The Power of Jewellery Remodelling : A Tale of Transformation and Hope
In the world of bespoke jewellery, every piece tells a story. But some stories are more profound than others, woven with emotion, resilience, and the quiet strength we find when we need it most.
I am a Wimbledon based jeweller with 20 years of experience and today, I would like to share one such story with you—a story of a client who came to me seeking not just a beautiful piece of jewellery, but a tangible source of comfort and hope during a difficult time.
I was delighted to welcome a new client to my studio, who came to me by way of a referral from a previous client. She brought with her three rings, each holding a piece of her past, and a clear vision for her future. She was going through a very rough patch, and her idea was to transform these rings into a gold cross pendant.
This wasn't just about aesthetics; she wanted a cross that she could touch and hold, a comforting symbol to grasp whenever she felt her world was falling apart.
D’s rings ready to be redesigned into new jewellery.
From Old Gold Rings to New Beginnings
The three rings were all very different, each with its own character. One ring held a striking emerald, flanked by two sparkling diamonds. Another was set with five small, delicate diamonds. The third was a plain gold band, but it was surprisingly heavy, carrying a weight of sentimentality, as it is her husband’s wedding band.
As we sat together, discussing the various design possibilities for her new cross, I noted that setting all her gemstones onto the cross would take away the tactile quality she was looking for. I wanted the cross to be soft and easy on the hand, prong settings or even bezels settings would take away from that.
I gently suggested that we could use the emerald and diamonds from the rings in another, separate piece of jewellery. Her eyes lit up at the thought, and she instantly fell in love with the idea of creating a platinum ring to match the ones she wears on a daily basis.
This was a great example of creative collaboration between client and designer. The cross was a symbol of strength and faith, and the ring, a new piece of beauty and hope. Together, they would represent her journey of transformation.
Related: To find out more about the jewellery remodelling process click here.
The 18 carat gold cross was made using her own gold for sentimental reasons.
A Blend of Ancient Jewellery Craft and Modern Technology
The creation of these two pieces was a fascinating process, a blend of tradition and innovation. For the cross, I felt a deep connection to ancient craftsmanship. I decided to use the age-old techniques of hand carving wax and casting. This process is very personal and intuitive. By hand-carving the wax model, I could imbue the piece with a sense of the human touch, of a creator's care and attention. The subtle imperfections and unique texture of a hand-carved piece would add to its character, making it a truly personal and comforting object for her to hold. The act of pouring her own molten gold into the cast is a magical one, turning an idea into a solid, enduring reality.
In stark contrast, the platinum ring required a different approach entirely. To achieve the precise, intricate design we had planned, I turned to modern techniques. I used Computer-Aided Design (CAD) to create a detailed, digital model of the ring. This allowed for an incredible level of precision, ensuring every diamond and the emerald would be perfectly placed. Once the design was finalised, we used 3D printing to create a wax model of the ring, a flawless prototype ready for casting in brilliant platinum. This modern method allowed us to bring a complex design to life with unparalleled accuracy and efficiency, a testament to how far jewellery making has come.
A modern bezel set ring using her own gemstones.
To view more examples of our jewellery redesigns click here.
The Unveiling: A Moment of Pure Joy
The final pieces were truly special, and the client's reaction was everything I could have hoped for. She was absolutely thrilled with the designs. The gold cross pendant was exactly as she had imagined—a tactile, comforting shape she could hold close to her heart. The new platinum ring, with its perfectly set emerald and diamonds, was a stunning, contemporary piece that beautifully complemented her new pendant.
This project was a powerful reminder of why I love what I do. It’s not just about creating beautiful objects; it's about helping people find meaning and solace in something tangible. Jewellery can be so much more than an accessory—it can be a personal talisman, a symbol of hope, and a beautiful representation of a life story.
“I asked Militza to transform some old pieces of jewellery into modern pieces that I could wear daily. Having jewellery made is very personal and Militza interacted with me at every step and I felt very involved with the process. I am delighted with the results and shall wear the pieces with joy.
Militza is very professional and her work is of a very high standard, I shall recommend her going forward.”
All boxed up and ready to go!
If you have old jewellery gathering dust or a vision for a piece that holds deep personal meaning, I would be honoured to help you bring it to life. Whether it’s with the warm, human touch of ancient techniques or the precision of modern technology, your story is waiting to be told.
Wimbledon based jeweller with 20 years experience. I envision and hand create future heirlooms.
