Jewellery Chat Please! ?

I love antique opal rings too FC. Spotted this one recently on Etsy.

Have fun with your search for one. It will give you lovely memories of your Nan.

This is an interesting article about ethical jewellery:

www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/fashion-beauty/womens-accessories/best-ethical-and-sustainable-jewellery-brands-a7597166.html

Also, regarding antique rings etc. Before you buy, please have all the claws/fixings etc checked over and specifically ask about longevity of any jewel mounts. If you buy antique it's likely that the piece may need repairs which can be as expensive as a re-make.

If you have family jewellery that you don't wear or is damaged, you might consider using those as a basis for something new to remember your Nan.
My mother-in-law had her worn antique family pieces made into a stunning contemporary brooch (which she wears a lot) for less than it would have cost to have half of them made safe.

I have a lovely bracelet which my mother wore every day - and intend one day to turn it into something special - to repair it will cost an arm and a leg. Much more, apparently than re-making from new, as every link in the chain needs work. If I do this, I shall use my grandmother's wedding ring with it I think, and maybe a little ruby earing set (that I won't wear anymore) but which was a gift when I was 18.

My daughter had a bespoke ring made by Diana Porter in Bristol (sadly DP died shortly after this commission but her shop is still operating). She used some jewellery left to my daughter by my MIL, including a beautiful sapphire which has a family connection. It was an excellent way of turning some pieces, which DD would not have worn, into a modern piece which she loves.
DD has recently booked onto a 6 week silver jewellery course and I'm quite envious, she'll get to make a number of pieces including a ring, necklace and ear rings. Can also recommend "All that glitters" I'll be watching 4th programme later this afternoon on I Player!

When my mum died the most valuable piece of jewellery she left me was a very heavy gold charm bracelet. The charms were memories for her but meant little to me and I was never going to wear it. It was sold at a good price and I used some of the money to buy a 1900 vintage diamond ring. Much cheaper than an equivalent new one and very pretty. Yes, I wear it most days and can see it on my hand to remind me of her. The bracelet would have stayed in the box forever.

Hello. I had my MIL’s engagement ring remodelled with my wedding ring, my husband added 2 blue diamonds I now wear it every day. It is a constant reminder of a beautiful woman that we have lost. It will also be passed on to our eldest granddaughter who is named after her. ?

When my Mum died, with some of the money I treated myself to a diamond ring. I went to the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham chose some diamonds and had a bespoke ring made. I paid just over £2000 but the retail/insurance valuation I received is well over £4500. I like the idea of antique jewellery but worry about the history behind them.

If your nan has any connection with Wales, there is a designer shop in the small town of Llandeilo in Carmarthenshire ,she designs her own and has all sorts there, with written welsh words, translated mean: happiness, special, rejoice, longing etc. Just a thought but obviously if there is no welsh connection it wouldn’t be the same, good luck with whatever u decide x

Just a simple suggestion, Fanny, that you choose something with your dear Nan's birthstone in it, to remind you of her?

Spell out her name with stones eg agate for a, garnet for g etc?

I have bought many many items from TJC the TV channel They do an online special where they auction items from £1 and upwards. Search for TJC, click on £1 auctions. Its good fun. I have about 70 rings and numerous earrings, necklaces and bracelets. Worth a look. No I don't have shares in TJC!

Witzend, I always loved looking at second hand jewellery until I was burgled and all my lovely old jewellery was stolen. The police told me at the time that within a couple of days it would be in a jewellery shop for sale in another part of the country. I now feel really sad if I look in a secondhand jewellery shop window.

If you are buying a ring (new or pre-loved) please make sure that the settings are secure. Also, think about how you will wear the ring - will it be everyday or for special occasions only? I'm only saying this because some stones will tolerate hand washing better than others. I rarely take my diamond rings off when Im washing my hands (and I rinse them very carefully afterwards and clean them regularly with jewellery cleaner) but some stones are more porous and will not survive this. And pearls should never be immersed in water and hand soap.

If you wear your rings regularly (and probably if you don't) please get them checked from time to time. I stopped to get petrol on the M6 one cold and rainy day and a little while later noticed the stone had gone from my diamond ring, just a black gaping hole! Unfortunately it was never found, at least by me!

Moggycuddler

Just a simple suggestion, Fanny, that you choose something with your dear Nan's birthstone in it, to remind you of her?

I've just looked it up, and October's birthstone is opal, which was her favourite gem. I don't think that she knew that it was her birthstone.
Personally, I really love fire opals, which don't actually look like 'traditional' opals.

Annaram I was looking at the jewellery channel yesterday for the first time.
I was very impressed - they've got so much choice, and some really lovely, unusual pieces (some shockers too!)

Thank you everyone for all of your ideas x

Me too,Hugo was great and deserved his win!

Sorry,thought I was replying to someone!I too enjoyeD All that Glitters and thought that Hugo was very good?

I like recycling jewellery into modern pieces although it can cost quite a bit. My friend and I both had rings and stones recycled into new rings and pendants when she divorced and I was widowed. My new gold ring was made from my Ratners wedding ring, my platinum engagement ring and my husbands gold wedding - such lovely memories in a new design.

Have you considered incorporating your Nans birthstone in a ring?

I love Pandora and they have a new range now diamonds ? their collection is beautiful. I’m thinking off treating myself as I have had to take early retirement through going deaf after covid working in covid ward as a nurse. It’s a treat to myself . You can look in line at the new range. Good luck with ring hunting hope you find what you are looking for.

This is stunning. Might be nice to buy the birthstone gem and then have it made into a ring

www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/623256035903706573/

OMalley you should definitely treat yourself - you more than deserve it.
Thank you for your hard work, and I hope that you have a really happy retirement

EBay!. I have bought several lovely antique gold rings, diamonds/? sapphires, rubies on EBay. Do your research, check feedback very carefully and know your finger size and stone size!.

It’s a much better investment than buying from the High Street although I’m very aware that you’re buying a ring more for sentimental reasons. You can always return it for a full refund if it’s not what you’re looking for and it’s a lot of fun. I’ve never had a problem.

I first started buying gold jewellery as an investment many years ago and it’s value has doubled if not more.

Hello Fanny, I feel the same as you regarding second hand jewellery. I’ve had a couple of gorgeous pieces made from CATHERINE BEST in Guernsey. I wanted a couple of pieces specifically made to start up family heirlooms so she made me a beautiful Cameo (see her website for examples) in green which is a colour my Mum and I loved with a scattering of little diamonds and on the back my DH, DS and my own initials set in gold with a tiny piece of coral as it was for my Coral anniversary, I was thrilled with it. Also I had 3 wedding rings and some old gold which I no longer wore along with some stones that were set in the old rings and she melted them all down and created a beautiful ring with a special mark in I wanted using the gems I asked her to use. I use it as my wedding ring and I designed it with her and am thrilled with it. Over the years I collected earings, rings, bracelets etc as you do for birthdays etc and just wanted a couple of lovely one off pieces I could leave to family that were different and meaningful and hopefully will eventually get passed down the generations. If you phone up and speak to Catherine she will help you draw up whatever is in your mind and give her a set amount she can work too I’m sure you will be pleased. She has 3 shops but lives at the one in Guernsey.

Depending on amount she left you of course had you thought if having a special piece made? If not maybe your birthstone would be a good place to start.