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Turn inherited, unworn, or sentimental jewelry into pieces you’ll actually wear —
handcrafted in solid precious metals with a modern CMD aesthetic.
Reimagine rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and brooches into modern,
wearable pieces that honor the original story.
We assess and reset diamonds and heirloom gems. We're transparent about
risks and documented before work begins.
We recycle eligible metals (14k–24k gold, platinum, palladium) with our vendor.
You get an estimate up front and approve before anything is sent.
Colleen leads the design from sketch to finish. Every piece is handmade
in our Upstate NY studio with your sign‑offs at each step.
Jewelry reconstruction honors what you already own while designing something that fits who you are now. We deconstruct heirlooms with care, assess stones and metals, recycle eligible metals into CMD store credit, and handcraft a new piece that feels effortless, timeless, and unmistakably CMD.
If you’ve been thinking about transforming old or inherited heirloom jewelry into something new, I know it can come with a lot of questions. What happens to your pieces? How long does it take? When do you make decisions?
I wrote this step-by-step walk-through of a reconstruction project at CMD so you know what to expect and feel fully supported from the very beginning.
Jewelry reconstruction is the process of transforming old, inherited, or unworn jewelry into something entirely new while honoring the materials that already hold meaning.
At CMD, we deconstruct your existing pieces, identify the metals and stones, and recycle your original metal in exchange for CMD store credit. That credit is then used to purchase brand new materials for your finished piece.
So while Grandma's gold ring doesn't become your new ring in a literal sense — the value of her gold does. It's a way of carrying something forward without being limited by what was there before.
Jewelry recycling is a core part of the reconstruction process at CMD.
We’re able to recycle solid gold (14k–24k), platinum, and palladium. Once your pieces are deconstructed, the metal is sent to our trusted vendor, where it’s refined and converted into CMD store credit. That credit is then applied toward the new materials used to create your finished piece.
A few helpful details:
Gold is typically stamped 14k (585), 18k (750), 22k (916), or 24k
Platinum is often stamped PT, PLAT, 850, or PT950
Palladium is typically stamped .950PD
If your piece isn’t stamped, we’ll do our best to assess it, but we can’t guarantee recyclability or credit without verification.
At this time, we’re unable to recycle sterling silver, as our refining partners are no longer accepting it.
Before any recycling begins, you’ll receive an estimated credit range and full overview, and nothing moves forward without your approval. Once materials are sent out for refining, they cannot be returned. We will make sure you feel fully informed and confident every step of the way.
If you want to go deeper into the process, you can read more here.
In most cases, yes.
Many stones can be reused depending on their condition and size. We’ll carefully assess everything during the deconstruction phase and walk you through what’s possible.
We’ve worked with a wide range of stones — diamonds (including white, black, and colored), rubies, amethyst, aquamarine, morganite, tourmaline, peridot, moonstone, and more. Each stone will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Our current setting styles include bezel and flush settings, chosen for their durability and clean, timeless feel. As our studio continues to grow, we’re expanding into more intricate techniques like pavé and bead setting, allowing for even more design possibilities over time.
Before any deconstruction begins, you’ll review and sign a waiver outlining the natural risks involved in working with previously worn or heirloom pieces (including potential stone damage during removal). Your jewelry is fully documented beforehand, and nothing moves forward without your understanding and consent.
In most cases, yes to both.
We work with a wide range of inherited, old, or unworn pieces—rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, brooches, and more—as long as they’re made from solid precious metals like 14k, 18k, or 24k gold, or sterling silver.
From there, we’re not limited to rings. We can transform your materials into necklaces, earrings, bracelets, cuffs, or rings, depending on your vision. Every piece is designed to feel cohesive with CMD’s aesthetic—so even the most one-of-a-kind design will still feel like CMD.
Stones can often be reused depending on their condition and size. We’ll assess everything during the deconstruction phase and walk you through exactly what’s possible.
Before any work begins, we prioritize full transparency. You’ll receive a detailed overview of your materials, and we’ll ask you to sign a waiver acknowledging the natural risks involved in working with previously worn or heirloom pieces. Everything is carefully documented, and nothing moves forward without your full understanding and approval.
The best way to explore what’s possible is to start with a complimentary 15-minute consult. We’ll walk through your pieces, ideas and questions together!
Every reconstruction project is unique. At CMD, most projects typically range from $2,000–$8,000+, depending on the design, scale (a single ring vs. a full stack), and the materials and stones involved.
A $250 deposit is required to begin and is applied directly toward your finished piece. Once your original jewelry is deconstructed, your metal is recycled and converted into CMD store credit, which is then applied toward new materials for your design.
Before anything goes into production, you’ll receive a detailed quote and full cost breakdown. Nothing moves forward without your approval. We’re always transparent about pricing (including any fluctuations in metal value) and will work with you to adjust the design, scale, or materials to align with your budget.
The best way to understand what your specific project might look like is to book a quick consult. Colleen will walk you through everything from the very beginning.
Getting started is easier than you might think!
If you're on the fence or just want to talk it through first, I offer a complimentary 15 minute phone consult — no commitment, no pressure. Just a conversation about what's possible.
If you're ready to dive in, a $250 deposit is required to book your first full appointment. This goes directly toward your finished piece and allows us to fully focus on the creative process when we meet — no distractions, just design.
Before we meet, I'll send you a couple of blogs that outline general pricing and what to expect so you feel informed and prepared from the very beginning. From there, we'll meet in person or virtually, look at your pieces together, and start shaping your vision.
After that, we walk you through every single step — nothing happens without your knowledge and approval.
Here’s a simplified overview of the process:
Start with a complimentary 15-minute call or book a full consult
Meet (in-person or virtual) to explore design direction
We carefully deconstruct and document your pieces
You receive a full materials breakdown and estimated credit
You approve recycling before anything is finalized
We design, quote, and refine your new piece together
Production begins once everything is approved
From start to finish, you’re part of every decision — nothing moves forward without your approval.
Most reconstruction projects take approximately 5–12 weeks from start to finish.
The recycling phase alone takes about 7–21 business days, and from there, timelines vary depending on the complexity of your design, the scope of the piece, and the season.
We never rush the process. At CMD, every piece is handcrafted with care and intention. You’ll receive updates along the way, so you’re always in the loop. This is a collaborative experience from beginning to end.
At CMD, metal is our medium and connection is our craft. Reconstruction is about more than creating something beautiful; it’s about understanding your story and honoring the meaning behind each piece.
Our process is deeply collaborative, personal, and transparent. You’re involved in every decision, nothing moves forward without your approval, and no two projects are ever the same. We work with your materials and your vision to create something you’ll truly wear and treasure.
We’re also committed to being open about every part of the process — from how your materials are handled to how your project is priced. And if you want to talk things through before getting started, I’m always happy to connect.
