From old to new
Watch me turn my clients old wedding earrings into a new ring she can wear every day.
Your jewellery doesn’t have to stay as it was.
Old pieces. Past versions of you. Jewellery you never wear. This is where it becomes something you actually want to keep.
Part One
How we work out your credit note.
Part Two
Using clients sentimental gold to create new rings
Recycle Your Old Jewellery Into Something You’ll Actually Wear
Most people have old jewellery sitting in drawers. Pieces you don’t wear. Pieces that don’t feel like you anymore. Pieces tied to a version of your life you’ve moved on from Instead of letting them sit there, you can recycle your jewellery into something new — or use its value toward a piece you’ll actually wear. This is what the Jewellery Recycling Initiative is built for.
What does 'Recycling Jewellery' actually mean?
Recycling jewellery doesn’t have to mean melting everything down and starting from scratch.
It can look like:
- Redesigning old jewellery into a completely new piece
- Reusing gold or silver from unworn pieces
- Keeping sentimental stones and resetting them
- Trading in your jewellery for credit toward a new design
There’s no single approach — it depends on your pieces, and what you want moving forward.
Recycle old gold and silver jewellery (Sydney & Australia wide)
If you have old gold or silver jewellery, it can often be reused or repurposed.
Common pieces clients bring in:
- Old engagement rings or wedding bands
- Broken chains or single earrings
- Outdated jewellery styles
- Inherited or gifted pieces
- Jewellery from past relationships
If you’re based in Sydney, you can visit the studio by appointment. If you’re elsewhere in Australia, the process can be done remotely.
Remake or Redesign your jewellery
Some clients want to hold onto parts of their jewellery. Others don’t.
Both are valid.
You might:
- Melt down your jewellery and create something entirely new
- Keep a stone and design around it
- Change the structure, shape, or purpose of the piece
- Or move on from it completely and start fresh
If your jewellery isn’t suitable for reuse, I’ll tell you — and suggest a better option.
Trade in old jewellery for credit
You don’t have to reuse your jewellery to make something meaningful.
Many clients choose to trade in their old gold or silver for credit, and use that toward a new custom piece.
This works well if:
- The jewellery no longer feels like you
- You don’t want to carry the past into something new
- You simply want a fresh start
How the process works
1. Submit your jewellery
Share photos of your pieces, along with any ideas or inspiration.
2. I review everything
You’ll receive personalised feedback, design direction, and options — including whether reuse, redesign, or credit makes the most sense.
3. Your piece is made
Each piece is made in Sydney, using the process that best suits it. Most are created through sandcasting, resulting in a raw, organic finish that makes every piece one of a kind. For more refined designs, I also work with CAD and lost wax casting.
Made in Sydney, not mass produced
Every piece is made with intention. No mass production. No generic designs.
Most pieces are created using a sandcasting process, giving them a raw, organic texture that makes each one completely unique.
For designs that require more precision or a different finish, I also work with a trusted CAD designer and use lost wax casting — depending on what the piece calls for and what you’re drawn to.
Everything is carefully considered and overseen by me, from concept through to the final piece.
There’s no one way to make something meaningful. The process is chosen to suit the piece, not the other way around.
Is Jewellery Recycling right for you?
This is for you if:
- You have jewellery you never wear
- Your style has changed
- You’ve outgrown what you own
- You want something more personal
- You’re ready to let go of pieces tied to the past
Ready to see what your jewellery could become?
Submit your pieces and I’ll guide you through what’s possible.
Thank you, Zoë, for turning my family's cherished history into sparkling new memories that I can proudly wear and treasure forever!
Zoë is an absolute gem of a jewellery designer! I was looking to breathe new life into some family heirloom pieces that were tucked away in a drawer, gathering dust and memories. These trinkets held immense sentimental value to me, representing cherished memories of family members who had passed away. Zoë not only understood the emotional significance of these pieces but also took great care in unraveling their history and significance.
