The short answer: a memorial pendant can be made from a loved one's jewellery by reusing the metal, the stones or both, and it starts with a gentle conversation about what you have and what you want to keep. We take care to handle each piece with respect and keep you informed at every step.
Jewellery that belonged to someone you love holds meaning. Turning it into a pendant lets you keep it close and wear it often.
What can be reused
- Gold or platinum, which can be melted and remade.
- Diamonds and gemstones, which can be reset.
- Engraving, a signature or a design detail that can be kept or copied.
Ways to design it
| Approach | Description |
|---|---|
| Reset the stone | Keep the original stone in a new pendant. |
| Remake the metal | Use their gold in a new design. |
| Combine | Use the stone and the metal together. |
| Keep a detail | Copy a signature or motif into a new piece. |
What we ask
We ask about the piece, the person and what you would like to feel when you wear it. There is no pressure to decide quickly, and you can take as long as you need.
Design ideas
- A single stone from a ring, reset in a simple pendant on a fine chain.
- A locket that holds a photograph or a small keepsake.
- A pendant engraved with their handwriting or signature on the back.
- A cluster of stones from several pieces, arranged like a flower.
- A pendant shaped to echo something they loved, such as a leaf or a star.
See fingerprint and handwriting jewellery.
Handling and records
We photograph and record the original piece. We confirm what will happen to the metal and stones before any work starts. Any work that changes the original piece happens only after you approve the design and the plan in writing.
A note on reusing gold
Old gold can be melted and remade, though it is usually refined or alloyed again so that it works well in a new piece. Some people find comfort in knowing the metal itself carries on, and others prefer to keep the original metal untouched and reuse only the stones. We explain the options so you can decide what feels right.
Options for those who prefer not to melt
If you would rather not alter the piece, we can design a new pendant that holds a small keepsake, or a setting that echoes the original. Some people keep the original untouched and have a new pendant made that borrows its shape or a single stone.
Combining several pieces
You can bring more than one item, for example a ring, a brooch and a chain, and combine stones from each into one pendant. We discuss how the pieces fit together and which stones sit best side by side, and we show you the design in a render.
Delivery and sending pieces to us
Finished pieces are delivered by insured, tracked FedEx. If you are sending an item to us, talk to us first, and we explain the safest way to send it and what to expect for your country. If you are outside the UK, you pay any import duty and tax that apply, and we explain what to expect.
Timing
Our standard making time is 5 to 6 weeks, which can vary with your location and how busy we are. If there is a date that matters, such as an anniversary, tell us early so we can plan around it.
How to begin
- Tell us about the piece.
- We discuss options and a design.
- You approve the plan before we start.
See bespoke pendants, birthstone cluster pendants and resetting an heirloom or inherited diamond. Pieces start from £600.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep part of the original? Yes.
Will the stone be changed? Only if you choose.
Can I add a new stone? Yes.
Can several family members have a piece each? Often yes, if there are enough stones or metal, and we help you plan it.
Can I decide later? Yes, there is no pressure to decide quickly.