Is remodelling jewellery worth it, or would you be better off buying something new? It depends on what you already own, but for many people the answer is yes, and not just for sentimental reasons. When you remodel, you reuse the gemstones and gold you already have, so you pay mainly for design and craftsmanship rather than for materials and retail margins. This guide compares remodelling vs buying new jewellery honestly, including when remodelling is not the cheaper route.
What you pay for when you buy new
A retail ring price usually bundles together:
the gemstones
the precious metal
the manufacturing
the brand, marketing and shop overheads
the retailer's profit margin
You are paying for all of it, even though the only parts you will actually wear are the gemstones and the metal.
What you pay for when you remodel
When you remodel with Legacy, you already own the most expensive ingredients. The cost covers:
bespoke design and an online design presentation
unsetting and setting your gemstones
the skilled making of the piece
independent hallmarking
an insurance valuation
a lifetime manufacturing warranty
Our indicative prices, all including VAT, start from £1,400 for rings, £800 for pendants and £700 for earrings. You can see more on the pricing page.
Remodelling vs buying new jewellery: a comparison
| Feature | Remodelling | Buying new |
|---|---|---|
| Gemstones | Your own, already owned | Bought at retail price |
| Gold or platinum | Your sentimental gold can be reused; unused metal can offset the price | Bought new |
| Design | Fully bespoke | Choose from a collection |
| Sentimental value | Preserves the original story | None until you create it |
| Paperwork | Hallmark, valuation and lifetime guarantee | Varies by retailer |
| Best for | People who already own gemstones or gold | People with no existing jewellery to reuse |
When remodelling is usually cheaper
Remodelling tends to win when:
you own good-quality diamonds or coloured gemstones, because gemstones are often the largest cost in a new piece
you have several pieces of gold that can be reused or offset
you want something unique rather than a catalogue design
you would otherwise buy a custom ring and pay for gemstones as well
A quick way to see it: if a retailer would charge you for a diamond, and you already own that diamond, remodelling means you do not pay for it twice.
When it may not be the cheaper option
It is important to be honest about this. Remodelling may not save you money when:
your gemstones are very small, low-value or damaged
you want a much larger gemstone than you currently own
you have very little gold and do not plan to reuse it
you want a very elaborate design that requires a lot of hand-setting and/or individual casting or handmaking.
In those cases, the case for remodelling is more about meaning than money. Sarah will tell you honestly if a plan is unlikely to be good value, and there is never any pressure to proceed.
Does remodelling devalue jewellery?
This is one of the most common worries, and the answer depends on the piece.
Usually, no. Diamonds and coloured gemstones keep their value when they are carefully unset and reset, and gold keeps its value whatever shape it is in, because it is valued by weight and purity.
Sometimes, yes. Remodelling can reduce value in specific cases:
Antique or period pieces valued for their age and design (for example Victorian or Art Deco jewellery)
Signed designer jewellery where the maker's name carries a premium
Rare or exceptional gemstones where the original setting is documented
If you think a piece may be collectable, get it valued before you decide. Reputable jewellers will say so honestly if remodelling could cost you value, and you can choose to keep the piece intact.
It is also worth remembering that almost all jewellery sells for less than its retail price, whether it is old or new. Remodelling is rarely about resale. It is about turning unworn jewellery into something worth wearing.
The value you cannot put a price on
A drawer of unworn jewellery has no day-to-day value to you, however much it is worth on paper. Many of our clients tell us that wearing their mother's or grandmother's gemstones every day is worth far more than keeping them hidden. You can read their stories on our testimonials page.
How to decide if remodelling is worth it
List what you own. Note gemstones, metals and anything unworn.
Get a clear sense of value. An honest assessment will show what is reusable.
Set a budget. Know the ceiling before design starts.
Ask about offsetting. Find out what your unused gold is worth.
Check for collectable value. Make sure remodelling will not cost you something irreplaceable.
Find out what your jewellery could become
The best way to know whether remodelling is worth it for you is to talk it through. Book your free Discovery Call with Sarah, a relaxed 30-minute conversation with no pressure and no obligation.
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Often, when you already own good gemstones and gold, because you avoid paying for materials a second time. It is not always cheaper if your gemstones are very small or you want a much larger gemstone.
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Gemstones and gold generally keep their value, but antique, designer or collectable pieces can lose value if altered. Get a valuation first if unsure.
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Yes, provided they are in good condition. They will be checked before reuse and any unused gemstones returned or credited.
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Your Discovery Call is free and you are not committed until you pay a deposit.
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Yes. Every Legacy piece is supplied with an insurance valuation and a lifetime manufacturing guarantee.
