How to Start Redesigning Your Old or Inherited Jewellery
You don’t have to leave your old or inherited jewellery in the drawer. Here’s how to turn it into something deeply meaningful, wearable, and beautiful.
At Legacy, we’ve worked with hundreds of women - and some men - who came to us unsure, anxious, and often overwhelmed. They were holding inherited rings, broken chains, unloved brooches, and vintage jewellery filled with meaning, but worn out, outdated, or simply “not me.”
And time and time again, we’ve helped turn those tangled emotions into pure joy. The moment a client sees their new piece, sparkling with memories but fully theirs, is truly unforgettable.
Redesigning old or inherited jewellery isn’t just a service we offer. It’s our specialism, our passion, and for many, it’s a life-changing experience.
If you're wondering where to start, here are our expert tips, drawn from years of experience and hundreds of heartfelt transformations.
1. Start With What Inspires You
The very first step is to dream.
Allow yourself to imagine the kind of jewellery you’d love to wear every day. Jewellery that feels like you - modern, meaningful, and effortlessly wearable.
Think about:
What jewellery do you admire on others?
What makes you feel confident and beautiful?
What style reflects who you are now?
Whether it’s a vintage aesthetic, bold colour, minimalist elegance or a mix of all three, start collecting inspiration. Pinterest boards, Instagram saves, magazine clippings, or snaps from a jewellery shop window, they all help.
We encourage clients to bring mood boards or image collections to their consultation. Even if you can’t articulate what you love, we can see patterns, and we’ll guide you from there.
2. Get Honest About What You’ll Actually Wear
Inspiration is important, but practicality is essential.
Once you’ve got a feel for what you love, take a step back and ask: Would I really wear this? Would it feel natural and effortless with my wardrobe and lifestyle?
The best jewellery is worn often and loved deeply. We believe jewellery shouldn’t live in a drawer, it should live with you.
That’s why many of our clients opt for pieces that coordinate with their existing jewellery, or redesign something bold and unusual into a simple ring, pendant, or bangle they can wear every day. Jewellery that gets compliments. That reminds them of someone they’ve loved. That makes them feel strong.
3. Be Open to Beautiful Possibilities
Most of our clients are amazed by what’s possible.
That broken ring? It can become a sleek new band.
Three mismatched pieces? They can form one perfect pendant.
A jumble of gold and gemstones? It’s the raw material for your next favourite heirloom.
We don’t just “make do.” We create something exceptional, designed around your story, your taste, and your lifestyle.
At Legacy, we specialise in working with inherited and unworn jewellery. That means we know exactly how to unset fragile stones, work with old gold, and handle every piece with the reverence it deserves. This isn’t an add-on service. It’s what we do, and we do it with skill, empathy and love.
Redesigning Can Be Emotional. And That’s OK
This isn’t just about jewellery.
It’s about Mum. It’s about Grandma. It’s about someone you loved, and maybe lost. It’s about reconnecting with the past and carrying it into your future.
Many women feel guilt about not wearing inherited pieces. Or anxiety about “destroying” the original. Or fear about making the wrong decision.
We understand. We’ve walked this road with hundreds of clients. Sometimes we know when the timing is just not right and we will advise you to wait a while, but more often than not, by the time you’ve picked up the phone or made your appointment, there’s a readiness within you and we promise, once you hold your new piece in your hands, any doubts melt away.
Because this isn’t destruction. It’s transformation.
“My Mum died 17 years ago & her engagement ring has been sitting in my jewellery box ever since....
I stumbled upon the Legacy Jewellery website & it caught my eye on what a unique opportunity this would be to make a new ring for me and for me to pass on as well.
I took the plunge & arranged a call.....My thanks to the whole team at Legacy, they’ve listened to my story, and you can tell they really care about making a piece of unique jewellery just for you.
I took delivery of my new ring & I can’t stop admiring it. I couldn’t have imagined creating such a beautiful piece of jewellery that connects me to Mum.
Thank you so so much!
Love
Jan xx”
Ready to Start? You’re in Safe Hands
Whether you want to explore a design idea, ask questions, or simply talk through what’s possible, we’d be honoured to help.
We’re not here to pressure you. We’re here to guide you.
Book your free Discovery Call with Sarah and let’s talk about how we can create something beautiful, together.