How to visualise your heritage jewellery in a remodelled design
- Hannah Baker and Deana Baker
- Mar 25
- 4 min read
Updated: 18 hours ago
Heritage jewellery, also known as heirloom jewellery, is passed down through generations. Each piece holds a story, capturing emotions and memories, often entrusted to sons and daughters to continue its legacy.
These pieces are treasured because they belonged to someone we love. Many clients I speak with have held onto such jewellery for years, but sadly, they never wear it. While it's kept safe and cherished, it often remains tucked away, gathering dust, unworn and unseen.
Processing the idea of reimagining
Keeping precious items in their original form feels instinctive. Their memories are so significant that altering them can feel like losing a connection to the loved one who wore them.
When clients approach me about reimagining, some still aren’t ready to move forward. In those conversations, we take time to explore the story of the jewellery, who it belonged to and why it is meaningful.
From there, we talk about their reasons for considering a remodel. This helps them visualise how a reimagined piece can still honour the original story while becoming something they’ll enjoy every day.
Visualising your reimagined design
The first step in your journey is entrusting a jeweller with your pieces. When deciding who to work with, clients often consider four key things:
The jeweller's signature style
Trust and transparency
Aligning on your vision
Proximity and location
Let’s take a closer look at each.
The jeweller's signature style
You’ll naturally be drawn to a jeweller’s design aesthetic. To get a sense of their work, browse their previous commissions or gallery pieces.
Look for designs that resonate. Ask yourself: What do I love about this piece? How does the maker describe it? These reflections will help you communicate your vision more clearly.
If you were to reimagine your piece with me, you’d find that my style draws from Bauhaus design, a movement (1919–1933) known for its clean lines, simplicity, and functionality.
Some examples of reimagined commissions in my signature style:
My work often favours rounded forms and varied surface finishes, pieces that feel modern yet timeless. Inspired by Bauhaus principles, I consider how jewellery will sit on the body: the fall of a chain, the weight of a pendant, or the comfort of a ring band.
I also use rub-over or flush settings instead of claws. These are secure, minimal, and reduce the chance of snagging, ideal for daily wear.
Trust and transparency
When handing over sentimental jewellery, trust is essential. Look for a jeweller who shares their background, values, and approach. Their website should include an “About” or “Meet the maker” page, offering insight into their experience and philosophy.
One client recently told me she was drawn to how my values, longevity and re-loving what we already have, aligned with her own. That shared outlook helped her feel confident about getting in touch.
Initial conversations are key. I always ask a few questions to understand your jewellery and your ideas. It’s a chance for both of us to see whether we’re the right fit.
It’s also important to check practical details:
Do they have clear terms and conditions?
Are your items insured while in their care?
Do they hallmark their metals?
Do they have client reviews or a gallery of past work?
These factors all contribute to peace of mind when choosing who to work with.
Aligning on your vision
Think about why you want to reimagine your jewellery. Is it to honour a loved one? Mark a milestone? Or simply breathe new life into pieces you no longer wear?
Many clients come to me with a mix of stones, metals, and memories. Some want to incorporate birthstones or design elements that mark anniversaries or key life moments.
Take, for example, a couple who brought me an assortment of family heirloom gold rings and bangles with small stones. Their vision: a practical, minimal bangle for everyday wear. Together, we selected sapphires, diamonds and rubies, known for their durability, and set them in star-shaped flush settings.
The result: a solid gold bangle with 12 star-set stones, made from their original pieces and now worn every day.
The couple’s sentimental jewellery was melted down, the precious stones separated, and the gold recast into a solid bangle — beautifully incorporating the stones in a star setting.
Stories like this show how your sentimental jewellery can be reimagined into something both beautiful and functional. It might begin with a single stone or idea, and evolve into your desired vision, or take an entirely unexpected direction. Either way, it all begins with a conversation to guide you on your journey.
And if your design ideas extend beyond your heirloom pieces, we can always incorporate responsibly sourced or recycled stones and metals to complement the original elements, creating a new heirloom that blends history with your present.
Proximity and location
Some clients prefer to meet face-to-face when entrusting their jewellery. If that’s important to you, working with a local jeweller might be the best fit.
However, many of my clients live further afield. In those cases, we begin with a Zoom call to discuss ideas and build rapport. I’ll talk you through how to measure your size remotely, and your jewellery can be sent via special delivery. You can find more details about my remote commissioning process here.
Ready to reimagine?
By reimagining your cherished jewellery in my signature style, we can create something unique, something that honours the past and fits into your present.
Explore the gallery below for a snapshot of how other clients have reimagined their pieces. Let these designs inspire you to think about what’s possible for your own. Additionally, discover my client stories in more detail via my commissions gallery.
If you’re ready—or even just curious, let’s have a chat. Together, we can create something meaningful, modern, and uniquely yours.
