Too good to remodel?

Usually, when someone comes to me with a commission, they just have the one, or sometimes two pieces in mind, but occasionally I get to make a whole set of jewellery, and this blog is about one of those times…

My client had inherited a large brooch that was covered in diamonds. Now some may think it’s really beautiful and shouldn’t have been messed with, but before starting work on anything like this, I always do my research. I found out that it was probably Victorian and although it looked very impressive, a lot of this type of design were made and so it wasn’t hugely valuable over the worth of the stones. This actually didn’t matter, as my client didn’t like it as it was and was never going to wear it, but didn’t want to just sell it as it was a sentimental piece.

They were very much in the same mindset as me in that jewellery was intended to be worn, and so there was no point having some just sitting around gathering dust.

They did like the look of my “River” inspired jewellery, and asked me to come up with a set of pieces that used the metal and some of the gorgeous old cut diamonds.

My internet research had initially led me to believe that the original brooch was made from silver plated 18ct yellow gold. Something that was often done as the victorians preferred the look of silver but wanted the value and durability of gold. However, once all the diamonds were out, it was clear that this brooch was made only from silver.  So after a slight change of making plans to minimise the cost of now adding some extra 18ct (recycled) gold to each piece, I created the pendant, earrings, ring and studs that you see in the photos.

My client was really happy with their new (from old) jewellery and hopefully now, the brooch will live on and be worn and enjoyed, just in a slightly different form.