All jewelry tells a story–whether that story is a tale of love if it’s a piece chosen for you by someone special, or even a story of self-love, if it’s a piece that you chose yourself. However, some times those stories are slowly forgotten, if the jewelry is scarcely worn and tucked away somewhere in a box. Whether it’s Grandma’s engagement ring, an inherited bracelet, or even a wedding set that no longer matches your style, custom jewelry redesign gives treasured pieces a new life–while still preserving the storied memories that make them timeless. At Gilded Design Studio, we specialize in breathing new life into pieces that were once deeply loved and ready to be loved again in a new style or setting–whether you are starting from scratch and completely redesigning a piece (such as turning earrings into matching pendants), or simply adding new stones to add a little extra sparkle to a piece that needs a bit of extra bling, we are excited to work with you! As an award-winning custom jewelry designer, Co-Owner Becca Freundt is the only CAD designer in Berks County, and treasures the relationships that she has made with both her clients, and their most beloved pieces of jewelry–it is always an honor to be a part of someone’s sparkling story. Read on for some ideas about how to transform unworn jewelry into something you will love and cherish again, and to see some real-life before and after photos of some of our favorite transformations.
Becca recently worked with a client to take stones from her eternity band, and have the diamonds set in a station necklace for her granddaughter
Before: Beautiful Memories, Outdated Design
Many inherited pieces are filled with sentimental value…but don’t reflect today’s styles and trends. Some evidence of this we see often include white gold that has yellowed from decades of wear, bulky settings that hide a beautiful diamond, rings that sit far too high for everyday comfort and practicality, multiple inherited pieces that never get worn, and vintage jewelry with worn or damaged settings. Often, the diamonds and gemstones in these pieces are just as beautiful as the day they were purchased…the rest of the piece just needs a refresh.
Talk about a transformation…Becca recently worked with a client to completely redesign her original wedding set. Our client wanted to maintain the sentimentality of her original wedding set by incorporating some of the pave diamonds into a new setting for a brand-new center stone…
…and her beloved ring became this incredible beauty! Featuring a stunning 7+ carat radiant diamond set in a protective platinum bezel setting, this stunning upgrade ring incorporated the client’s original diamonds into the twisted design on the band.
The Transformation Process
So, how do we begin this process at Gilded Design Studio? Once we schedule your appointment with Becca, every redesign begins with a conversation. We want to know everything about the piece as it is, as well as what you are hoping it becomes: what you do like about the original piece, which elements hold sentimental value, how you hope to wear your redesigned piece, and what your own personal style is. Once you have the chance to talk through these questions with Becca, she will create a custom design that blends your vision with the highest-quality craftsmanship.
This custom bezel ring was created using the client’s original stones, and set in a completely different setting featuring fresh white gold instead of yellow
After: A Piece You Will Actually Wear
The best custom jewelry pieces aren’t just beautiful–they are wearable. Whether you transform an old brooch into a modern pendant, several generations of family birthstones into a treasured bracelet, or a vintage solitaire into a modern hidden halo ring, we are excited to be on this journey with you. Instead of sitting in a jewelry box, choosing to redesign pieces ensures that your family’s history becomes part of your everyday life.
Becca took stones from a ring that a customer was no longer wearing…
…and transformed them into this beautiful wave pendant that our client will cherish for a lifetime!
Why Customers Love Custom Jewelry Design
A custom transformation allows you to preserve family history, update outdated styles, celebrate a milestone, combine multiple heirloom pieces, create one-of-a-kind designs, and honor loved ones through wearable keepsakes. The emotional value remains the same, while the piece becomes something you will reach for every morning.
If you’ve ever looked at an inherited piece and thought “I love what it means…but I wouldn’t personally wear it”, a redesign may be the perfect option for you. Remember: custom jewelry isn’t about erasing the past, it’s about carrying it forward in a way that fits your life today. Whether you are updating an engagement ring, reimagining an heirloom, or creating something entirely new, a thoughtful transformation allows your jewelry’s next chapter to be just as meaningful as its first.
As Berks County’s onely CAD designer, Becca pours her entire soul into each piece she lovingly creates for our clients.
Ready to Begin Your Own Transformation?
If you have jewelry that’s been tucked away for years, we’d love to help you reimagine it. Bring your pieces in for a consultation, and together we’ll design something that honors the memories–while creating a piece you will cherish for years to come.
From unworn…
…To beloved again, we can do it all!