We have been doing quite a few Heirloom Redesign projects lately, where we take heirloom jewelry, disassemble the gems and gold and redesign using your materials so you have a piece that is fresh and designed for you. Please read below if you have questions about this process and as always, let us know if you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment. 

Q. What is a typical budget for an heirloom redesign project?

A: Custom jewelry can vary widely based upon design complexity, iterations and chosen materials. The design process includes a base fee of $2,700, metals and gemstones or diamonds are priced in addition to the base fee and based on current market value.

Q: How long will my heirloom redesign project take?

A: You can expect your project to take 6-8 weeks from the time of design approval to delivery. One design review is included with the quoted fee. Additional design revisions will incur additional cost at an hourly rate. 

Q: Can I use my own Gemstones in the redesign?

A: We will happily work with your gemstones or diamonds. Clients should understand there is always a risk of chipping, cracking or scratching when setting stones. Damages can be the result of existing flaws within the stone that are invisible to the eye. We do not take responsibility for client gemstones. 

Q: What is the benefit of using heirloom materials?

A: In most cases the greatest benefit for using heirloom materials is sentimental. It's amazing to look down at a ring or a pendant and strike a memory of your loved ones. The second benefit would be environmental - reusing materials that have already been mined, refined and used in jewelry. The third benefit is cost - using diamonds, gold and gemstones that you already own will of course, bring the total cost of a custom project down.  

Q: What is the cost benefit of using my own materials?

A: This varies greatly depending on what materials you own. The greatest benefit is when we are able to use diamonds you already own. Gold is valued at 80% market rate and varies depending on if you have 10K, 14K, 18K, 20K, etc. In order to get a strong, clean casting we must mix your heirloom gold with refined gold, so your gold will only ever account for up to 50% of the gold weight in your new custom piece. 

Q: Can all of my gold jewelry be utilized in heirloom redesign?

A: Any piece you bring in will have to be inspected. If there is a good amount of solder on the piece we can not use it. It will contaminate the casting and lead to high porosity in the new piece. 

 Q: I have some rings in different metal qualities like 10K, 14K, and 18K can I bring them all?

A: You can bring any materials you have. We would pick the metal you want to work with and you can trade the other qualities towards your project if you like.

Q: I have some yellow gold jewelry, but I want my heirloom redesign in white gold, can I bring what I have?

A: Absolutely, we can trade the value of your metals towards your project. We give 80% of market value. 

Q: What value will I get for my metals in trade?

A: The short answer is 80% of the gold's value. This is the market standard for scrap gold due to stone removal labor, quality of gold with solder in place and cost of refining. 

Q: What is the cash value I could receive for metals in trade?

A: It depends on a few factors including the current price of gold and the quality of your metals. For example, 10K is 36% gold, 14K is 54.5% gold, and 18K is 73% gold. 

Q: How will I know if the gemstones and diamonds I bring in are real?

A: We use a few different processes to determine the type and quality of your gemstones. 

Q. What if I'm not sure the gemstones are in condition to become something new?

A: We will clean and inspect your jewelry and gemstones to determine strength and durability of all materials.

Q: What if my heirloom stones are damaged? 

A: There are times we have removed a gemstone to find there's some damage to it that was hidden by the setting or the structure of the ring. In this case, we always contact you immediately to determine a plan of action. We want your new jewelry to last another lifetime, if we have any doubts about the durability of the materials you want to use in your project we will let you know. 

Q: What's the best way to get started on a custom heirloom redesign?

A: Schedule a design appointment with me at your convenience. I meet with clients in person in our studio and also virtually. 

Q: I don't live in Oklahoma, can I still do an heirloom redesign project with you?

A: Certainly! I've worked with many people on redesign projects who live out of state. After a virtual design consultation and a $1,000 deposit, we will send you a label to ship your materials to our studio with insured, overnight delivery, signature required. The other details mirror our custom jewelry design process. You'll receive a design for approval and we'll mail you a finished product 6-8 weeks following that approval using overnight shipping with signature verification. 

View our Guide to Heirloom Redesign