Remodelling old jewellery

When we remodel a piece of jewellery we look at all the components we have to work with and what can be added to enhance those items. It becomes an exercise in transformation, much like the ugly duckling and the swan.

Michele will sit with you personally and discuss the type of piece you would like that will suit your individual taste and requirements. Once the design is complete to your complete satisfaction Michele will then make the item for you herself to ensure that the goals for the design are fully encapsulated in the finished piece.

The Project:
Carol (long term business proprietor in the Great Lakes) had a ring with a worn sapphire. She also had 2 diamonds of different cut. The remodel firstly required the sapphire be re-faceted to rejuvenate the beautiful colour and life of the stone. An experienced touch was required to make the ring where the two diamonds were cut differently, yet have the ring look balanced and as if they were the same.

What the customer said:
"With such sentimental value and the need of refurbishment to my 70 year old sapphire evident, Michele created a finished piece of jewellery being truly exquisite. This finished product is a reflection on Michele's workmanship skills."

The Project:
KK of Forster had a ring with a large diamond and twelve little diamonds. She wanted to upgrade to a larger centre diamond and two side diamonds of reasonable size. KK's request was a ring with a modern filigree look and fine claw settings.

With the little diamonds left over from the original ring, KK wanted to a stylish but neat pair of earrings with a pendant neckpiece to match.

Using KK's small diamonds, Michele added extra diamonds to create this design from KK's sketches.

What the customer said:
"I have known Michele for several years now and have only kind words for a lovely lady who is a pleasure to deal with. Michele has made many custom pieces of jewellery for me starting with some pearls I had brought back from a trip to French Polynesia. Together we designed a matching set including necklace, earrings and ring. The quality of work is fantastic, it is a joy to wear them. She also created several pieces for family members with other pearls, pendants, stickpins and earrings that were given as gifts much to the family's delight.

The next "big" job was to redesign my engagement ring and to make a matching set with diamond necklace and earrings. Michele happily brought in several diamonds to choose from and patiently went through the arrangement setting with me. Michele would call me in at various stages to check on the progress to make sure I was happy with her work, which I was. The end result is stunning, I get compliments on the ring, necklace and earring set all the time. Actually, I get many compliments every time I wear a piece of Michele's jewellery and I am always happy to tell people where I got them.

What I would like to stress is that Michele is also very fair and never over charges for her work. I am quite happy now to have all of my jewellery custom made at Michele's. You can trust Michele to do the right thing by you.

I highly recommend Michele and all of her friendly staff for any of your future jewellery or watch needs."

The project:
DJ of Forster supplied Michele with 100 grams of 18 carat yellow gold to create a handmade bangle to look similar to a design DJ had found in a book.

The bangle pictured has all the pieces attached except the individual part yet to be added. Note the extra safety catch which is also handmade from an 18ct thread and screw.

What the customer said:
"We are totally amazed at how Michele was able to create this beautifully crafted 18ct gold bangle for me from my old gold. All Michele had to work from was a tiny little picture I had" - Diana & Wayne from Forster