JEWELRY REDESIGN STORY #85: From Sentimental to Modern Ring
THE REDESIGN CHALLENGE:
Alison came to us with two wedding bands—her engagement ring and wedding band—both deeply sentimental pieces. However, they were too large and could not be resized, so she had purchased a new band. Her intention was to repurpose the original rings using only the existing materials, adding or removing nothing if possible. Alison wanted her new ring to be modern and contemporary and easy to wear daily. And she had the perfect design in mind.
THE REDESIGN CONCEPT:
Sketches
She also had a clear vision for the new design. Together, we decided to melt down her original rings and recast them into a new piece. During our design consultation, I explained that while we would use her existing gold, we might need to add a small amount if it wasn’t sufficient for the new design. In the end, we added a minimal amount of gold at casting, and it worked out perfectly.
Alison envisioned a ring that felt modern, contemporary, and easy to wear daily. She had a strong idea of the design—a sculptural “X” ring—but comfort was very important to her. To ensure the right balance, I presented three width options, and she selected the medium width at 11mm, which turned out to be the perfect choice.
THE REDESIGN PROCESS:
Rhino modeling
Once we finalized the design, I developed the ring in Rhino CAD. The concept featured a clean contrast: one side set with pavé diamonds and the other in polished metal. This balance beautifully captured the modern simplicity she was drawn to.
Casting
We then moved into casting. The initial result was promising, and once the diamonds were set and the ring was fully finished, everything came together seamlessly. The final piece was both refined and striking.
THE REDESIGN REVEAL:
Redesign images
After receiving the ring, Alison sent a heartfelt message:
“Hi Seohee!! The ring was safely delivered and it is absolutely PERFECT! I could not have imagined a better outcome. I am so, so happy—thank you again for everything. This is truly so meaningful!”
This is exactly why we love creating one-of-a-kind, reinvented custom jewelry. It allows us to honor our clients’ stories, transform meaningful pieces, and create something truly personal that they can carry with them every day.
Material: (16) round diamonds in cut-down setting on shank in 14k rose gold.
Manufacturing level: Medium
Design level: Medium
Are you looking to transform something sentimental from the past into a modern piece? Let’s get started here.
