Redesigning your old wedding ring for a brand new design.
There are many reasons why someone would want to re-design their old wedding ring. For sentimental reasons, this is a no-can-do for some people.
Today, we’re encouraging change—helping you to reconsider. Why? Because you can redesign your wedding ring. Furthermore, you can include your original wedding ring for sentimental reasons. You needn’t lose your original ring. It can be transformed into a new design. Same ring—brand new design.
Now set with diamonds, a wedding ring is re-created in a new design
Why would you want to redesign your wedding ring?
You will almost certainly have your own reasons. Here are a few reasons why you might want to re-create your wedding ring.
Excessive wedding ring wear over a long time
Perhaps your wedding ring is badly worn. As a result, sadly, it looks unattractive. You’re so used to it sat on your finger—looking worn—you rarely notice it. You love it, yes, but it’s not pretty. Be honest.
A worn pattern is recreated in a brand new ring
An old-fashioned wedding ring
Owing to fashions, trends and a limited budget, many couples simply choose what’s available at the time. Over the years, some designs become dated. Some people decide that their metal choice is now outdated. Classic styles like the traditional court wedding ring, rarely date, but many patterned designs show recognisable styling linked to certain decades.
Your wedding ring became thin or too narrow
Over time, wedding rings can become thin, or narrow for various reasons. We regularly see very old 9-carat gold wedding rings worn thin over decades of wear. In addition, slim bands, resized, can become thin behind the finger.
What if your wedding ring never fitted?
Another reason to consider redesigning your wedding ring would be an ill-fitting wedding ring. For example, Tiffany & Co. suggest a straight band for their Tiffany Ribbon Ring, however, from experience a dedicated shaped wedding ring is necessary to sit flush alongside the setting. Such a re-design will improve the fit, factoring the original wedding ring metal.
Your wedding ring is broken and perhaps difficult to repair
Maybe you’re not even wearing your wedding ring. It might be damaged or broken, snapped or cracked.
You want to remake your Grandmother’s / Grandfather’s wedding ring
Maybe it’s just not your style. You love the ring. Maybe you cherish the thought of wearing your gran’s original wedding ring. But it does suit you or perhaps it does not fit.
Can the original wedding ring be made into a new design?
Simply put, the answer is yes. The original metal can be melted down and re-used. In addition, original diamonds can be re-set to create a new ring. If there is not enough metal, additional precious metal can be added to your new wedding ring. Provided the purity/type remains the same, this is all possible. Most noteworthy is the separation of your wedding ring metal from all other precious metals in the workshop.
How much does it cost to re-design a wedding ring?
There are some important considerations to remember. If you are considering using an existing ring consider the following points.
Separating your original metal requires a different approach to a regular wedding ring. The process adds approximately £200 to the overall cost. Further costs include any CAD design required, along with additional metal that might be needed to add to your wedding ring. It is always important to get a full quote before you sign off any work.
Don’t choose to use the original metal if you are purely trying to save money
If you are trying to reduce the cost of a new wedding ring, factor your original metal into the cost by way of the scrap value. This will reduce the overall cost. Using the actual metal within your new wedding ring adds cost. Decide which is most important. Many people choose to use the original metal if the ring has enormous sentimental value.
Points to remember if you are re-using your existing wedding ring metal
If you are re-using your Gold or Platinum in a new wedding ring, remember the following points:
Firstly, there is rarely a guarantee that the finished ring will achieve the exact same purity. Much depends on the precious metal itself. The finished ring will be hallmarked at the highest purity achieved when submitted to the Assay Office.
Secondly, in some instances, small amounts of porosity can present themselves in the finished ring. This is due to the quality of the original metal when melted and re-cast into the new ring
Thirdly, there is a good chance that more metal will need to be added to the new ring. Seek a quote with full details before any work commences so that you are prepared and fully informed before making a decision to go ahead with work.
How to ensure that the original metal was actually used?
It is very easy for jewellers to just say that they re-used their client’s original metal. But not very ethical. We suggest that a written statement is included with your final valuation to declare that the original precious metal was used. Final documentation should include a written, signed declaration with further details of the original and new gram weights, purity etc. This details work done and will include confirmation that your original precious metal was used in the new piece of jewellery. Furthermore, most workshops retain a record of progress and materials used throughout your commission.
More help re-designing your wedding ring
If you would like more help re-designing your old wedding ring, please contact us. One of our friendly team will be happy to chat with you and give you more information at any time.
About Mark Johnson
My name is Mark and I'm founder at Serendipity Diamonds. By day you'll find me working in our showroom—in a variety of roles. My work (which I love) ranges from photographing jewellery, to writing blog posts and helping clients with my colleagues Drina, Emily and Debbie.
