Operation Restoration: Almost 200-Year-Old Ring
A long-standing client of The Village Goldsmith wasĀ many years agoĀ giftedĀ aĀ beautiful pearl and turquoiseĀ ring by her Great Aunt, which was first crafted in Birmingham in 1866. Her understanding was that it was a Victorian Mourning ring, crafted from seedĀ pearls and turquoise,Ā as a memoir of a family member who passed, but she never knew for certain whose death it was created for.
Unfortunately, over the course of time, the delicate structure of the beautiful ring had suffered. One section of the goldĀ filigreeĀ patternĀ had completely broken awayĀ and it seemed beyond repair.Ā She contacted us to see if there was anything that could be done,Ā and afterĀ reviewing photosĀ of the ring that were emailed to us, weĀ deduced it may be possible toĀ restoreĀ it.Ā TheĀ ring was couriered to us, andĀ actual examination showed it to be in even worse condition than the photos portrayed.Ā Unbeknownst to our client, the ring in earlier generations had sufferedĀ some poorly executed repairs that had left the ring in a perilous state, but we saw potential in the piece and developed a plan to restoreĀ it.Ā Ā
The project was entrusted toĀ one of our master craftsmen, Darren, who set to work removing the signs of the previous lead solder repair. Working under a microscope, Darren carefully pared away the lead to reveal theĀ lovely gold detail beneath. Once this was done, heĀ began the task of carefully hand crafting the tiny individual filigree sections that had been lost. These sections then had to be painstakingly joinedĀ to theĀ body of the ring using highly technical laser welding, allĀ done under a microscope.Ā Darrenās skill, along with the latest technologies employed by The Village Goldsmith, meant that he was able to bring the lovely antiqueĀ ring back to life, in a manner thatĀ evenĀ the original jeweller who crafted the ring 200 years ago would struggle to know itĀ hadĀ everĀ beenĀ repaired.
This is the kind of work we love, using our skills and experience toĀ bring new life to a precious family item, so that it can carry on the legacy of the family to a whole new generation.Ā TheĀ finalĀ productĀ was veryĀ satisfying,Ā and our client was thrilled with theĀ result.Ā
Below you can see some before and after images of the ring and the transformation thatĀ took place.Ā
Looking to restore your own piece of jewellery, or begin the journey of designing your dream piece, which you can then pass down generations? We listen to your ideas, wants and dreams to bring your very own personal piece of jewellery to life. Specialising inĀ custom bespoke jewellery, and with a combined average of 30Ā years experienceĀ each, our award-winning craftsmen can turn your ideas into reality within our on-siteĀ Wellington jewellery workshop.Ā PleaseĀ get in touch with usĀ to begin the process.
