Can Old or Inherited Jewellery Be Redesigned Into Something New?
October 20, 2026
Yes. A goldsmith can reuse the gold and gemstones from an old or inherited piece to make a new one, such as turning a Victorian ring into a modern pendant.
Most redesigns take about 3 to 6 weeks, and the cost is often lower than a brand-new custom piece because you are supplying the materials.
Think of it as giving something you already love a second act.
What kinds of jewellery can be redesigned?
Inherited rings that don't fit your hand or your style, earrings from a relative you adored but wouldn't wear yourself, a necklace that was never quite you, broken chains and unworn gold all work beautifully.
We have taken old rings and rebuilt them into modern pendants, and melted down mismatched gold and cast it into a piece a client now wears every day. You can check more of our work here.
Do I keep my original gemstones?
Absolutely. Your stones, and your metal too if you wish, go into the new piece. What changes is the setting, the shape or the structure, so everything that matters to you stays right where it is.
Any gold you don't need can be sold on its own. We buy unworn and unwanted gold jewellery at its gold value. See how gold buying works.
How does a jewellery redesign work, step by step?
At Jose & Co, our process usually looks like this:
- The conversation: You bring the piece in, we take a look, and we talk about what it means to you and what you want it to become.
- The sketch: We draw the new design based on your ideas. With our experience, we bridge the gap between what you imagined and the finished piece.
- The making: Then the piece is made by hand here, in our studio.
How much does a jewellery redesign cost in Canada?
There is no flat price. A redesign is priced by the metal, the stones and the labour involved. At some studios, a design fee of about CAD 150 to 350 comes before the work begins.
Custom gold pieces commonly start around CAD 1,500, and many land between CAD 2,000 and 3,500. Because you supply the stones and metal, a redesign usually costs less than a comparable brand-new piece.
How long does a jewellery redesign take?
Most take about 3 to 6 weeks from first consultation to finished piece, and up to 8 weeks for complex work.
Hard-to-find stones or several rounds of changes add time. If you have a date in mind, such as a birthday or proposal, let us know, and we’ll find a way to help you!
Where can I get old jewellery redesigned in South Surrey?
If you live in South Surrey, White Rock or anywhere around Surrey, British Columbia, we’d love to meet you and hear about the piece you have in mind. Come by the store during opening hours, or book a consultation, we’re more than happy to walk you through the redesigning process.
We also offer:
Our studio is at Suite 3 & 4, 1920 152nd Street, South Surrey, BC. We’re open Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 5pm and Saturday from 10am to 4pm, and you can reach us at 604.541.1593.
Frequently asked questions
Can I turn an old ring into a pendant?
Yes. Your stones and metal can be reused in a new setting, such as a pendant, a different ring or a pair of earrings.
Is a redesign worth it compared with buying new?
If the piece has meaning, a redesign keeps the meaning and changes everything else. If the old piece is simply unwanted and has no stones you love, selling the gold may be the better choice. We're happy to help you work out which is which.
How long does jewellery redesign take?
About 3 to 6 weeks from first consultation to finished piece, and up to 8 weeks for complex designs.
Can old gold be melted down into a new piece?
Yes. Mismatched or unworn gold can be melted and cast into something new.
Have a stone, an idea, or a piece waiting for its next chapter? Book a consultation with us! We'd love to hear its story.
Or if you'd like to know more about what we do, visit our custom designs page or our jewellery redesign service.