Jewelry Redesign Story #29: Old Gold for New Family Jewels

THE REDESIGN CHALLENGE:

Parme is a new mother and, like all mothers, she wants to carry her children with her wherever she goes. In order to celebrate her children (including her second daughter who is on the way), Parme decided to go through her drawers and found a stock of unworn gold chains that she could finally find a purpose for -- redesigning them into medallion necklaces for herself and her daughters. Parme also wanted to create a daily wear gold cuff, something she had always wanted, that would also be a great push gift after the birth of her second daughter. 

For the medallions, we knew that we wanted to create three charms that could be worn together or separately. One of the medallions would have the names of both of Parme’s daughters that she herself would keep. The other two would each have one of her daughters’ names on them that she planned to give to them when they come of age. 

For the custom cuff, Parme was certain that she wanted something eclectic yet minimalist, perfect for her style as well as her new post-second-baby lifestyle.

THE REDESIGN PROCESS:

Medallions sketches

We offered Parme a couple of different sketches for the medallions with some different size and shape options. Parme had also decided that she wanted a gemstone on their medallions so we offered some designs with different placements of a gemstone. 

Parme chose an irregular but larger shape for her own medallion which had the names of both of her daughters and her own lapis bead from her old chains while each of her daughter’s medallions were smaller with their own names engraved on them with a gemstone.

3D CAD model and casting

For Parme’s cuff, we experimented with different widths and weights. Parme decided she wanted something more substantial so she chose a bit of a wider band and with a heavier weight.

THE REDESIGN REVEAL:

Parme loves her new custom-made medallions and can’t wait to be able to share this special something with her daughters. She knows it will bring them closer in the many years to come. 

Parme also loves the modern look of her new everyday cuff. However, the cuff isn’t finished yet! Once Parme’s second daughter is born she’ll bring the cuff back to us so we can engrave her daughter's birth date into the cuff. 

Final Medallions and Cuff

Materials: First Medallion: 18k yellow gold with lapis bead. Second Medallion:18k yellow gold with sapphire in a bezel setting. Third Medallion: 18k yellow gold with emerald in a prong setting. Cuff: 18k yellow gold. 

Manufacturing Level: Medium

Design Level: Medium (medallions); Basic (cuff) 

Ready to turn your gold into some golden new jewelry for your whole family? Get started here.