What It Means to Reimagine a Family Heirloom
Do you have inherited jewelry hidden away in a box because it doesn't quite fit your personal style? While some vintage pieces are timeless, others simply feel "old". But your family heirlooms deserve better than being forgotten.
Sometimes an old piece of jewelry is perfect the way it is, and sometimes it is in desperate need of a makeover. Some pieces have a vintage charm or retro style that will always look great. An 1880s Victorian carved cameo brooch or a 1920s Art Deco platinum and emerald ring, for instance, is a piece of history that will never go out of style. But then again, sometimes “old” just means “old.” Not every vintage piece of jewelry has that timeless charm. Some pieces are destined for a museum, while others are destined for the darkest depths of a jewelry box, never to be worn again.
Your family heirlooms deserve better than being forgotten. That old ring you got from your grandmother might not be in the best shape, and it might not fit your style, but it carries a lot of meaning. You could never just sell it or give it away. It wouldn’t be right. If it doesn’t have a vintage or retro vibe you’re in love with and it’s just…old, it’s time to reimagine that old family piece.
When you bring your family heirloom to us, we’ll take care of it and show it the respect it deserves while giving it the makeover it deserves. Our “Reimagined” process is all about bringing a piece of jewelry into the present while honoring its past.
Style Consultation
Before we even touch your jewelry, we want to spend some time getting to know you. The goal is to create something that matches your vibe. Are you bold and edgy? Soft and romantic? Minimalist and sleek? Once we get a sense of who you are and what you’re looking for, we can move onto the next step.
Identifying the Main Event
When you try a new hairstyle or update your wardrobe, you’re not trying to become someone else entirely. You don’t want to lose the essence of what makes you you. You just want to refresh yourself, bring your look up-to-date. Reimagining an heirloom is no different. Together, we will identify the “main event.” What is it that makes the piece special? Once we identify its essential features, we can design around those features, preserving its character while transforming it into something more suited to your own style.
Strengthening the Structure
When we reimagine a piece of jewelry, we update the underlying structure as well as the look of the piece. Precious metals are malleable, which means they are easy to bend. Over time, stress points can wear out, weakening the structure of the piece and making it more susceptible to breakage. Our master jewelers will reinforce areas of heavy wear and make structural improvements that will add decades to the life of the piece.
The prongs that hold gemstones in place are particularly susceptible to damage and wear. Reimaging old jewelry includes re-mounting gemstones in more secure settings that match the style of the new design.
Ready to Write the Next Chapter? Let’s Chat.
A family heirloom documents a chapter in your family history. When you reimagine old jewelry, you write the next chapter, and that old piece you thought you’d never wear becomes a living document of your family’s ongoing story.
When you’re ready to write that next chapter, come chat with us. Our style and design experts will work with you to transform a family heirloom into the piece you always dreamed it could become. Take a look at our bespoke gallery to get an idea of the kinds of pieces we’ve designed for past clients and make an appointment for a style consultation or just drop by. Let’s find your “Main Event” and let our team work their magic.