Transforming Old Wedding Rings: Crafting New Treasures

Wedding rings are often imbued with deep sentimental value, but sometimes we outgrow them. If you're looking to breathe new life into an old wedding ring, there are several options to consider. You could remodel the ring to update its design or resize it to fit a different finger, such as a toe. Alternatively, you can repurpose the ring into a different piece of jewellery, such as a necklace, bracelet, or earrings. The diamonds or inlay can be especially valuable for creating new pieces. If you're feeling creative, you can even incorporate the ring into a unique artwork for your home. Another option is to hold on to the ring as a family heirloom, passing it on to future generations as a cherished gift.

Remodel the ring into a new design

Redesigning an old wedding ring into a new design is a great way to repurpose a piece of jewellery that holds sentimental value. Whether you want to preserve the memory of a loved one or mark a new chapter in your life, remodelling your ring can be a meaningful project. Here are some things to consider:

Design

The first step is to decide what type of new jewellery you want to create. Do you want to transform your old wedding ring into a new wedding band, an engagement ring, or a completely different piece of jewellery, such as a necklace or earrings? Think about the style and design you want to achieve. Do you want to incorporate any new elements, such as additional diamonds or gemstones? Consider what elements of the original ring you want to keep, such as the metal type, colour, or gemstones.

Choosing a Jeweller

When choosing a jeweller to help you with the redesign, look for someone who specialises in repurposing or remodelling jewellery. They will be able to guide you through the process and offer suggestions based on your vision. It's important to find someone you trust, as they will be working with your sentimental piece. Ask for recommendations or research online to find a reputable jeweller with experience in ring redesign.

The Process

Once you've found a jeweller, book a consultation to discuss your ideas, timeline, and budget. The jeweller will be able to sketch some designs and provide estimates. They may also need to assess the condition of your ring, especially if it has any damage or missing stones. After you approve the design, the jeweller will create a more detailed plan, which may involve computer-aided design (CAD) to ensure precision. Finally, they will carefully craft your new piece of jewellery, incorporating the elements of your old wedding ring.

Cost

The cost of remodelling a ring will depend on various factors, including the type of ring, the complexity of the design, the materials used, and the labour involved. If you are adding new gemstones or diamonds, this will also increase the cost. Some jewellers may offer a discount if you are using your own metals, as they can offset the cost of the new ring by reusing the existing precious metal.

Remodelling an old wedding ring into a new design allows you to preserve the sentimental value of the ring while creating something that reflects your current style and personality. Whether you want to honour a loved one or mark a new beginning, a redesigned ring can be a beautiful way to transform your old wedding ring into something new and special.

Turn it into a necklace

Turning an old wedding ring into a necklace is a great way to repurpose a piece of jewellery that holds sentimental value. This way, you can keep the memory of a loved one close to your heart. You can either add the ring to a chain or incorporate the gems or diamonds into a pendant setting.

If you opt to use just the gems or diamonds, the first step is to carefully disassemble the ring, preserving all materials for reuse in the new design. The old gold from the mounting can be recycled, and you can receive credit for it. Next, the stones are remounted into the new pendant setting, ensuring they are secure and beautifully displayed. Finally, you can add a chain that complements the style of the pendant. If you want an "elevated, fancy style", a white gold chain could be the solution. On the other hand, a yellow gold chain might be preferable for an "everyday" piece.

You can also add additional accents and gemstones to your new necklace. For example, you could use the metal in part of the chain or setting, depending on the design. Alternatively, you could keep the ring as it is, fill in the centre, add different gemstones and diamonds, and then loop a chain through the centre.

Converting a ring into a necklace is an excellent way to practice sustainability, as repurposed diamonds are an alternative to mined diamonds. It is also a more affordable option than buying a new diamond necklace. The cost of converting a ring to a necklace typically ranges from $100 to over $1,000, depending on factors such as design complexity and the type of metal used.

Create a new piece of jewellery

If you have an old wedding ring that you no longer want to use as a wedding ring, you can repurpose it into an entirely new piece of jewellery.

One option is to remodel the ring to update its design to better fit your current style. This could be a subtle change or a completely new design. You could also add a new gem or diamond to an existing ring to give it a unique look. If you want to create a more modern look, you could add side gemstones to create a three-stone design.

If you want to create a completely new piece of jewellery, you could use the diamonds or inlay from your ring to create a bracelet, either as a strip or a whole piece of the new band. Another option is to turn your ring into a pair of earrings. You could take the ring to a jeweller to have it bisected and turned into two half-moon-shaped earrings.

You could also repurpose your ring into a necklace. If your ring has a particular sentimental value, you could simply add it to a chain. Alternatively, you could add gems or diamonds into a new setting to be worn as a pendant, or use the metal in the chain or setting.

Pass it on as a family heirloom

Passing on an old wedding ring as a family heirloom is a wonderful way to continue your family history into your new marriage. It is also a more budget-friendly choice than purchasing a new ring.

If you want to pass on a wedding ring as an heirloom, the first step is to find out how your partner feels about it. This conversation is especially important if the ring in question is from your family. Your partner may have a family ring of their own that they feel more attached to. It's crucial to have a face-to-face conversation with the relevant family members and ensure that everyone is on board with your plan.

You should also set expectations for any modifications you plan to make to the ring. Your family may be open to alterations, but in some cases, they may consider the ring too sacred to change. It's important to respect their wishes and not make any changes that could ruffle feathers. If resizing or resetting the ring is not an option, consider simply taking the stone out and having it set into a new band.

Before passing on the ring, be sure to have it professionally cleaned, resized if necessary, and appraised. Get all the stones secured and any repairs made. You should also consider insuring the ring, especially if it will be worn daily.

Passing down a wedding ring as a family heirloom allows you to honour your ancestors and form a connection between them and your future family. It is a way to carry on a part of your family's history and enhance the feeling that your new family is part of that tradition and heritage. Even if the ring is not used as a wedding ring by future generations, it can still be cherished and held onto, perhaps to be used for another marriage down the line.

Donate it to someone in need

If your old wedding ring no longer holds any personal significance for you, consider donating it to someone in need. This is a wonderful way to give new life to your ring and make a positive impact on someone else's life.

There are several organisations and charities that accept jewellery donations and put them to good use. For example, Tough Angels' Rings of Hope Project accepts jewellery donations, including wedding rings, to fund projects that empower, protect, and advocate for survivors of rape and violence. They also support education programmes for at-risk street children in South Africa and Kenya. With This Ring is another organisation that accepts wedding ring donations and uses the proceeds to provide clean water and share the gospel of Jesus Christ with people in need, including those in Ghana, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and the homeless in the US.

In addition to these larger organisations, you might also consider donating your ring to a less fortunate couple in your community who cannot afford a wedding ring. Your donation would allow them to symbolise their love and commitment to each other.

Before donating, it is important to research the organisations or charities you are considering to ensure they are reputable and align with your values. It is also a good idea to get your ring valued by a reputable jeweller so that you know its worth. This can also help you decide which organisation to donate to, depending on their specific needs and how they plan to use your donation.

Frequently asked questions