Heirloom jewellery carries history, memory, and emotional weight. Redesigning these pieces requires more than aesthetics — it requires sensitivity, technical skill, and respect for what the piece represents.
At Janine Jewels, heirloom redesign is approached as a thoughtful collaboration. Whether you’re reworking an inherited engagement ring, resetting a family gemstone, or transforming multiple pieces into something new, the goal is always the same: to preserve meaning while creating jewellery that fits your life now.
Heirloom redesign may be right for you if you have jewellery that no longer suits your style, feels impractical to wear, or carries stones you love but designs you don’t. Many clients come to this process with inherited rings, estate jewellery, or pieces from past relationships — all meaningful, but not always wearable.
Rather than storing these pieces away, redesign allows you to thoughtfully rework them into jewellery that reflects who you are today, while still honouring where they came from.
Every heirloom redesign begins by understanding what you want to preserve. This may include a specific gemstone, engraving, proportion, or symbolic element. In some cases, the original piece can be adapted. In others, starting fresh allows for better structural integrity and long-term wear.
I will guide you through what can realistically be reused, what may need to be replaced, and how design decisions affect durability, comfort, and longevity. Nothing is rushed, and nothing is changed without intention and your approval.
Heirloom Redesign orders take 8-12 weeks
We review your existing jewellery, discuss what you’d like to preserve, and explore new design directions.
Sketches and CAD models help refine proportions, settings, and overall aesthetic.
Existing gemstones are evaluated, and additional stones are sourced if needed.
Your redesigned piece is crafted, with careful attention to design, wearability and longevity.
A finished piece that carries its history forward — ready to be worn and lived in.
Each custom jewellery design is created through a collaborative process that balances craftsmanship, intention, and wearability. Designed and handcrafted in Toronto. Ask, and I can source ethical gemstones and recycled 14k or 18k gold. Every piece is made to honour your story and stand the test of time.
Janine Jewels is a woman-owned, Toronto-based jewellery studio led by Sabrina, a classically trained goldsmith with nearly 20 years of experience. Every custom piece is created through her direct collaboration, bench craftsmanship, and a deeply personal design process.
Where possible, we work with recycled gold and thoughtfully selected gemstones, including lab-grown and natural diamonds. Materials are chosen for longevity, beauty, and ethical consideration, without making claims beyond what can be responsibly sourced.
Trained in Geneva, Switzerland, and grounded in traditional goldsmithing techniques, every piece is designed for wearability, structural integrity, and lasting beauty. From CAD refinement to hand-finishing, quality is never outsourced or compromised. Just see what our clients have to say
★★★★★I wear this ring with pride and feel the love and good energy that was put into it makes it even more special. Thank you, Sabrina, for putting so much energy into this project. We are forever grateful.
Leeh S
Ontario, Canada
★★★★★My fiance and I came to Sabrina following a not so great experience with a previous jeweller. We’re obsessed with the ring and feel unbelievably grateful to Sabrina for making our vision come to life.
Liam G
Ontario, Canada
★★★★★Sabrina was amazing with helping me understand options for the design I had for my fiancée’s engagement ring! Her patience and depth of knowledge in the industry gave me peace of mind in designing the perfect ring for this milestone in my life. I would highly recommend Sabrina for any jewelry needs :)
Chris L
Toronto, Canada
★★★★★"She was shook! She absolutely loves the ring! You did a great job!"
Umar B.
Birmingham, UK
How Materials Are Chosen for Heirloom Jewellery Redesign [H2]
Where possible, heirloom redesign incorporates existing gemstones, allowing meaningful stones to continue their story in a new form. When it comes to gold, however, structural integrity and longevity always come first for me.
Rather than remelting existing gold from heirloom pieces, which can compromise alloy stability and increase the risk of internal porosity or cracking, fresh 14k or 18k gold is used for all new pieces. This ensures strength, durability, and long-term wearability, especially for jewellery intended to be worn regularly.
If clients wish to preserve a physical connection to the original gold, a small piece can be incorporated into the new piece without re-casting. This may take the form of discreet beads or a subtle inlay detail, laser-welded inside the ring as a quiet memento of the original jewellery. In some cases, this detail can also serve a functional purpose, such as reducing the ring from spinning.
I also buy back heirloom gold and apply it as a credit toward your new piece, allowing you to honour the material while maintaining the highest standards of craftsmanship. Every material decision is made with transparency and the long-term performance of the jewellery in mind. I will keep you informed at each step and request your consent throughout the process.
Redesigning heirloom jewellery can be an emotional process. You’ll be guided through each step with clarity, care, and respect for what the piece represents. With nearly 20 years of experience and classical training in Geneva, every design decision is grounded in craftsmanship as much as creativity.
This is not about erasing the past. It’s about carrying it forward in a way that feels true to you.
Begin Your Heirloom Redesign
If you’re considering redesigning inherited or sentimental jewellery, a consultation is the best place to start. We’ll discuss what you have, what’s possible, and how to move forward with confidence.
