Some pieces of jewellery are more than just beautiful objects. They are keepers of memories, tangible links to the people we love and the stories that shape our families. An inherited amethyst ring from a grandmother or a vintage brooch passed down through generations holds an emotional weight that is simply irreplaceable. These pieces connect us to our past and remind us of the enduring power of family bonds. For many of my clients from Richmond and across the Lower Mainland, these sentimental treasures are among their most cherished possessions.
However, styles change, and a piece that was adored decades ago might not feel quite right for your modern life. It might sit in a jewellery box, too precious to part with but not quite suited to your personal taste. This is where the magic of custom design comes in. Transforming an inherited piece of jewellery is not about erasing its history. It is about honouring it. It is about taking the love and memories embedded within that family heirloom and giving them a new chapter, a new life that you can wear and enjoy every single day.
Amethyst, the beautiful birthstone for February, is a particularly wonderful gemstone to work with for these special transformation projects. Its rich, royal purple colour is timeless, possessing a classic elegance that never goes out of style. This versatility is one of the reasons I love it so much. Amethyst’s vibrant hue looks equally stunning set in the warm, traditional glow of yellow gold, the crisp, modern coolness of white gold, or the soft, romantic blush of rose gold. This adaptability means we can create a design that perfectly reflects your personal style while honouring the original stone.
Beyond its beauty, amethyst is also a remarkably durable gemstone. With a rating of 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, it is strong enough to withstand the rigours of daily wear. This makes it an ideal choice for a piece you will want to wear often, like a ring or a pendant. You can feel confident that your transformed amethyst jewellery will not only look beautiful but will also last for generations to come, continuing its journey as a cherished family heirloom. This durability ensures that the story of your family, embodied in this beautiful stone, can be passed down and treasured for many more years.
Over my 25 years as a jewellery designer, I have had the privilege of seeing so many beautiful inherited amethyst pieces come through my studio in Ladner. Clients from Richmond and surrounding communities often bring me vintage rings with intricate, old-fashioned settings, elegant pendants that were once the height of fashion, and classic brooches that carry the grace of a bygone era. Each piece has a unique story, a whisper of the person who wore it before.
My passion is to listen to those stories and help you carry them forward. The transformation process is a collaborative and deeply personal journey. We start with a conversation. You tell me about the person who gave you the piece, what it means to you, and what you envision for its future. Do you see it as a minimalist pendant you can wear every day? A statement ring for special occasions? Or perhaps we could turn a single brooch into a set of delicate earrings for you and a sibling to share. We will explore different design possibilities, sketching out ideas and looking at examples to find the perfect new form for your treasured amethyst.
Once we have a clear vision, the careful work begins. I will respectfully and skilfully remove the amethyst from its original setting, preserving the integrity of the stone. From there, we build your new piece from the ground up, using high quality, ethically sourced metals. Throughout the process, we are guided by one core principle: to preserve the sentimental value of the original piece while creating something that feels authentically you.
Perhaps we incorporate small design elements from the original setting, like a delicate milgrain edge or a subtle engraving. Or maybe the transformation is more dramatic, taking a classic round amethyst and placing it in a sleek, modern bezel setting. The goal is always to create a piece of custom jewellery that you will not only love to wear but will also feel deeply connected to. It is a beautiful way to keep your loved one’s memory close, woven into the fabric of your own life and style.
To ensure your transformed treasure always looks its best, I am proud to offer a lifetime of professional cleaning services, completely free of charge. It is my way of helping you care for your jewellery and the precious memories it holds. It also gives us a wonderful opportunity to reconnect and share stories, which is one of the great joys of my work.
If you have a piece of inherited amethyst jewellery tucked away, a piece that holds a special place in your heart, I invite you to book a free, no-obligation consultation at my studio. Let’s talk about its story and explore the beautiful possibilities for its next chapter. Together, we can create a piece of custom jewellery in my Richmond-serving studio that honours your family’s legacy and celebrates your unique story.
Learn more about the February birthstone, Amethyst, in my comprehensive guide.
