Jewellery carries stories, but sometimes an heirloom needs a new chapter. This project began as an heirloom brooch remodelling commission, where our client brought us a beautiful vintage diamond brooch that had been unworn for years. Although deeply sentimental, it no longer aligned with her personal style, and she hoped to transform it into jewellery she could enjoy every day. What followed was a thoughtful and creative process that turned one forgotten piece into a contemporary diamond jewellery collection, handcrafted in our London bespoke jewellery studio.
The brooch held a selection of old-cut diamonds, each with distinctive character and charm. Without the need to preserve the brooch exactly as it was, we had the freedom to explore fresh possibilities and focus entirely on how the stones could shine in new, meaningful ways. This sense of creative openness guided our approach to the heirloom brooch remodelling, allowing the original diamonds to inspire three completely new designs. You can learn more about how we create pieces like this on our bespoke design process page.
We began with a striking ring, crafted in yellow gold and platinum. The largest old-cut diamond was set in a Georgian cut-down collet — a scalloped, antique-inspired setting that celebrates the soft brilliance and history of older stones. This technique, revived in modern jewellery, allowed the diamond to take centre stage while retaining a sense of heritage.
Next, we created a diamond pendant suspended from a fine yellow-gold chain. Designed for effortless wear, it offered a versatile piece that could be layered or worn alone. Finally, the remaining diamonds were transformed into a pair of yellow-gold hoop earrings. Each stone was set in a Georgian-style cut-down collet, echoing the craftsmanship of the ring and bringing the collection together in a cohesive, elegant way.
What began as a single vintage brooch became a trio of contemporary heirlooms — a ring, pendant and earrings that honour the sentiment of the original piece while feeling beautifully relevant for modern life. This project reflects the very heart of heirloom brooch remodelling: preserving history while creating jewellery that will be cherished for years to come. To explore more of our transformation projects, visit our jewellery remodelling collection, or learn about the team behind these pieces on our about page.