Memory, Metal, Meaning: When Old Jewelry Becomes Something New

Some jewelry comes into our lives quietly, carrying more meaning than sparkle.

I recently had a dear friend come to me with a proposition for a very special reconstruction project. Stephanie showed me a beloved ring that her mother had been wearing for most of her life. It was a simple gold ring with a more traditional 14k gold setting that held a beautiful emerald-cut peridot. It wasn’t flashy, but Stephanie shared that it had been sitting in her jewelry box ever since her mom gifted it to her.

The ring felt so precious to Stephanie, but wished she would want to wear it as it truly held a lifetime of meaning. Her mom had received that very ring as a gift from her mother when she was just thirteen years old. She wore it every single day! Years later, she passed it down to Stephanie.

Stephanie didn’t want the ring to sit untouched in her jewelry box. She also didn’t want to erase their story. But she wanted something of her own that she truly loved to wear. So I did what I do best as a designer: I listened, we talked it through, and we re-imagined it together.

BEFORE

 

AFTER

 
We carefully recycled the gold from her mom’s ring, honoring the material, the people, and the years it represented, and then used that toward something new. The original peridot was removed and reset into a bold, modern ring. She opted for a custom wide sterling silver square band with a warm 14k gold bezel holding the same stone her mom once wore every day.

This new ring became a memory transformed into something wearable again. It represents love carried forward. This is the kind of work that happens when we slow down and make space for conversation — and it’s exactly why designer appointments exist.
 

BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT

 
With Valentine’s Day around the corner, I always find myself thinking about the many forms love can take. Romantic love, yes — but also family love, legacy, remembrance, and the quiet desire to keep someone close. Jewelry has an incredible way of holding those stories, especially when it’s made with intention.

As I’m in the Bay Area for the bulk of the winter, I’ve opened a limited number of in-person designer appointments in San Francisco. These one-on-one and private group sessions are ideal for anyone who’s been holding onto something meaningful — old gold, inherited stones, wedding bands, or pieces that no longer feel like you — and wondering what they could become.

Appointments are especially perfect if:

• You’ve been curious about recycling diamonds, 14k gold, or sterling silver
• You’re dreaming up a custom or Special Occasion piece.
• You want dedicated time to talk through ideas, ask questions, and explore options.
• You can’t make it to a pop-up event but still want to meet in person.

While I’ll be popping up at Yonder Shop this weekend and then Abode over Valentine’s Day weekend, these appointments offer something different: space, focus, and the chance to design something deeply personal together.

A few notes if you’re considering booking:

• A $250 minimum spend per person is required for one-on-one or private group meetings.
• Appointment locations will be shared after booking (all in San Francisco near Golden Gate Park).
• You’re welcome to bring a friend!
• Availability is very limited.

Appointment dates and times are limited and will fill quickly. There will be more events and availability in March, but details are still TBD — so stay tuned and book now while I still have some space available.

This Valentine’s Day, whether you’re celebrating love, memory, transition, or simply yourself, know that there’s room to make something meaningful from what you already carry.

I can’t wait to reconnect in person with so many of you. I’ve missed living in The Bay and it feels so aligned to be home.
 

See you soon,
Colleen ✨