Replicating a piece of jewellery
- Georgina Hawkins
- Sep 26
- 3 min read
When it comes to family heirlooms, few items carry as much sentimental value as a gold ring passed down from a parent. These pieces are not just jewellery; they are tangible connections to our past, embodying stories, memories, and love. Recently, I found myself being asked by a past customer: Can we create a replica of a sentimental family gold ring?
In this post, I’ll share the journey exploring the feasibility of replicating a cherished family gold ring, the steps involved, and how successful we were in fulfilling the brief.
The Emotional Weight of Heirlooms
Family heirlooms often carry stories that span decades. For example, my grandmother's small gold brooch, adorned with an adorable design of an enamel trout and sparkling gemstones, symbolised her and the love her husband had for her in buying it, as they were not wealthy enough to really afford such a luxury. She always wore it, and always treasured it. After her passing, the brooch became a reminder of her and I was very blessed to be given this brooch a number of years ago.
Understanding the Process of Duplication
Creating a replica of a gold ring is not as simple as it may seem. The process involves several steps, each requiring careful consideration and expertise.
The first step was to meet with my customer, and we chose the wonderful Feathers Hotel in Ledbury, Herefordshire. I needed to gather as much information as I could, and I was shown the precious ring of her mothers to be duplicated. Her sister was to have the original Amethyst ring back and my customer to have a duplicate.
During our consultation, I explained that there are two main methods for creating a replica: traditional handcrafting and modern 3D printing. The choice largely depends on the desired outcome.
2. Choosing the Right Materials
After deciding on a method, traditional handcrafting in this case, we needed to select the materials. For a gold ring, the specific type of gold—yellow, white, or rose—and the karat quality are crucial factors. Additionally, if the original ring features gemstones, which this one did, we had to consider using the same stones or choosing new ones. The other important measurement to take was finger size.
After much thought, my lovely customer chose to use the same type of gold, 18k but to have a different gemstone. She very much wanted a green gemstone, and was quite specific on the colour/saturation of green. I like a challenge!!!
3. Creating the Design
With materials chosen, the next step was to create the design. The jeweller's expertise plays a significant role here which allows the customer to visualise the final design before any work begins. Using design software, I can see the replica take shape digitally and the pictures below are what I presented to my customer.
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4. Crafting the Replica Piece of Jewellery
Once the design was finalised, we began the crafting process. This stage can take several weeks to a few months, depending on design complexity and our schedule. In the meantime, back to the search for the elusive green gemstone....
I really like a challenge, and this absolutely was just that. I have a number of contacts within the gemstone world, and after various videos back and forth to my client of different green gemstones, she settled on this sensational Chrome Tourmaline.
Replacating a piece of jewellery does not replace the original; it complements it. The memories and emotions tied to the original ring remain intact, while the replica serves as a way to keep those memories alive in our daily lives.
Final results
As is always the case, no photograph ever truly does a gemstone sufficient justice, but on a personal level, I am thrilled with the final result of this beautiful, precious, handcrafted gold ring in 18k yellow gold, platinum and set with a beautiful Chrome Tourmaline with Diamonds.
I encourage you to explore the possibility of creating a custom-made piece, and I am very happy to have a chat with you. I do offer payment plans to spread the cost over a few months.
Ultimately, whether you choose to replicate a family heirloom or cherish the original, the memories and stories they hold are what truly matter.
What happened to the Amethyst Ring?
I'll tell you about that next month and what we did with the original ring!
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