Breathing New Life into Heirloom Jewellery: The Art of Redesigning Family Treasures

One of my favourite parts of running a bespoke jewellery business is the redesign appointments. The reason I started this company is because I love reflecting someone's personal story into a piece of jewellery. The emotion behind jewellery-making is what makes it so special, and it’s a privilege to create something unique that truly means something to the wearer. When a client comes to me with their late grandmother’s ring and shares how much she loved it and what the stone means to them, I know we’re about to create something really special, something new, full of meaning, and a beautiful piece to hold onto. It’s all about incorporating the wearer’s personal style while still respecting the history and the memories that the piece holds.

But why redesign heirloom jewellery in the first place? I get it, some people might find the idea of altering such a sentimental piece a bit daunting. But the truth is, what was fashionable years ago may not match your current style. That doesn’t mean you have to lose the sentimental value! You can take the stones and materials and transform them into something you’ll love wearing every day. There’s no point in inheriting something if it’s just going to sit in a safe forever, right? Redesigning it lets the piece live on in a more modern way, while still keeping the emotional connection that makes it special.

Finding the Right Designer

First things first, choose a jeweller you trust. Redesigning jewellery is a personal and emotional journey, and you need someone who gets the significance of the piece. Do your research, have an initial consultation, and make sure all your questions are answered. Once you’ve found someone you’re comfortable with, talk to them about what parts of the piece you want to keep, whether it’s the stones, the metal, or certain design features, and share your ideas for the new piece. This is a collaborative process, and the designer should be there to listen, inspire, and help bring your vision to life.

Preserving the Past with a Modern Twist

It’s important to keep elements of the original piece. Whether it’s the stones, the metal, or the overall essence, you want the history to remain so the piece can continue telling its story every time you wear it. For example, turning your mother’s diamond into your engagement ring not only makes it an heirloom that holds real meaning, but it also serves as a reminder of both your partner’s love and your love for your mother. Working with a bespoke jeweller is the best way to ensure your redesign reflects your personal style, while still keeping the essence of what made the original piece so special.

Creating a Unique Piece You’ll Love

When it comes to style, think about what you really want. Do you want something that’s on-trend, like a chunky rub-over setting in yellow gold? Or maybe something more delicate in white gold? Pinterest is a great tool for gathering inspiration and showing your designer what you like. While it’s great to bring ideas to the table, don’t forget to trust your designer’s expertise, they can help refine your vision and create something truly unique.

Adding Personal Touches

Make sure to add something personal to really make the piece yours. Since this is such an important item, you could engrave a special name, date, or even the birthstone of the person who gave it to you. These small, hidden details add a unique connection to the piece, something only you know is there, making it even more meaningful.

A Special Redesign Story

We had two sisters come to us with two necklaces they inherited from their great aunt-one with an aqua stone and the other with a sapphire. We listened to their stories about their great aunt, who was a larger-than-life character and adored her gemstone jewellery. While the sisters had different styles, they wanted the pieces to feel like they belonged together, as if from the same collection. We designed an aqua cocktail ring with baguettes on either side and a sapphire Art Deco-style necklace. The sisters were thrilled with the pieces. To add an extra personal touch, we engraved their great aunt’s birthday on the back of the necklace and the inside of the ring band. It was so special to see how the redesign brought new life to these family treasures.

A redesigned ring by Mills & Beau

Redesigning heirloom jewellery is more than just giving an old piece a makeover, it’s about preserving its memories and stories while making it meaningful for the future. With the help of a trusted bespoke jeweller, you can create something that reflects your style and honours the original piece’s significance. By adding personal touches, you’re not just redesigning jewellery, but creating a lasting connection to the past that you’ll cherish for years to come.

If you have an heirloom piece that’s ready for a redesign, I’d love to help bring your vision to life.