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The Journal · Heirlooms, remodelling and family stones

Topic · Heirlooms and remodelling

Heirlooms, remodelling and family stones

Inherited rings, loose family stones, combining two pieces into one and wearing an heirloom on the day.

Inherited jewellery sits in safes for a generation because it is too significant to wear and too significant to sell. The articles gathered here are about getting it back onto a hand: deciding what is actually being kept, having old stones assessed honestly, documenting a piece before it changes, remodelling with restraint, combining stones from two grandmothers into one ring, and wearing an heirloom at a wedding so that it reads as intended rather than borrowed. Every one of them starts from the same position: the point is the person the piece came from, not the object.

8 articles

An older engagement ring and a new loose stone laid together on velvet, not yet combined

Rings & Jewellery · 3 min read

Replacing or upgrading an engagement ring

A loose old-cut diamond resting on a jeweller's cloth beside an empty setting

Rings & Jewellery · 4 min read

Using an inherited diamond or gemstone

An old ring shank being rebuilt on a mandrel at the bench

Rings & Jewellery · 3 min read

Restoring old jewellery

Two family rings laid beside a sketch showing how their stones will combine

Rings & Jewellery · 4 min read

Combining two family pieces into one

A mature woman's hand wearing a pair of pearl and gold earrings, resting on a table

The Wedding · 4 min read

Jewellery for the mother of the bride

An older brooch and a string of pearls laid on a jeweller's cloth for inspection before a wedding

The Wedding · 4 min read

How to wear family heirlooms at a wedding

A small sapphire ring, an heirloom pendant and a plain wedding band grouped on a dressing table

The Wedding · 3 min read

Something old, new, borrowed and blue through jewellery

A jeweller reworking an heirloom ring at the bench

Rings & Jewellery · 3 min read

Redesigning an heirloom without losing it

The next step

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Testimonials

In their words.

“I decided to get engaged while my lovely girlfriend went to the UK for a short trip and I used the time to get a ring made while she was away. Gavin and his team gave me great advice and freedom. They helped me create and design my own ring, and taught me so much about the choices I have. They made the whole process a fantastic experience and I will totally send my friends back for the one on one experience.”
Willie NelFreelance filmmaker
“Gavin and his firm were recommended to us by a mutual friend. From the very first contact, Gavin conducted himself in a very friendly but professional manner. Gavin clearly demonstrated the love and understanding of his business. His attention to detail and willingness to listen to our needs was very reassuring. We are extremely pleased with the design, quality of our jewellery and the superb service. It was certainly one of the best shopping experiences we have had. Our friends have found Gavin amazing and are very impressed with their purchases. On purchasing diamonds, we highly recommend others to contact Gavin. We certainly look forward to doing business with his company for years to come.”
Dusanka and Robert CosicWales, UK
“My experience with Gavin was nothing less than exceptional. He provided excellent customer service, quality diamonds, and competitive prices. He was very knowledgeable and an excellent teacher. I learned everything I needed to know before purchasing the right diamond. I would recommend him and his company to anyone considering the purchase of a precious stone.”
Michael Zarrabi, M.D.Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
“Great experience dealing with Gavin. I have had many good experiences dealing with Gavin. The jewellery and stones are breathtaking and very reasonable in price. The service we received was so efficient and good advice was given to us when choosing specific stones. We look forward to many more dealings with Gavin.”
Daniel and Elise Boyer
“My experience with Gavin goes back some years. Not only have I and my wife been advised and purchased from the company; we have, in addition, successfully referred a number of our friends to Gavin. His knowledge, service and flexibility have ensured that we consult them on any occasion where we are thinking of purchasing jewellery.”
Bernard FreemanCEO, European Healthcare Group PLC, London
“Gavin Ruschin has been my preferred supplier of diamonds and designer jewellery for the past five years. During this period of knowing Gavin, I feel extremely privileged to have a supplier of such character and integrity servicing me personally, my company The BLD Group and our clients. Gavin has through excellent service become one of the most credible suppliers on our books. His honesty, unconditional professional service, excellent pricing and pleasant manner have earned him the respect and reputation of the highest degree amongst my clients, which include professional sportsmen and sportswomen, leading business people and politicians.”
Bruce V DavidsonExecutive Chairman, The BLD Group

“I decided to get engaged while my lovely girlfriend went to the UK for a short trip and I used the time to get a ring made while she was away. Gavin and his team gave me great advice and freedom. They helped me create and design my own ring, and taught me so much about the choices I have. They made the whole process a fantastic experience and I will totally send my friends back for the one on one experience.”
Willie NelFreelance filmmaker
“Gavin and his firm were recommended to us by a mutual friend. From the very first contact, Gavin conducted himself in a very friendly but professional manner. Gavin clearly demonstrated the love and understanding of his business. His attention to detail and willingness to listen to our needs was very reassuring. We are extremely pleased with the design, quality of our jewellery and the superb service. It was certainly one of the best shopping experiences we have had. Our friends have found Gavin amazing and are very impressed with their purchases. On purchasing diamonds, we highly recommend others to contact Gavin. We certainly look forward to doing business with his company for years to come.”
Dusanka and Robert CosicWales, UK
“My experience with Gavin was nothing less than exceptional. He provided excellent customer service, quality diamonds, and competitive prices. He was very knowledgeable and an excellent teacher. I learned everything I needed to know before purchasing the right diamond. I would recommend him and his company to anyone considering the purchase of a precious stone.”
Michael Zarrabi, M.D.Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
“Great experience dealing with Gavin. I have had many good experiences dealing with Gavin. The jewellery and stones are breathtaking and very reasonable in price. The service we received was so efficient and good advice was given to us when choosing specific stones. We look forward to many more dealings with Gavin.”
Daniel and Elise Boyer
“My experience with Gavin goes back some years. Not only have I and my wife been advised and purchased from the company; we have, in addition, successfully referred a number of our friends to Gavin. His knowledge, service and flexibility have ensured that we consult them on any occasion where we are thinking of purchasing jewellery.”
Bernard FreemanCEO, European Healthcare Group PLC, London
“Gavin Ruschin has been my preferred supplier of diamonds and designer jewellery for the past five years. During this period of knowing Gavin, I feel extremely privileged to have a supplier of such character and integrity servicing me personally, my company The BLD Group and our clients. Gavin has through excellent service become one of the most credible suppliers on our books. His honesty, unconditional professional service, excellent pricing and pleasant manner have earned him the respect and reputation of the highest degree amongst my clients, which include professional sportsmen and sportswomen, leading business people and politicians.”
Bruce V DavidsonExecutive Chairman, The BLD Group