A Guide to Repurposing Old Jewelry for an Engagement Ring: How an increasingly popular trend is gaining followers amongst jewely enthusiasts seeking to cherish memories.
Jewelry is an important part of many family histories and is often passed down from generation to generation. Many people have strong memories attached to the jewelry their loved ones wore, and when that jewelry is passed down to them, it often can wind up stored away or sitting in a jewelry box.
This is often because while the jewelry is cherished, it speaks more to someone else’s style or another time and doesn’t fit with the style of the new owner. But jewelry is made to be seen.
An increasingly popular trend is repurposing old jewelry. Not only is this a sustainable way to take something old and turn it into something new, it can be a way to marry cherished memories with present styles. And this trend had found its way into engagement rings.
If you have a cherished piece of jewelry that you want to repurpose into an engagement ring, you might not know where to start. We’ve put together a guide to help you navigate the process of repurposing jewelry.
Decide Between Resetting and Repurposing
Maybe you have a diamond ring that’s been passed through your family, but the setting is outdated or simply isn’t to your taste. In this situation, you can simply have the diamond set into a new existing ring, which is a relatively straightforward process.
However, some people want to create an entirely new custom setting. This requires more work and a different skillset, so you want to be sure you find the right designer to work on it.
Find the Right Jewelry Store
Not all jewelry stores revamp old jewelry. Find a store that doesn’t just sell jewelry but offers custom made jewelry and a jewelry repair service, so you know that not only are they experienced with taking jewelry apart, they have the experience to turn it into something new.
Finding a store where the designers are willing to walk you through the process is key. You’re trusting them with family heirlooms and with creating an engagement ring for you, so the last thing you need is for someone to push you into deciding before you’re ready. Ask plenty of questions, and select designers who take the time to thoroughly answer them and understand what you’re looking for.
Come Up with a Design
You can come up with the design before approaching a custom jewelry designer, or you can wait and discuss your options with the designer. At the very least, you should do some research to get a sense of what you want in a ring and then the designer can help you flesh out your ideas to turn your old stone into a brand new ring.
Reusing and repurposing old jewelry is a fantastic way to make a sustainable choice while getting a piece of jewelry that is more in line with your taste. It’s going to be on your finger for a long time, so it’s worth making it into something you’ll love
