Bespoke Jewellery & Remodelling: Giving Old Diamonds a New Story

Bespoke jewellery design and jewellery remodelling are some of the most meaningful services we offer at Dainty London Jewellery. From redesigning engagement rings to transforming inherited jewellery into modern heirlooms, remodelling allows you to honour the past while creating something you’ll genuinely love to wear every day.

In this case study, we’ll walk through how we worked with Melissa to remodel her late grandmother’s diamonds into a bespoke necklace and matching ring set. If you’ve ever wondered how to design your own engagement ring, remodel a family heirloom, or commission a bespoke jewellery piece using your own gemstones, this story will give you a clear idea of what’s possible.

Meet Melissa: Inherited Diamonds, Outdated Setting

Melissa came to us with a very special request. She had inherited a cluster ring and a pair of diamond earrings from her late grandmother. The diamonds were beautiful, but the settings felt dated and didn’t suit her personal style. Like many clients searching for “bespoke jewellery London”, “remodelling old jewellery”, or “how to redesign inherited diamonds”, she wanted:

• A modern, wearable design she could enjoy every day

• A way to keep her grandmother’s memory close

• A cohesive set – a bespoke diamond necklace and matching ring

Rather than leaving the pieces in a jewellery box, Melissa decided to invest in bespoke jewellery remodelling.

Step 1: Bespoke Design Consultation

The process began with a one-to-one design consultation. During this stage of any bespoke or remodelling project, we:

• Discuss your ideas, lifestyle, and personal style

• Look at inspiration for bespoke engagement rings, remodelled necklaces, and heirloom redesigns

• Assess the condition and quality of your existing gemstones and metal

Melissa knew she wanted a delicate, coastal-inspired design that felt timeless but not traditional. We talked about how she wears jewellery day to day, what metal colours she preferred, and how prominent she wanted the diamonds to be.

This is also the stage where many clients ask about designing their own engagement ring or remodelled wedding set. Whether you’re starting from scratch or using inherited stones, the bespoke design consultation is where your ideas begin to take shape.

Step 2: Assessing the Inherited Diamonds

For any jewellery remodelling project, especially when using inherited diamonds, we carefully assess:

• Stone sizes and shapes

• Any chips or wear

• How the stones can be re-set safely

Melissa’s grandmother’s diamonds were a mix of round brilliant cuts from the cluster ring and smaller accent stones from the earrings. After cleaning and inspecting them, we confirmed they were perfect for a bespoke diamond pendant and a matching ring.

If you’re considering remodelling your own jewellery, this step is crucial. Not all stones are suitable for every design, so a professional assessment ensures your bespoke piece will be both beautiful and durable.

Step 3: Designing a Bespoke Necklace & Matching Ring Set

With the stones assessed, we moved into the creative part: designing the bespoke jewellery.

The Bespoke Diamond Necklace

Melissa wanted the necklace to be the hero piece – something she could wear for special occasions but also dress down with a simple shirt and jeans. We created a design featuring:

• A central cluster of her largest inherited diamonds

• Organic, sea-worn textures inspired by the Cornish coastline

• A fine recycled gold chain for an elegant, sustainable finish

This bespoke necklace design allowed Melissa to keep the sentiment of her grandmother’s original cluster ring, but in a much more contemporary, wearable form.

The Matching Bespoke Ring

To complement the necklace, we designed a delicate ring using the remaining diamonds. The ring featured:

• A low-profile setting for everyday comfort

• Recycled gold, echoing the necklace

• Subtle granulation details for a tactile, coastal-luxury feel

The result was a modern heirloom ring that sits beautifully alongside Melissa’s existing jewellery, including her engagement ring.

Step 4: From Sketch to Finished Heirloom

Once Melissa approved the final designs, we moved into the making stage. For bespoke and remodelling projects, this typically includes:

1. Creating detailed design sketches or digital renders

2. Handcrafting the settings in recycled silver, gold, or platinum

3. Carefully setting each inherited diamond by hand

4. Polishing and finishing to our usual fine jewellery standard

Throughout the process, we kept Melissa updated with photos and videos from the workshop so she could see her grandmother’s jewellery being transformed.

Why Choose Remodelling Over Buying New?

Many clients search for “design your own engagement ring” or “bespoke diamond ring UK” because they want something unique. Remodelling inherited jewellery takes that a step further by combining:

• Sentimental value – keeping a loved one’s stones close

• Sustainability – reusing existing diamonds and metal

• Personal style – creating a design that feels like you

Whether you’re redesigning an engagement ring, turning an old wedding set into a new right-hand ring, or creating a bespoke necklace from inherited gemstones, jewellery remodelling is an ethical and emotional way to refresh your collection.

Designing Your Own Engagement Ring or Heirloom Piece

If Melissa’s story has inspired you, you might be wondering how to start designing your own engagement ring or bespoke heirloom. Here are some ideas:

• Redesign an existing engagement ring using your original diamond in a new setting

• Create a bespoke wedding band to sit perfectly alongside your current ring

• Transform a family heirloom – like Melissa’s grandmother’s ring – into a modern necklace, bracelet, or earring set

• Combine multiple pieces of inherited jewellery into one statement piece you’ll cherish

Bespoke jewellery design is ideal if you:

• Can’t find your dream engagement ring on the high street

• Want a unique, custom engagement ring that reflects your story

• Have inherited diamonds or gemstones you’d love to wear again

Ready to Start Your Own Bespoke Remodelling Journey?

At Dainty London Jewellery, we specialise in bespoke jewellery design, engagement ring remodelling, and transforming inherited diamonds into modern heirlooms. From initial consultation to final polish, every piece is designed and made with care in our UK workshops using recycled precious metals and ethically sourced stones.

If you’d like to explore a bespoke engagement ring, remodel an old family heirloom, or design a custom necklace and ring set like Melissa’s, you can get in touch to start your own remodelling journey.

Your story, your stones, your design – brought to life in a piece of jewellery you’ll treasure for generations.