Give Your Heirlooms a Second Life

Most of the heirloom jewelry that comes into the studio falls into two camps. There's family jewelry you inherited that isn't quite your style, and there are pieces that are worn or broken. Either way, they tend to end up in the same place: the back of a jewelry box.

I don't think anyone should be afraid to take that jewelry and turn it into something they'll actually reach for. An heirloom that collects dust because it isn't practical, or isn't your style, isn't being done justice. Making it wearable for today is how it keeps gathering history and becomes part of your family's memories.

Two family diamonds, side by side

For this bespoke ring, we took diamonds from two family rings and gave them a fresh start side by side in a toi et moi ring in 14k yellow gold. It's bold, a little unexpected, and made to be worn every day.

What we can reuse

Here's what I tell people before they bring a piece in.

1. Stones, almost always. Gemstones in good condition are the easiest thing to carry into a new piece. We'll look closely for chips or wear before we plan a design around them.
2. Metal, it depends. Vintage jewelry is often made with unfamiliar alloys or a lot of solder, which can cause porosity and other quality issues when it's reworked. Most of the time, fresh metal is the way to go. If the metal itself is sentimental, we're happy to talk through the best way to use it.
3. Trade in what you won't use. We buy gold and platinum, and you can put it toward your new piece as store credit. We don't purchase silver, and we buy diamonds 4.5mm and larger on a case-by-case basis.

How a redesign works

1. Bring in your jewelry box. Book a consultation and bring whatever's been sitting in the back of the drawer, even if you're not sure what's worth keeping. We'll look at it together.
2. We talk through what's possible. Which stones can come along, whether any metal should be traded in, and what you'd actually love to wear.
3. We design and make your new piece in our Seattle studio, with you along the way.

More heirloom redesigns

A few more pieces we've made from family jewelry.

Book a consultation

Christine