What precious metals do you work with?

I work with high carat, hallmarked gold - 18ct, 22ct & 24ct and platinum. You can check the hallmarks on your jewellery to see what you have (you may need a magnifying glass) Hallmarking has been a legal requirement in the UK for over 700 years, so if your pieces don't have visible hallmarks they may have been made outside the UK. Unmarked jewellery can still be used, but would need to be sent away for independent analysis before transforming them into a new piece

Do you work with 9ct, 14ct gold and silver?

No. This is because silver is not cost effective to recycle in my studio, and lower carat golds have other metals in the alloy that make them more difficult to work with. You can use the scrap value of any 9ct and 14ct carat items as 'cash value' towards the cost of having your bespoke piece made

What gemstones can you work with?

I work with most gemstones that might be in your treasure chest - diamonds, sapphires, rubies, aquamarine or emeralds make for timeless, hard wearing pieces whilst opals, pearls and amethyst would be more suitable for occasional wear. I am happy to guide you on what's possible with your raw materials, and how we can make the most of the jewellery you have

I am extremely careful in handling, documenting and storing all the gemstones I remove from your jewellery, but it's important to acknowledge that even with the utmost care, stones can be fragile, and occasionally chip or break as the pieces are taken apart. Thankfully, this happens very rarely, but all clients must accept this element of risk and responsibility as an inevitable part of working with old, worn, fragile pieces

Is transforming old, precious material cost effective?

Yes, for many reasons

Selling old jewellery to a dealer or auction house can be difficult, and typically achieves a fraction of the material value (unless you have something rare and collectable - in which case make sure you have it professionally valued first)

The cost of buying new precious metals, diamonds and gemstones is high. It's very common that clients find themselves in a situation where they could not afford to replace the quality of raw materials they have inherited

The time involved in taking old jewellery apart, melting it down, removing diamonds and carefully cleaning stones is more cost effective for my clients than creating a bespoke jewel from newly purchased raw materials - especially when we are using larger gemstones. Your finished, handmade jewellery will almost certainly be worth many times what you have paid me to make it

Can you make something out of this old thing?

It's a misconception that you need to have a treasure trove of spectacular jewels to create something beautiful. Sometimes clients do come in with incredible diamonds, or heavy golden clasps from 1800s India - but invariably I'm transforming old engagement rings, broken necklaces, tangled chains, old misshapen wedding bands, the odd 18ct earring at the bottom of the box, a solid gold watch strap or lots of small, fairly unremarkable precious stones into a vibrant new chapter of being worn and enjoyed. Transforming old treasure is incredibly rewarding precisely because I can create something with real impact from a handful of precious bits and bobs

How will I know it's the right time to take my jewellery apart?

Heirloom jewellery can feel untouchable and sacred - we might wonder if it's really 'ours' or if we have the 'right' to take it apart. I've heard people say that inheriting
precious jewellery can feel like a burden - they worry about insuring it, don't wear it because it isn't their style, but also can't bear to sell it because of the sentimental attachment. So it stays in a box, gathering dust and guilt, to be looked at every few years with a sigh

Transforming treasured jewellery can bring a rich layer of purpose, attachment, individuality and connection to our lives. It can also be complex and challenging, unearthing tender emotions, memories and a range of different experiences - grief, joy, sadness and celebration. I'm here for it all - and we take as much time as you need to reach a decision that feels right for you. Some people have had their jewels in a box for decades before they come to me, some people make quick decisions, others commission a bespoke design and come back to me several years later to make the jewellery for a special birthday or event that has come along in the meantime. Your story is personal and so is your jewellery. Each piece is a privilege

Is my old, unworn & heirloom jewellery insured with you?

All heirloom jewellery left in my care during the commissioning process is kept in a locked safe and insured as an 'item in trust' for its material replacement value. For example, in the event of loss, a 10gm 18ct gold bracelet would be valued at that days 18ct gold fix to replace the raw bullion (Not the retail replacement value of the bracelet)

Please note that I don't offer a formal valuation service of your jewellery, or claim to know precisely how much your heirloom jewellery is worth. If you know you have particularly valuable pieces, or want to be covered for retail replacement values then you must ensure your jewels are professionally valued and covered under your own insurance policy while they are in my care. In such cases I require written paperwork to this effect