Her passion for her craft shone through as she meticulously delved into numerous ideas and suggestions, all aimed at incorporating the essence of these heirlooms into stunning new designs. Zoë's patience and attention to detail were truly remarkable, and she ensured that every step of the transformation process was a collaborative and heartwarming experience.
I am absolutely ecstatic with the results! The new pieces she created are not just exquisite works of art but also serve as a tangible connection to my beloved family members, keeping their memory alive and close to my heart every single day.
I cannot thank Zoë enough for her creativity, professionalism, and most importantly, her understanding of the emotional significance attached to these precious family heirlooms. If you're looking for a jewellery designer who can beautifully blend the past with the present, Zoë is unquestionably the person to trust. I highly recommend her services to anyone seeking to immortalize their precious memories through breathtaking bespoke jewellery designs.
FAQ
How do you work out the credit value?
The value of the credit note is based on the metal karat and gram weight of the items that you send to me and will be issued once the item has been inspected in the studio.
What type of jewellery do you accept?
I only accept solid silver or gold jewellery pieces (no base metals like brass or copper, or filled items).
What if I don't know what my jewellery is made from?
Most precious metals should be hallmarked with a karat stamp. I can help you find this. If your piece isn't stamped, I can test it in my studio using an acid scratch test.
Will the jewellery I send you be used to make my new piece?
If you have enough metal, I can certainly use all of it to make your piece. I use the sand casting method to make jewellery (especially when using customers metal), because once the metal is melted down and poured, it sets in it’s final form. Sometimes old gold or silver can be full of solder or rhodium plating (especially white gold), and if you try and re-work it too much into something completely new, it can get quite brittle. The sand casting method can limit the design possibilities, so to speak, but it’s the best way to reuse your gold.
What if I don't have enough metal to make a new piece?
That's ok! If you don't have enough metal to complete a new piece, I will add already recycled metal to your piece.
What happens to my metal if I only have white gold to recycle but I want to use my credit for a yellow gold piece of jewellery instead (for example)?
All metal that I receive that doesn't go towards your specific piece, gets melted down and used to create a new, one-of-a-kind item for someone else to love.
What if my jewellery has stones in it?
I can unset your stones (all care no responsibility) to use the metal for recycling. The stones need to be unset to accurately weigh the metal for credit. I will always check with you first if you're happy for me to unset your stones.
Can you reuse my gemstone?
Depending on the stone, we can discuss the option of reusing it in a new piece for you. Sapphires and diamonds can be used for sand casting (the process where molten metal is poured directly into a mould and the stones are cast into place) but if you have other types of gemstones, there is always the option of having these traditionally set after I have cast your piece - especially if you would like to use your old metal.
What if I once I've sent my old pieces to you and you've quoted my credit note, I don't want to recycle them?
It's completely ok to change your mind! If you're not happy with your credit note quote and you no longer what to recycle your jewellery, I will send your piece/s back to you (you will just need to cover the cost of shipping).
How long does the process take?
After I've received your pieces, it will take me about a week to work out your credit note. From there, once we've decided on the new piece of jewellery that you want made, the turn around time is generally 4-6 weeks.
“I am so grateful for your hard work on this gorgeous piece, it complements all of my other pieces of yours so nicely. Always love your work and dedication, can’t express enough how in love with it I am!!
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“I reached out to Zoe through her recycling program and she made this stunning Aluna Ring for me as a result. It is totally unique, handmade, and fits perfectly. She also created a beautiful, custom fit ring with an heirloom aquamarine I had been given. It is so individual and meaningful. The number of compliments I have had on each of my ZA pieces has been overwhelming!
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“Hey Zoe! Absolutely love your work. I have a baby on the way and am looking for a signet ring with a small birth stone inset. I think the style of your work is awesome, and so would love to chat about getting something custom... I have some old gold jewellery I'd like to trade in too.
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