Re-modelling old jewellery 

Overview -  As our Facebook followers know, results from re-modelling projects can be spectacular, with tired old jewels that have lain unworn for years being transformed into ravishing contemporary pieces which demand to be seen.

Cost – this is something of a moveable feast, but a relatively ‘straightforward’ re-model that does not require the addition of extra stones or metal (but which may involve the melting/re-casting of metal from 1-3  rings/other pieces and the removal of 1-10 stones) starts from $1000-1200.  If extra metal (particularly gold) or stones are requested then the price will rise – if the design is particularly complex (or if the project involves using metal from more than 3 pieces and the removal of more than 10 stones) this will also be reflected in additional costs. We will request a deposit once a project is agreed (which is typically 50% of the agreed price). The final balance is due on completion of the piece (see below).

The process –

a) Initially we ask for as good a description as you can provide of the ‘old’ pieces that you have (photos are very useful).  We also need some indication of the new design you would like us to make – for example photographs of any of my pieces that you may have admired help greatly. This information will give us a good idea of how viable the new project is. If the new piece to be made is a ring we will need an accurate sizing of the finger on which the ring is to be worn which can best be done at a local jewellery shop. Please note: we do have to charge for re-sizing if we have been given incorrect information on this. At this point we can then often provide a provisional quote for a design.

b) If you are happy to proceed we then ask you to courier your pieces to my workshop in Nelson (PLEASE NOTE - sending of pieces to us is at the owners own risk and we are not financially liable for any loss or damage of pieces whilst they are in transit via courier to us). Once we have them Andy will weigh the pieces/ check for hallmarks/test the stones to confirm their identity (as much as is possible), and then provide a written report. From this we can make a second assessment as to how much metal is available and produce a modified quote if necessary.

c) By this stage we should have a viable design to work from, so the next steps are to unset gemstones from the existing pieces, cut out solder and settings which cannot be used, and then pool the available metal for melting and re-casting (it is at this stage that extra metal may be added). Providing a successful ingot is cast, the metal can then be rolled and annealed and made ready for the new piece.

d) Ideally your old stones can be re-used, but this is entirely at the clients own risk - for example we sometimes find that when stones are removed there are flaws (such as cracks and chips) which were hidden by their settings. We also sometimes find that stones are heavily worn – it is possible to have stones re-polished or re-cut, but this is an expensive specialist skill which we outsource (costs for this start from $200, and so it is viable only for higher value stones). We do try to provide an assessment as to the quality/usefulness of unset gemstones at the earliest opportunity – at this point we may recommend the substitution/addition of new stones, but will always attempt and use as many components of your original pieces as we can.

e) Where multiple stones are being used in a new design we will typically then produce a mock up of the layout, and photograph this for your perusal, and any last modifications can be made. Once you are happy with the final design it is all up to Mieke to work her magic! On completion we will then video your new piece, and if you are happy with our work, the balance is due and the completed jewel will be couriered to your address. Any unused material will also be returned to you.

Things we do not re-use/recycle:

a) Silver – unfortunately it is not economic to recycle silver as the time/effort/energy expended is greater than the retail price of this metal. This is certainly not the case with gold! However – there is an exception to this…..

b) Gold chains – unless these are made with heavy links (which enable us to easily remove the solder joints) we do not generally recycle gold chains. We can obtain scrap values for fine gold chains or other pieces for customers (via the Auckland refiners) and this can be used to offset costs – but please be aware that the commercial scrap gold values offered by these companies are beyond our control. We do not buy old jewellery directly ourselves, nor do we buy old stones.

c) Platinum and other white metals (ie palladium) – unfortunately we do not have the facilities to melt and re-use these metals. They will of course have a scrap value (see b). We may be able to re-use white gold (but this depends on what the gold is alloyed with).