5 Heirloom Redesigns That Gave Family Treasures a New Beginning

There’s something incredibly special about transforming heirloom jewellery—pieces filled with memory and sentiment—into designs that feel right for today. Often tucked away and unworn, these treasures deserve a new story, one that honours their past while giving them a fresh beginning.

Here are five recent re-designs where I had the privilege of doing just that.

‘Zubenelgenubi’ – A Tennis Bracelet of Dreams

Commissioned as a special birthday gift for one extraordinary Libra, this was the largest and most technically complex project I’ve ever taken

on. With over 11 carats of Diamonds, including sentimental stones and scattered Fancy Coloured Diamonds, this bracelet shines like the brightest stars—true to its celestial name.

The design features an asymmetric layout with unique hinge work to ensure elegant movement without compromise. Crafted in 18ct White Gold, it includes personal diamonds supplied by the client—like a 1ct centre stone and two 0.50ct side stones—woven into a bracelet that balances sentiment and luxury in every link.

Read More about this incredible tennis bracelet here.

A Century-Old Legacy, Reimagined

This bespoke engagement ring carries the soul of a bygone era, reinterpreted with a modern touch. The original ring belonged to my client’s Great Grandmother and dated back over 100 years—a true Art Deco beauty.

We preserved its essence by keeping the comfort and shape she’d always loved. The centrepiece, a radiant Oval Green Australian Sapphire, is surrounded by original Old-cut European Diamonds, now pavé set in buttery 18ct Yellow Gold to enhance their vintage charm. A century of family history, now glowing anew.

Read more about this Art Deco style re-design here.

A Peaceful Cluster of Sapphires and Diamonds

My client initially asked me to design a complementary ring to stack alongside her engagement ring. But through the design process, she chose instead to create something bolder—a complete reimagining of her original engagement stone.

She selected forest green Australian Sapphires, paired them with brilliant white Diamonds, and together we crafted a serene, cluster-style statement ring in 18ct White Gold. The pear-shaped Sapphire and surrounding stones resemble leaves in a bouquet, a calming composition of natural beauty and meaningful design.

Read more about this stunning Green Australian Sapphire and Diamond Re-design here.

A Family's Past, Reset in Platinum

My client came to me with a collection of old jewellery—pieces that had been loved, worn, and quietly stored away. Among them were beautiful Sapphires and Diamonds, each one full of meaning and ready for a fresh chapter.

Together, we selected the stones with care and intention. I then handcrafted a refined Platinum set: two elegant rings and a pair of timeless stud earrings. Designed to honour their origins while feeling clean and contemporary, these pieces were made to be worn and loved every day.

Read more about this striking Sapphire and Diamond set of rings here.

A Box of Treasures, Transformed into Two Stacking Rings

I love when a client brings in a box of treasures—each stone, each setting, a small chapter of their story. This particular client wanted a way to see and wear her collection daily, and as soon as I saw the pieces, the design came to me.

Together, we created two colourful cluster-style Dress Rings crafted in White Gold. Featuring Emeralds, Tourmalines, Sapphires and Diamonds, the rings slot together seamlessly but can also be worn apart. Designed to celebrate a lifetime of gifts, memories and meaning, they’re as joyful and expressive as the client herself.

Read more about this colourful set of stacking rings here.

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