Welcome to my blog! I started this blog shortly after my guest appearance on From A Woman's Perspective hosted by Marilyn Wetston. This one hour show airs every Saturday at 8am EST on AM 740, 96.7 FM Toronto, and Rogers 949.
Marilyn and I talked about the transformation of this stunning heirloom necklace on the show that aired on Saturday Nov 5th, 2022.
Last week, my client and her daughter brought me a spectacular diamond necklace that she had inherited from her late Mother. The necklace consists of over 40 diamonds set on a gorgeous art nouveau floral pattern all made in 18K white gold. These 2 wonderful ladies came up with the idea of converting this necklace into 11 unique pieces so that her sisters and nieces can each own a piece of this special heirloom.
As I do at the start of every custom project, I asked my client to provide me with her wish list for the new design. Her main priority was that we preserved as much of the necklace’s original design in the new necklaces and earrings. By doing so, each lady who receives their newly restyled piece remembers it came from the Grandma they loved so much.
And here’s how this stunning heirloom will be reborn: we’ll create 7 necklaces incorporating the floral pattern of the original necklace. We’ll also make 4 pairs of earrings that carry the contemporary side of the original necklace. While the new necklaces and earrings will have a unique style of their own, it will be easy to pretty recognize that it came from Grandma’s heirloom, thus connecting all aunts and nieces in the family.
An important detail about this project is that there will be a few inches of 18K gold chain remaining that don’t fit into the new designs. So what are we going to do with this left over gold? I’m always very keen to help our clients retain their gold’s value. In this case, it’s best to sell the gold and put 100% of the proceeds towards the cost of this project.
Since I offer high rates for my client’s gold, our client decided to give me a few more gold pieces that she no longer wears to sell. With the price of gold being so high, she’ll be receiving a very generous credit that will offset more than half of the price of her restyling project. So everyone wins, there’ll be 11 ladies who will receive a modern heirloom and our generous client will retain the value of her gold.
If you have jewellery that you no longer wear, let's transform it into something fresh and exciting!
Learn more about redesigning your jewellery and book your free custom design call.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I turn my grandmother's diamond necklace into pieces for the whole family?
Yes, one inherited necklace can become pieces for the whole family. An art nouveau necklace with over 40 diamonds became a plan for seven necklaces and four pairs of earrings, so every sister and niece received a piece. The original floral pattern remains visible in each new design.
How do I make an old necklace look new without losing what it meant?
Start with a wish list. Decide which elements matter most to you, then let the rest evolve. In the project featured in this blog, preserving the original floral pattern was the priority, so every new necklace and pair of earrings still felt like Grandma's jewellery, just in a more contemporary style. Your wish list guides every design decision.
What happens to the leftover gold from a jewellery redesign?
Leftover gold keeps its value and can help offset the cost of your project. In one vintage necklace redesign, a few inches of 18K gold chain weren't needed for the new pieces, so they were sold and 100% of the proceeds were applied to the redesign. You can also include other unworn gold jewellery if you'd like.
How much does it cost to redesign an heirloom diamond necklace?
Every redesign is unique. Pricing depends on factors such as the number of stones being reset, how many new pieces you'd like created, and the materials and craftsmanship involved. Selling gold you no longer wear can help reduce the overall cost, as it did in this project.
Book your free custom design call to discuss the details of your project.
Where can I get vintage jewellery redesigned in Toronto?
I work from my Leslieville studio in Toronto, where all studio visits are by appointment only so I can give each client my full attention. I've been designing custom jewellery since 2008 and am a Graduate Gemologist (GIA), with goldsmithing training from Revere Academy and an engineering background from the University of Waterloo.
Every project begins with a phone consultation so we can discuss your ideas and determine the best approach before your studio visit.
Book your free design call today.
Which stages does a custom jewellery redesign follow?
Every redesign follows four stages:
- CONNECT – We begin with a conversation about your jewellery, your wish list, and the elements you'd like to preserve.
- COLLABORATE – We explore design ideas together and refine the direction with your feedback.
- CREATE – Your new heirloom is carefully crafted using your existing stones and selected materials.
- CELEBRATE – You receive a modern heirloom that's ready to wear, enjoy, and pass on.
Throughout the process, you're invited to review and provide feedback so the finished piece reflects both your style and your story.
Learn more about redesigning your jewellery and book your free custom design call.
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