Chapter XVII
Heirlooms, 5 minute read
Remaking a family piece in gold
Family gold carries more than its weight. Here is how we remake heirlooms while keeping what matters.
3 October 2026
Start with what cannot be replaced
Stones can usually be reset. Engraving, hallmarks and handmade details often cannot be kept once metal is melted. We photograph everything before we begin.
Test the gold
Older family gold is often 21 or 22 carat, softer than the 18 carat we use for rings. We can alloy it to make it strong enough, or keep it pure for a pendant.
Share it fairly
When gold is shared between siblings, we weigh it in front of the family and give each person a written note of what went into their piece.
Keep a piece of the original
Many clients keep the clasp, a link or the old setting, framed with the drawings of the new piece.
Ask about cost honestly
Remaking uses your metal, so the cost is mostly labour and any new stones. We quote in writing before any metal is melted.