs and plans.
Inherited jewellery often sits in a drawer because it is not to everyone's taste. Redesigning it can give it a new life and keep the story with it.
What can be reused
- Diamonds and gemstones, which can be reset.
- Gold or platinum, which can be melted and remade.
- Sentimental details, such as a motif, copied into a new design.
Ways to redesign
| Option | Result |
|---|---|
| Reset the stone | A new ring or pendant. |
| Remake the metal | A modern band using her gold. |
| Split into several pieces | One gift for each grandchild. |
| Keep the original and copy a detail | No change to the original. |
Consider the family
Talk to relatives before changing a family piece. Some prefer to keep it as it is, and a change cannot be undone once the metal is melted. If you are unsure, copying a detail into a new piece leaves the original untouched.
Check the stones
Older stones can be fragile or worn. We inspect them first and tell you what we find before any work begins. See reading hallmarks and wear on an inherited ring and resetting an heirloom or inherited diamond.
Old cuts have their own beauty
Diamonds from earlier generations were often cut by hand, with shapes such as the old mine or old European cut. They sparkle differently from a modern round brilliant, with broader, softer flashes, and many people love that look. Recutting can make an old stone brighter, but it loses weight and some of its character, so we usually suggest keeping the original cut and designing around it. We show the stone to you on video before you decide.
Choosing the new design
Think about who will wear the piece. A pendant suits someone who does not wear rings, while a ring or a pair of earrings may suit another grandchild. We can sketch a few options and show a render of each.
Ideas that work well
- A cluster ring split into a pair of earrings and a pendant, one for each grandchild.
- Her wedding band reworked into a slim stacking ring.
- A brooch's central stone reset as a modern solitaire.
- A small engraved detail inside the new piece, such as her initials.
Sending the jewellery safely
Older pieces carry sentimental value that no insurance can replace, so plan the journey carefully. Photograph each piece from several angles, note any marks, and keep the photographs with a written list. Ask us how to send the jewellery and how it will be insured in transit, or whether it makes more sense to begin with photographs and video so we can advise before anything moves.
The process
- Tell us about the piece and the story.
- We suggest designs.
- You approve in writing before any work begins.
Our standard making time is 5 to 6 weeks, which can vary with your location and how busy we are. See written approval and memorial pendants.
Record the story
Write down who owned the piece and what it meant. Include it with the gift, so the story travels with the jewellery. A photograph of the original piece, kept with the new one, is a lovely addition.
Pieces start from £600. Delivery is by insured, tracked FedEx. Browse diamonds.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep the original shape? Often yes, and we talk through what is possible.
Is melting reversible? No, so decide carefully.
Can a stone be recut? It can reduce size, so we discuss it first.
Can one piece become several gifts? Often, for example a cluster ring split into earrings and a pendant.
Can I post the old jewellery to you? Ask us how to send it safely, and insure it.