Should You Reuse Gemstones from Old Jewellery?

The Risks and Rewards of Removing Gemstones from Old Jewellery

Jewellery often comes to us with stories already attached. A ring passed down through the family, a pendant given decades ago, or a forgotten piece found in a jewellery box—all of these can hold gemstones with history. As a jeweller, I’m often asked if those stones can be removed and set into something new, something that feels more wearable today.

It’s a beautiful idea, and one I love working on. Reusing gemstones means carrying forward memories while creating a design that reflects who you are now. But like most things in jewellery-making, it comes with both rewards and risks.

The Rewards of Reusing Gemstones
Sentimental value

When you carry forward a stone from an old piece, you’re carrying forward the memories that come with it. That emerald your mother wore every day, or the diamond gifted by a loved one, becomes part of your story too.

Sustainability

Just as I use recycled gold, reusing gemstones reduces the demand for newly mined stones. This makes your jewellery not only meaningful, but also kinder to the planet.

Uniqueness

Older gemstones often have a cut or character you don’t see in modern stones. Tiny quirks and inclusions make them entirely unique—just like the story they represent.

Cost effectiveness

While re-setting gemstones still involves skilled labour, it can sometimes be more cost-effective than sourcing new stones of the same quality and size.

The Risks of Reusing Gemstones
Wear and tear

Gemstones that have been worn for many years can sometimes show scratches, chips, or other signs of wear. Diamonds, though very hard, can still chip if struck at the wrong angle. Softer stones such as opals, pearls, and emeralds need especially gentle handling.

Hidden damage

Claws, glue, or heavy settings may hide small cracks that only become visible when the stone is removed. This is why careful assessment is important before deciding to reuse a gem.

Size and shape limitations

Older stones may not fit perfectly into modern settings. Sometimes this means designing a bespoke piece around the stone, rather than fitting it into a pre-designed mount.

Risk of loss

Removing a gemstone from its original setting always carries a slight risk. Skilled work and care minimise this, but it’s something to be aware of before you begin.

How I Work with Reused Gemstones

When a client asks me to reuse a gemstone, the first step is always assessment. I carefully examine the stone to check for chips, cracks, or other weaknesses. From there, we can discuss the best way to set it securely into a new design—whether that’s one of my textured gold rings, a pendant, or a bespoke commission.

I’ll always be honest about whether a gemstone is suitable for reuse. Sometimes, I may recommend a protective setting, or suggest using the stone in a pendant (where it’s less exposed to daily knocks) rather than a ring.

Jewellery That Holds Past and Present

The beauty of reusing gemstones is that it allows your jewellery to hold both history and future. The stone that once belonged to someone you loved can now live on in a piece that feels authentically yours—crafted with recycled gold, natural textures, and a deep respect for both material and meaning.

If you have old jewellery with gemstones you’d like to reuse, I’d love to hear from you. Together we can explore the possibilities and create something that feels right for your story.

📧 Get in touch at sian@sianelizabethhughes.co.uk
 or visit sianelizabethhughes.co.uk
 to learn more about my work.