10 Things You Always Wanted to Know About Remodelling Jewellery

FEBRUARY 7, 2018

1. What can be used for remodelling?

Our customers are often surprised by how much jewellery they have at home that can be used for remodelling! Gold from jewellery that you no longer wear or that is broken can be melted down to make something beautiful and contemporary. We can also work with your old diamonds and other gemstones. Once we’ve had a chance to have a look at what you have, we’ll be able to talk through different options and possibilities with you.

2. Is it worth doing?

You may not know whether what you have is worth the time and money of a remodelling job. This isn’t a problem – we will be able to assess your jewellery (by eye and by testing, where necessary) when you bring it into us. We’ll be able to separate the good from the bad relatively quickly so that you have a feeling for what’s worth working with. We will also be able to tell you if it would be more cost effective to buy a new piece or to make something with what you have. And, of course, only you can decide the sentimental value of your jewellery.

3. Why should I do it?

Remodelling can make sense from many points of view:

Environmental – where possible we melt and recycle your old gold. Which metals do, and don’t, lend themselves to remodelling can be seen in more detail here.
Sentimental reasons – you may have been given, or inherited, a dated piece of jewellery that you don’t particularly like, but that has special meaning for you. What would be more enjoyable than being able to wear it, refashioned into a contemporary piece that you love?
Therapeutic aspect – there’s nothing like spring cleaning your jewellery box! You may have more jewellery than you actually regularly wear. It’s better to have a couple of good pieces rather than lots of bits that are not maximised or enjoyed.
Economic point of view – on many occasions it is more economic to remodel old jewellery than purchase a brand new piece. We assess each individual customer on a case-by-case basis to confirm whether remodelling is the most logical route to take.

4. What on earth do I want? I’m not sure where to start…..

That’s why we’re here! Through our conversation with you, and looking at sketches and images of jewellery, we’ll be able to establish what piece of contemporary jewellery you would like to have and enjoy – there’s no point in having something made unless you’re going to wear it!

5. Where do I go? And where is the work done? I’d love to have a feeling for what happens where….

That is completely understandable. When you come into our shop in the Westbury Mall you will meet one of us. We are a team of five goldsmiths and we are all equally qualified to go through your options with you.

When you’re in the shop, you’ll be able to see our in-house workshop. This is where all the remodelling work is carried out.

6. Who does the work?

Stonechat Jewellers is a refreshing alternative to high street jewellery shops, and we have been successfully remodelling jewellery in the Westbury Mall, Dublin 2, for over 5 years. We are a team of 5 goldsmiths, and any one of us can go through ideas and details with you. Jemma, who has been with us since the early days, looks after all our remodelling projects.

7. What is actually involved in remodelling? I’d like to have a grasp of the process…

That is very reasonable, especially as there’s quite a lot involved! As a result, we’ve broken it down into steps for you here.

8. Do you have any examples of pieces you have remodelled?

Yes – we take photos of many of the remodelling projects that we do, a selection of which can be seen here. We have covered some of our favourite remodelling projects on our ‘Customer Stories’ page. You can also see feedback from previous happy customers here.

9. Do I have to decide straight away?

Not at all – take your time! Remodelling is very personal, and can be quite emotional. You should only start the process when you’re ready and we understand that you may need time to think ideas and designs over. That said, if projects are left for too long, it becomes easy to forget the details that have been discussed, so it is a good idea to gently keep things moving.

From when everything is confirmed and a 20% deposit paid, the lead time is generally 5-6 weeks.

10. How much does remodelling cost?

This is a big and important question! The cost of remodelling varies hugely – you could be talking €250 or €2,500 depending on what is involved. We always try to work within a customer’s budget. You can see more information here. The best thing to do is to come in and talk to us, and let us work out a quote for you.

Check out our video with Ann and Jemma that gives some more insight into the remodelling process!

We hope these 10 points answer some of your initial questions and spur you on to pop into us with your old jewellery. Coming into the shop is the biggest step – once that first step has been taken, you will have set the ball rolling into the wonderful world of remodelling!

For further information see www.stonechatjewellers.ie, call us on 01 671 01 03, email us at shop@stonechatjewellers.ie or, best scenario of all, pop into us at 3-4 Westbury Mall, Dublin 2.

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