Can I Use My Own Stones in a Custom Jewellery Piece?
If you have a diamond or gemstone you already own, you may be wondering whether it can be used to create something completely new. In many cases, the answer is yes.
Using your own stones in a custom jewellery piece can be a wonderful way to preserve something meaningful while creating jewellery that better suits your style today. Whether the stone came from an inherited piece, an old engagement ring, a piece you no longer wear, or simply a gemstone you already own, custom design can give it a new purpose.
Can a Diamond or Gemstone Be Reset Into New Jewellery?
Many diamonds and gemstones can be removed from their existing settings and incorporated into a new custom design.
For example, a diamond from an older ring could become the centre stone of a new engagement ring. Gemstones from several family pieces could be brought together in a pendant. An inherited diamond could even become part of a completely different type of jewellery.
The possibilities aren't limited to recreating what you already have. Starting with your existing stones gives you the opportunity to design a piece around how you actually want to wear them.
What Types of Stones Can Be Reused?
Diamonds and many coloured gemstones can potentially be reused, but every stone should be evaluated individually before designing a new piece around it.
A jeweller will consider factors such as the stone's condition, durability, size, shape and any existing chips or damage. Some gemstones are more delicate than others, particularly stones that have already been worn for many years.
At Vandenbergs Fine Jewellery, we can examine your stones and discuss which ones are suitable for your new design before moving forward.
What If I Have Several Stones I Want to Use?
You don't necessarily have to choose just one.
Custom jewellery gives you considerable flexibility when working with multiple stones. Diamonds or gemstones from several pieces can sometimes be combined into one new design, making this an especially meaningful option for inherited or family jewellery.
The stones don't always need to be the same size, shape or colour either. A custom design can be created specifically around the stones you have.
If not every stone works in the same piece, we can also explore other possibilities for the remaining stones.
Can I Add New Stones Too?
Yes. Using your own stones doesn't mean the entire piece has to be made from existing materials.
New diamonds or gemstones can be added to complement the stones you already have. For example, an inherited centre diamond could be paired with new side stones, or several smaller family diamonds could be incorporated as accents around a new centre stone.
This allows you to preserve the part of the original jewellery that matters to you while creating something that feels entirely your own.
Can I Reuse the Gold From My Old Jewellery?
This is something we are frequently asked about as well.
Depending on the jewellery and the design being created, there may be options for incorporating or receiving value for your existing precious metal. However, reusing old gold isn't always as straightforward as melting down one ring and turning that exact metal into another.
Our team can assess the jewellery you bring in and explain the options available for both your stones and precious metals.
How Does the Custom Design Process Work?
The process begins with bringing your jewellery or loose stones in for us to see.
We'll talk about what you have, what you'd like to create and how you envision wearing the finished piece. From there, we can explore design possibilities based around your stones and determine what will work best.
You don't need to arrive with a finished design in mind. Part of the custom design process is helping you figure out what's possible.
Have Stones You're Not Sure What to Do With?
Bring them in.
Whether it's one diamond from an old ring, a collection of inherited gemstones, or jewellery that's been sitting unworn in a box for years, there may be an opportunity to turn what you already have into something you'll love wearing again.
Book a custom design consultation with Vandenbergs Fine Jewellery in Winnipeg and bring your stones or jewellery with you. We'll help you explore what's possible. You can learn more about our custom design process here or in person during a consultation.
