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Many of us have a diamond ring tucked away that we rarely wear. It might be a grandmother's engagement ring, a piece from a past chapter of life, or a ring that's simply gone out of style. The diamonds are still beautiful, but the setting just doesn't feel right anymore.
The good news is that yes, in most cases, old diamonds can be reset into a brand new ring. Here at Parrys of Malvern, we love helping customers give their diamonds a new lease of life. So let's look at how the process works, what to consider and some ideas to inspire your new design.
There are lots of reasons people choose to reset their diamonds.
The style has dated. Ring fashions change over the decades, and a setting that was popular years ago might not suit your taste today.
It's an inherited piece. Resetting lets you keep a loved one's diamonds close while wearing them in a way that feels like you.
The setting is worn. Older rings can have thin shanks and worn claws. Resetting the stones into a new mount can be a great way to keep them secure for years to come.
You'd like to combine pieces. Stones from several rings, earrings or pendants can be brought together into one new design.
It's a meaningful way to mark a milestone. Some couples reset diamonds for an anniversary, or use family stones in an engagement ring.
It makes the most of what you already have. Diamonds are incredibly durable, so reusing them is a lovely and practical way to create something new.
Every piece is different, but the process usually follows a few simple steps.
It all starts with a conversation. You bring in your jewellery, tell us what you have in mind and we'll take a look together. Don't worry if you don't have a clear idea yet. Many people start with nothing more than "I'd like to wear this again".
Before anything else, the diamonds need to be looked at carefully. We'll check their condition, size and shape, and look for any chips, abrasions or damage. Older diamonds have often been worn for many years, so this step helps us understand what's possible and how best to protect the stones.
Next comes the fun part. Together, we'll talk through styles, metals and settings that suit your stones and your taste. The design needs to work around the size and shape of the diamonds you have, so they're shown off at their best and held securely.
Once the design is agreed, the diamonds are carefully removed from their original setting and the new ring is made. The stones are then set into their new home, checked and finished.
The final step is seeing your diamonds shine in a ring that feels completely yours, with all the meaning of the original still there.
Older jewellery often contains diamonds cut in traditional styles that aren't commonly produced today, such as old mine cuts, old European cuts or rose cuts. These were cut by hand long before modern techniques, and they have a softer, warmer sparkle and a charm all of their own.
Many people love the character of old-cut diamonds and choose to keep them just as they are, designing a new setting that shows them off. Some choose a vintage-inspired design, while others love the contrast of an old stone in a clean, modern mount.
Old cuts can sometimes be recut to a more modern shape, but this usually means losing some of the stone's weight and some of its history. It's something we'd always talk through carefully with you first.
Yes, other gemstones can often be reset alongside or instead of diamonds. However, some stones are softer or more delicate than diamonds, and some are sensitive to heat or pressure. Emeralds, opals and pearls, for example, need extra care. We'll check each stone and let you know if there's anything to be aware of.
If you're not sure where to start, here are a few popular ideas.
A classic solitaire. One diamond, beautifully set, for a timeless look that lets the stone speak for itself.
A trilogy ring. Three stones side by side, often chosen to represent the past, present and future. This is a lovely option if you have several diamonds from different pieces.
A halo ring. A central diamond surrounded by a ring of smaller stones, which can make the centre stone appear larger.
A cluster ring. A great way to bring together several small diamonds into one eye-catching design.
An eternity or half eternity ring. Perfect for a row of smaller diamonds, and a popular choice for anniversaries.
Something that isn't a ring at all. Old diamonds can also be reset into pendants, earrings or bracelets if a ring isn't what you're after.
Your new ring can be made in whichever metal suits you best, whether that's yellow gold, white gold, rose gold or platinum. The metal you choose affects the look, feel, durability and price of your ring.
If you're weighing up the options, our guide to platinum vs white gold for an engagement ring is a helpful place to start.
When your diamonds are removed, you'll be left with the original metal setting. You can choose to keep it, or we can talk through your options. As we purchase gold and precious metals, your old setting may be able to go towards the cost of your new piece.
The cost depends on several things, including:
Because every piece is unique, we'll look at your jewellery, discuss your ideas and give you a clear idea of cost before any work begins.
Resetting diamonds into a new ring takes time, as there's design work, making and setting to allow for. If you'd like the ring ready for a special occasion, such as an engagement, wedding or anniversary, it's best to get in touch as early as possible. Our guide on how far in advance you should buy wedding rings has some helpful timing tips.
Once your new ring is finished, it's a good idea to have it valued for insurance. The value of a remodelled piece can be quite different from the original, so an up to date valuation makes sure it's properly covered. We offer professional jewellery valuations in store.
Parrys of Malvern is an independent, family-run jeweller at 115 Church Street, in the heart of Great Malvern. Since 1952, we've helped local people restore, remodel and reimagine their jewellery, and we've seen first hand how much joy it brings when a treasured stone finds a new home.
Our bespoke commissions service is all about creating something personal, whether that's a brand new design from your old diamonds or combining several pieces into one. If you have a collection of family jewellery and you're not sure where to begin, you might also like our guide on what you can do with inherited jewellery.
If you have old diamonds you'd love to wear again, visit us at Parrys of Malvern, 115 Church Street, Malvern, WR14 2AJ. We're open Tuesday to Saturday, 9.30am to 4.15pm. You can also call us on 01684 574077 or get in touch online.
Bring your diamonds in, and let's create something beautif
