FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Remodelling old jewellery is a very lovely creative process, and it’s also very detailed, so let us answer some key questions you may have…

IS MY JEWELLERY WORTH REMODELLING?

Remodelling makes sense on so many levels –sentimental value, economics and sustainability.

On the rare occasion that a remodelled piece would cost more than buying a piece handcrafted from new materials, we will discuss the various quotes with you so you can take an informed decision.

Most people are amazed at what can be created from bits and pieces of old jewellery, and we love seeing how thrilled our customers are with the final results!

DO I NEED TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT?

Remodelling consultations are by appointment only and can be booked here:

We are open Monday – Saturday and the good news is that there is no charge for your remodelling consultation.

HOW LONG DOES REMODELLING TAKE?

Once the order is confirmed and the 20% deposit paid, our highly trained goldsmiths will get to work. The lead time is generally 6 – 8 weeks.

CAN ALL METALS BE MELTED?

Yellow gold and rose gold can be melted down and reused. Different carats of gold can be mixed so, for example, we can melt a 9ct rose gold ring with an 18ct gold earring.

Unfortunately, we don’t melt platinum or white gold, but they can be traded in. See more details on this below. Silver can be melted down, but it may make more economic sense to handcraft the new piece from new silver.

CAN GEMSTONES CHANGE SIZE/SHAPE?

We don’t re-cut diamonds or coloured gemstones. Instead, we will discuss options that are guided by the shape and size of any stones that you have.

DO I LEAVE MY JEWELLERY WITH YOU TO RECEIVE A QUOTE?

Should you choose to leave your old jewellery with us, please be assured that it is in good hands! We will email you a receipt which itemises the pieces of old jewellery left with us as well as summarising the designs discussed. While your pieces are with us, they will be in our safe and are covered by our insurance.

DO I PAY A DEPOSIT?

We require a 20% deposit to confirm an order and the balance is payable on collection.

CAN ANYTHING HAPPEN MY GEMSTONES DURING THE REMODELLING PROCESS?

We are very careful when working with your metals, gemstones and diamonds, and treat them with the utmost respect. That said, unfortunately there is always a risk involved in using / re-setting stones. When they are your diamonds and gemstones, this risk is yours.

We will keep you informed of any issues if, as and when they become apparent, as it is not possible to fully examine a diamond or gemstone until it has been removed from the metal it was originally set in. While we will take full responsibility for diamonds and gemstones sourced by us, we’re sure you understand we cannot be held responsible for damage, breakages or chips in your diamonds or gemstones, or for replacing such items free of charge.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THERE IS ANYTHING LEFT OVER?

Any excess gold can be traded in and used as part payment for your remodelled jewellery. Once the work is complete, we’ll be able to confirm the exact trade in value of any excess gold and you can choose if you’d like to trade it in or keep it.

Unfortunately, it isn’t possible to trade in unused old stones so these will be returned to you when the work is finished.

CAN GIFT VOUCHERS BE USED TO PAY FOR MY REMODELLING PROJECT?

Absolutely! Stonechat Jewellers gift vouchers can be used for any remodelling project.

WHAT IF I DON’T LIKE THE DESIGN?

We hope you love your new jewellery – we really enjoy handcrafting each and every piece for our customers!

It is highly unlikely that your jewellery won’t be what you were expecting as we go to great lengths during the design process to ensure that you like every aspect of the design before any making starts. We are highly skilled in remodelling old jewellery, and we have a wealth of experience in showing designs in a way that will help you to visualise the final piece before it is made.

That said, if you don’t like the end result, we wouldn’t leave you high and dry! No one walks out of Stonechat Jewellers unhappy so we would do everything possible to change or remake the piece so that you are completely happy with it.

WILL I GET A VALUATION FOR MY NEW PIECE?

We will be happy to provide a valuation for any remodelled piece of jewellery that has a value in excess of €1000. This will allow you to list your new jewellery on the contents insurance at home.

CAN I PAY FOR MY REMODELLED PIECE OVER A LONGER PERIOD OF TIME?

We require a 20% deposit to confirm an order. After that, you can pay for your jewellery at a time that suits you. Some customers can’t wait to collect their new piece, while others prefer to pay bit by bit and collect a few months later.