Repurposing Old Jewellery
We understand that jewellery is often inherited and not in a style or form that appeals. We are here to breath fresh life into the gems to create a contemporary piece, relevant to your lifestyle, to be enjoyed and admired whilst, at the same time retaining the all important sentiment associated with a much loved relative.
Amanda states; “Our approach is friendly, discreet and efficient. With our combined expertise and our huge trade knowledge of design and making, we are able to guide and offer a unique solution for every project”.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
At Denzil Skinner & Partners, we strive to ensure that no jewellery goes to waste or gets left unworn as we breathe new life into family heirlooms and transform gemstones into your beautiful new pieces using the best jewellers and recycled metals.
Did you know that some 80% of the gold used by British jewellery makers is recycled?
We believe in using local jewellers and stone setters thus supporting the UK trade.
The process, what happens now?
It is sometimes daunting to undertake the process but as Amanda suggests; “ We are here to smooth the path and give you confidence in the process. It’s what we do!”
In the first instance we like to arrange an appointment. We will assess each piece, offering considered advice, and listening to why the piece has a particular significance to you. This is a complimentary, free service. Sometimes there is a simple solution involving relatively minor work, for example sizing a ring to fit you, at others a full redesign is required.
Below, are 2 examples where we identified a simple alteration to react a new repurposed jewel.
By removing the brooch pin and stone set bow then using the gems to fill the gap a striking, wearable pendant comes to life.
Meanwhile, the antique brooch is converted into a bracelet clasp using the customer’s pearls.
Once decisions are made we ask for your formal authority to un-set gemstones, if necessary and sell any gold or platinum. Funds from the sale of the old gold are used to offset the cost of creating the new jewel.
Amanda, who trained at the world renowned Central St Martin’s college, will prepare initial rough designs for your consideration and finally a hand-painted design drawing.
Listing all the stone details to then work out how they will fit into the finished design; positioning loose gemstones before preparing the design
“This is the time I am at my happiest, working out how a new jewel will work and look and preparing your unique finished design”, says Amanda.
Once the design is agreed we prepare a full quotation for your consideration, which will include the cost to make-up the piece along with any new stones you might wish to include.
Finally, we request a 50% deposit, taking into account any funds from the sale of gold and place the commission with the jeweller best able to bring your design to life. We make no charge for design work.
Below, Amanda redesigned the emerald and diamond earrings into a bombé ring, using most of the available gemstones to recreate the unworn earrings into a much enjoyed ring.
Slightly dated cabochon and diamond earrings, re-designed into a yellow & white gold Bombé ring
However, sometimes the re-designing process can involve many more stones, with Amanda spending a great deal of time planning stone layouts, preparing a design drawing before you, our customer, approves and we move to a full quotation. In the case below, 2 inherited rings where transformed into a very stunning pendant, admired every time it is worn.
Here we show the original rings, with the stones laid out followed by the design drawing and finished piece.
….and as another thought for re-purposing a family heirloom, namely converting an old diamond set wrist watch, often not to a design that appeals and their old movements are often un-repairable.
The original dress watch now with movement removed replaced by a cabochon gemstone or the diamond bezel becomes a striking circle pendant
As Amanda sums up; “We believe good things take time, we like to support our local jewellers and celebrate the luxury of the hand-made bespoke jewel.”
Upon request, a valuation document can be completed detailing the specifications of your re-designed jewel.
A final thought from Amanda; “Apart from recycling the metals and gemstones, I love that the old pieces carry so much history and sentiment. Re-designing gives the jewel a new beginning and magic in its creation, becoming meaningful to the customer who has been involved in the design process”.
For further information, advice and to arrange an appointment:
Call 0131 538 4224
Email: [email protected]
