Jewellery Remodelling: Your Most Asked Questions, Answered

There is something very particular about jewellery remodelling. Lots of people think there are too many restrictions, or it’s not possible. But the thought of it often begins with a small box. Or a ring that no longer feels like you. An inherited piece you love but would never wear.
Gold sitting quietly in a drawer, waiting.

And usually, before anyone books an appointment, they have questions.

Here are the ones I’m most often asked, answered honestly!

“Is it wrong to remodel inherited jewellery?”

The short answer? No.
It’s more an emotional judgement call. Jewellery is meant to be worn. If a piece sits unworn for years, it slowly becomes an object rather than a story. Remodelling allows it to live again in a way that feels more akin to who you are. We can honour the sentiment without preserving a design that doesn’t resonate. Sometimes that means reusing every element. Sometimes it means carefully transforming it into something entirely new. Both are respectful. What matters is that it becomes part of your life.

“Can my old gold actually be reused?”

Often, yes.
Gold can be melted and refined, then reworked into a new design. In some cases, I recommend refining it to ensure the integrity and longevity of the new piece. In others, we may use it as part-payment and work in fresh metal for structural strength. Sometimes, the gold purity can be affected by the solder and other impurities meaning 18 karat gold rings remodelled can come out at 14 karat.

Every piece is different — and I’ll always advise you on what will give the best result.

“Can you reset my existing diamonds?”

In most cases, absolutely.
Diamonds are incredibly durable and are often the most valuable element in older pieces. We assess them carefully — checking claws, wear, and condition — and then design around them.
Old-cut diamonds, mismatched stones, heirloom pieces… these often create the most beautiful, characterful designs.

“What if I don’t know what I want?”

That’s completely normal.
Very few clients arrive with a fully formed design in mind. My role is to guide the process — to ask the right questions, understand how you dress, what you already wear, what you do, what feels like you.
From there, I create considered design concepts for you to review. You’ll always see the design before anything is made.
It’s collaborative but carefully led.

“Is remodelling cheaper than buying new?”

Sometimes — but that’s not really the right comparison.
Remodelling isn’t about making something cheaper. It’s about making something meaningful. You may already own valuable materials (gold or diamonds), which can reduce the overall cost. But the true value lies in creating a bespoke piece with history woven into it. And that’s something you simply can’t buy off the shelf.

“Can you combine multiple pieces into one?”

Yes — and these are often my favourite projects.
Several inherited rings can become one beautifully balanced piece. A pendant and a ring might be reimagined together. Stones from different generations can sit side by side.
It’s about cohesion, proportion and harmony And making sure the finished piece feels like you.
 

“What if the stones are damaged?”

When we begin unsetting jewellery, all the stones are assessed to make sure they can be used again. Occasionally stones will crack in the process or we discover that a claw was hiding a chip. Some stones can be repolished or recut. Others may need to be replaced. If that’s the case, I’ll always discuss options transparently — whether that’s sourcing a matching stone, upgrading, or redesigning around what’s salvageable.
The goal is longevity.

“How long does jewellery remodelling take?"

Typically, 6–12 weeks depending on complexity.
The process usually follows this path:

• Initial consultation
• Stone and metal assessment
• Design concept presented
• Refinement and approval
• Creation and finishing

Sometimes the longest phase is design, making sure you are completely satisfied with what will be created.

“Is it more sustainable to remodel jewellery?”

Yes.

Using existing gold and gemstones reduces the demand for newly mined materials. Even when we refine or supplement with additional metal, the environmental footprint is significantly lower than creating entirely from scratch.
It’s beautifully sustainable — giving something new life that otherwise would have been left.

“Will it still feel like the original piece?”

That depends on what you want.
Some clients want a clear visual link to the original, like a recognisable diamond, a familiar detail. Others want a complete transformation while keeping the sentiment quietly held within.
Both are possible. What matters is that when you put it on, it feels like yours.

A Final Thought

If you have jewellery tucked away — pieces you don’t wear but can’t quite let go of — remodelling might be the bridge between past and present.
It isn’t about erasing history. It’s about allowing it to evolve.
And sometimes, the most meaningful pieces are the ones that have lived more than one life and go on to tell a new story.