Working with what you have
19th May 2022 - Customer Location: Cairns
The above ring was created using the materials from a 3 ring bridal set. She was tired of how the three rings sat together and also the look of the old rings. She wanted one single ring to replace the three and the triple row design would be symbolic of the three previous rings.
The most difficult type of job is when I am asked to create something totally different from old pieces using only the materials contained in the existing. There are two primary reasons I am asked to do this:
sentimental
monetary
Working with old materials can sometimes cost more than using new materials. Extra time costs can be incurred when working with less optimal materials and extra design time also required to create the best aesthetic result working with predefined elements.
Article: Recycling jewellery: Cost benefit analysis
The above ring was one of those rare cases where the design we came up with just using the materials from her bridal set of rings came together perfectly.
The point about remodelling.
Two rings to be remodelled after unsetting.
Lately I have been saying no to some enquiries for remodels that I know exploring the design will result in us only proving we cannot achieve the desired result.
As an example the two rings above had diamonds that suited the customers desired design. However the old white gold rings will not remelt without great risk and certainly could not be converted to the 18ct rose gold she desired. This customer had to be prepared to purchase some new materials to achieve her desired result, which she was.
I do not charge for quotes which usually involve some design work for remodels (can be 3-5 hours at times) but there may come a day when I do.
The eternity ring created using the diamonds from the previous two rings.
I do not want to make a piece of jewellery that the customer is less than happy with. From my experience quoting for remodelling is only ever easy and fast (just a rough idea please is the usual request) if you are prepared to accept whatever comes out the other end.
I do not like that prospect and over the years I have seen many people unhappy with remodelling jobs done elsewhere wanting to remodel them again with me. Haste makes waste!
Now go out and vote :)