Different Ways to Use Heirloom Diamonds
Inheriting jewelry can be incredibly special, especially when it’s been passed down from generation to generation. Thinking about the memories and sentiment that it holds is what makes it so unique. However, heirloom jewelry, no matter how special, can often present some challenges. What if the piece is in bad condition? What if stones are missing or the metal is damaged? What if it’s not your style or outdated? What if you just don’t like jewelry all that much? If you’re lucky enough to inherit heirloom jewelry with diamonds, there are a lot of things you can do to fix any of those challenges and create something you love! Here are a few different ways to use heirloom diamonds.
1. Upgrade the Setting
If you’ve inherited an old diamond piece of jewelry – or a loose diamond – an easy way to make it wearable is to upgrade the setting. For example, an old diamond ring with an old-fashioned setting can be redesigned for a more modern look.
2. Have it Re-cut
Another idea to make an heirloom diamond more suitable for the new wearer is to have it re-cut. Most diamonds can be re-cut by professionals to give them a new shape and sparkle. This will immediately make the diamond look good as new again, and you still get to keep a sentimental piece!
3. Replace the Metal
Love the stone and the style, but don’t love the existing metal? Have that yellow gold diamond ring fashioned with rose gold or platinum for a look that’s more “you.” It’s also beneficial to replace the metal if it is particularly tarnished, worn down, or cracked. You’ll be able to keep your heirloom diamond safe much longer if the metal is newer and stronger.
4. Make a Whole New Piece
If you don’t love the original piece the diamond came in and you don’t have any real sentimental ties to it, an excellent option is to make a whole new piece you’ll actually wear using the diamond you love! For instance, if you inherited a diamond ring from a distant aunt that you didn’t know, and you don’t really wear rings, take the ring to a custom jeweler to have it made into a solitaire pendant that you know you’ll wear all the time!
5. Sell or Trade
If all else fails and you’re just not into diamonds, don’t be disheartened; there’s still the option to sell or trade. If you have your eye on a piece of jewelry you really love, you can trade in your valuable stone to help cover the costs. Of course, you can also just sell the stone for cash. How much you get back will depend on the stone's quality in cut, color, and clarity. Also, the bigger it is, the more you can expect to get.
Contact Bostonian Jewelers
If you want to create a stunning new piece of jewelry from an heirloom diamond you’ve acquired, let the custom jewelry experts at Bostonian Jewelers help. We specialize in jewelry restoration to make any necessary repairs to your piece, and custom jewelry design if you wish to create an entirely new piece with the heirloom diamond! Contact us today to setup a consultation with our expert team of jewelers in Boston.