Jessica spends a lot of time redesigning clients’ old pieces into something new. Over time, our jewellery boxes can fill up with old gifts. Many of us reach a point in our lives where we are tired of looking at all these old jewels and are ready to make it into something we will wear!
Big or small, we can take something old and make it into something new. Continue reading for everything you need to know about this process.
I have some pieces with small diamonds in them; can I use them?
It really depends. Many older pieces with small diamonds are actually made with diamond chips, which are not properly cut stones. These can be usable in some cases, but the quality would be sub-par.
It also depends on the design you want to create and the stones the design will require.
How do I know what I can do with the stones?
I always suggest starting with what you want. Look online and save some pictures of pieces you love. Once you have an idea of what you want, send us these pictures, as well as pictures of the old pieces. We’ll be able to determine if it is feasible to achieve your desired product.
I have a really old diamond. Can I use it?
Most likely! Again, as long as it is in usable condition, it is most likely fine. We’ve redesigned products with stones that were not in ideal condition, but we made it work because the damage on the stone didn’t affect the setting. If your stones are not in ideal condition, we will always inform you before beginning any work to ensure you understand the risks involved.
How much will it cost?
It varies a lot. Generally, redesigning pieces with a lot of small stones can cost more than redesigning a larger diamond. This is because of the labour involved in removing each stone from the existing piece and resetting it.
For very simple work, such as re-setting one diamond in a simple necklace (like our bezel set diamond necklace), the costs are typically under $500 (and can be as low as $200-$300 depending on the request). For more complex work that involves custom making a brand new piece, it is fair to budget at least $500-$1,000 for the redesign.
Pricing varies depending on gold prices at the time of the request and the scope of the work involved.
Don’t forget that if you are comfortable to melt the old jewellery (once the gems are removed), you will receive a credit for the gold value against the purchase.
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