A Timeless Transformation: A Recent Custom Engagement Ring Remodel

At Morgan & Co, half of our days are spent with remodelling old and pre loved jewellery, so it was particularly exciting when a client approached us to remodel his wife's engagement ring recently, which he had purchased for her years ago. The original ring, featuring a beautiful oval sapphire and clusters of diamonds, offered a wide range of design possibilities, making the process both creative and rewarding.

View our before and after work remodel work here.

Our Client's Journey

Our client's ring was originally purchased years ago when the couple were just starting out, and it was a significant investment for the husband at the time. Now, years later, having achieved greater success, our client planned to remodel the ring into something that reflects both their accomplishments and his enduring love for his wife.

Our client, who has an incredible creative eye himself, had some ideas and specific elements in mind for the ring but was unsure how to navigate the design process. While he was uncertain about the design for the top of the ring, he was certain that he wanted the band to incorporate elements inspired by the Eiffel Tower, which holds special sentimental value for both him and his wife.

At Morgan Co, our remodelling design process consists of several appointments. The first appointment is dedicated to understanding the significance of the original ring to the client and exploring their vision for the redesign.

Laura, Morgan Co's leading remodel designer, dedicated hours to researching and sketching the initial concepts after her first consultation with our client. All the stones in the original ring were measured and documented, the client was excited to add additional sapphires to enhance the ring’s overall luxurious appearance.

During our second consultation, the sketches were presented to the client, giving him the opportunity to explore additional design possibilities if desired. Ultimately, the client chose a design concept that aligned with his vision and style. After making some adjustments to the drawing, he felt confident in letting Laura refine the ideas further and move forward with creating a CAD (Computer-Aided Design) model.

 

Image: CAD design Example

A CAD for an engagement ring is a detailed 3D digital model that showcases the exact design of the ring from various angles. It includes precise measurements, the shape and placement of stones, the structure of the setting, and intricate design details. The CAD allows clients and designers to visualise the ring before it's crafted, giving a clear view of how each element—whether it’s the prongs, band, or any decorative details—will look in real life. This process ensures accuracy and allows for adjustments before the actual creation of the ring begins.

In our third consultation, our client had the opportunity to review the CAD model of the remodelling concept. Laura took as much time as needed to discuss the measurements, including the ring's width and depth, how it would sit on the finger, and any changes the client wanted to make, all of which were carefully noted.

There’s no limit to the number of consultations we offer our clients—our goal is to bring their vision to life and ensuring they are 100% comfortable with their ring design and our process. With years of experience in design and redesign, we excel at understanding and refining what the client truly wants. Ensuring their desires are clearly communicated and not lost in translation is of utmost importance to us.

Our final consultation is where we officially approve the design. At this stage, the client is completely confident that the design is perfect, both in terms of aesthetics and structure. We carefully review the final adjustments to the CAD and ask the client to give their approval, allowing us to move forward with production, how exciting.

For this design, we carefully sourced small sapphires that perfectly matched the colour tone of the client’s original stone. We took great care in selecting stones that are precisely calibrated, ensuring that once set, they appear uniform and flawless with no inconsistencies.

Laura, our in-house remodelling design expert, has a true passion for these projects. She thrives on the challenge of reimagining a piece while preserving its sentimental value. If you have an old or cherished piece of jewellery you'd love to revitalise, book your complimentary consultation with Laura here.

Frequently Asked Questions About Remodelling Old Jewellery

Can I use the original stones in the remodelled design?

Absolutely! We can repurpose the original stones, whether they’re diamonds, sapphires, or other gemstones, seamlessly incorporating them into the new design. This way, you can maintain the sentimental value while refreshing the piece with a modern touch.

How long does the jewellery remodelling process take?

The timeline depends on the complexity of the design and the availability of materials. On average, the process takes anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months. After the initial consultation and design review, we’ll provide a more precise time estimate.

Can I add new stones or metals to the existing piece?

Absolutely. We can source new gemstones or metals to enhance the design. Whether you want to add diamonds for extra sparkle or change the metal to match your current style, we can make those adjustments.

Is it possible to redesign an inherited or vintage piece?

Yes, many clients choose to remodel inherited or vintage jewellery. We can modernise the design while still maintaining the sentimental value, breathing new life into family heirlooms.

Will I be able to see a preview of the new design before it’s made?

Yes, we create a detailed CAD model of the new design before we begin production. This allows you to visualise the final piece and make any necessary changes before we proceed.

How much does jewellery remodelling cost?

The cost depends on the complexity of the redesign, the materials used, and any new gemstones or metals added. We’ll provide a detailed quote after discussing your vision and creating an initial design.

Can all types of jewellery be remodelled?

Most types of jewellery can be remodelled, including rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. However, the feasibility depends on the condition and structure of the original piece. During our consultation, we’ll assess whether the piece is suitable for remodelling.

Will remodelling damage the original stones or metal?

No, we take great care in handling the original materials. We use precision techniques to reset stones and reshape metal without causing damage. Before pulling apart the piece we examine the stones to make sure that they are not damaged. We provide a comprehensive report on the stones, if the stones are fragile we can then recommend to our clients the best course of action. 

Can I be involved in the design process?

Definitely! We encourage collaboration throughout the remodelling process. From the initial concept to final approval, your input is key in creating a design that reflects your vision. We enjoy getting to know our clients so we can create the perfect piece that reflects their personality and lifestyle. 

How do I start the remodelling process?

The first step is scheduling a consultation where we’ll discuss your goals, review the existing piece, and explore design options. From there, we’ll move on to sketches, CAD models, and final approval before starting production.

What if I’m not sure what I want the redesign to look like?

That’s perfectly okay, we will guide you through the process, offering suggestions and presenting different design options based on your preferences and the original piece.

Can you remodel jewellery with missing stones?

Yes, we can replace missing stones by sourcing gems that match the original piece or enhance the design with new gemstones. We are qualified as diamond and gem buyers so know what we are looking for.