Remodelling and restoring old Jewellery is a big part of what we do at Richard James Jeweller, its such a great way to enjoy jewellery that you would either never wear because perhaps it was handed down to you and its not your style, it could be from a previous relationship or your own tastes have changed over the years.
Back in September, we ran a promotion on facebook where we asked people if they had old jewellery they would like to get remodelled or restored into something new. We asked them to tell us how they came to have the jewellery and what they would get made if we were to choose them as a lucky winner for a free remodel or restoration. There is generally always a lovely story that goes along with jewellery especially if its been handed down and our random winner Melissa was no exception!

Here is her winning story

"One Christmas my nan received a tin of spagetti from my pop beautifully wrapped with a bow on top. He thought it was hilarious and kept the joke going all day. Later that night after she'd stopped talking to him he gave her a box of chocolates and said it was her real present.
Inside amongst the chocolates was a three stone diamond ring he'd chosen, he loved teasing her! I'd love to combine that ring with others and also some earrings I have to make a 4 stone rub over dress ring with a row of channel set diamonds on either side"

By the time Melissa came in to have her first design consultation she had been looking at design styles and had a very firm style in mind which which had a strong Art Deco feel.
Here are Melissas Rings before... and Melissa's first design consultation with Richard.

In the design consultation Melissa brought all the jewellery she wanted to reuse and pictures of inspiration and they discussed her options and preferred style. Showing some design styles using our 3D CAD software.
From here, Richard drew up in CAD her ring design

Richard is happy to say he nailed it on the first concept and the ring make was now able to get underway!.
First step was to build the shank (band) and the mount (setting)

Then Jan, our master jeweller carefully set the stones into the setting. The ring was polished and ready to be valued.

We were excited to present this stunning piece to Melissa and when she did come into collect, her response was overwhelming. Nothing beats that initial reaction, its a great reminder why we love what we do!
Melissa's old jewellery that held so much meaning to her now in one fabulous ring that is a real show piece and one she will wear with pride for many years to come.

Melissa's beautiful new ring now has pride of place on her right hand middle finger and looks great on her!

The piece is set in a 9ct white gold rub and grain set pierced rectangular 'art deco style' cluster setting with an octagonal bezel undersetting and grain set double leaf shoulders on each side into a V claw. The setting was assembled onto a 9ct Rose Gold rounded band.
There are three centre brilliant cut diamonds totalling 0.315cts, four brilliant cut diamonds (2 each side) totalling 0.125cts all of G/H colour and SI clarity.
These diamonds are surrounded by 40 smaller diamonds totallying 0.25cts, I/J colour and I1 clarity.
On the shoulders are two marquise cut garnets 0.28cts total.

All in all a unique and beautiful piece!

The team at Richard James have loved designing and creating this special piece for Melissa and what a wonderful and deserving lady she is - we couldn't be happier that we were able to turn Melissa's dreams into a reality.
If you would like to talk to us about remodelling your old jewellery or find out more about our jewellery design process, don't hesitate to get in contact, we offer private consultations at our boutique in Hastings or online.

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