Have you ever wondered what to do with your old jewelry that got gathered over time? If it’s still there, unworn, and unless you’re routinely gazing at it, it’s probably not as much fun for you as it could be.
There are several possibilities for vintage jewels that are collecting dust at home in a drawer, to turn into something new and unique.
You have, essentially, three choices:
- Sell it
- Renovate/ Remodel it
- Place it back in the jewelry box to continue gathering dust for a few more years.
Remodeling is a terrific answer to your concerns about outdated jewelry. If you are still sitting on the fence regarding the decision to remodel, read on to find out what exactly goes in the process, and how much it costs.
Updating Your Old Jewelry
A piece of jewelry that we have inherited from family or a close friend always holds a great deal of sentimental importance. Remodeling can help you in this situation because it allows you to slightly change the item to fit your style while yet keeping its sentimental worth.
People also redesign jewelry that they have had for a while and want to update and modernize. They may favor a certain new metal kind, or there may be a new style or setting that has gained more traction recently.
How Much Does Remodeling Your Old Jewelry Cost?
Let’s get straight to the point: how much does remodeling jewelry actually cost? Although it is impossible to provide you with an exact price because eachwork is unique, we can provide you with general guidelines and pricing information.
The lowest price you should anticipate paying for a ring rebuild is approximately $650 for 18 carat gold and $850 for platinum. This would be for the simple resetting of a single diamond into a brand-new ring mount in an alternative design. If you have some scrap gold left after the new project, you may be rewarded back some amount.
On the flip side, you might want to add gold to a ring to make it thicker. You can read about the cost and some important considerations in my dedicated article “Can You Add Gold to a Ring to Make it Thicker?“
Since less metal is used to construct earrings and pendants, they are less expensive to remake. Depending on the complexity, type, and weight of metal required, the majority of bespoke works involving newly built custom mounts would cost $500 and upwards.
As more of the goldsmith’s time is needed, the charges climb; design work as well as actual craftsmanship will be billed by the hour. A competent goldsmith can provide you with advice on how to achieve your goals, including how to minimize costs if that is your top concern.
Although customized services have a hefty price tag, it is important to keep in mind that you will receive something that is:
· Particularly personalized
· Fits your needs
· Worth at least as much as the original piece (and probably more).
The Process- How It’s Done?
The rings are heated in a crucible to a temperature of roughly 1100 degrees Celsius, where the gold starts to melt. At this stage, the gold is molten and streaming as a single mass.
The gold can now be poured into a casting mold to make an ingot because it is molten. After that, it is given time to cool. Now the goldsmiths can start making the new rings.
The gold ingot is subsequently transformed into a wire by passing it through a series of rolling mills with progressively smaller gauges.
The wire must be heated until it is red hot every few passes, then allowed to slowly cool. The metal is prevented from becoming too brittle to handle by the annealing process.
Hints and Tips for Remodeling Jewelry
If you’re thinking of remodeling your current jewelry, consider the following:
1) If your existing jewelry is made of white gold, it may be simpler and less expensive to utilize fresh gold. The reason for this is that as the white gold is melted down and reused, the alloy changes its color.
2) There is always a potential of breaking a gemstone, and some are riskier to work with than others. Opals, for example, react negatively to heat and emeralds can be fragile.
3) Get as many examples of the final product as you can; this will help the goldsmith understand your vision.
4) Understand that crafting your own jewelry is not always less expensive than buying new.
Last Thoughts- Should You Go for Remodeling an Old Ring?
In conclusion, the expense is the biggest obstacle to having existing jewelry redone. Remodeling is definitely recommended by me, if you think the expense is worthwhile to get that unique piece of jewelry or personal relic.
The cost of bespoke commissions is high, but the fact that you own the original object or gems frequently helps to mitigate some of that expense. There are a lot of elements to take into account, but the good news is that you can usually manage the price and have something made according to your budget.
Check out these rings-related articles for you:
- Can a Platinum Ring Bend? Here’s Why and What You Should Do?
- Can You Add Gold to a Ring to Make it Thicker?
- Cost of Platinum Plating- And Everything You Need to Know
- Stone Looks Different After Resizing- Here’s Why and What To Do
- Ring Looks Different After Resizing- Here’s Why and What To Do
- Blue Nile Vs. Kay Jewelers: A Comprehensive Comparison