The Remodelling Revolution

We are back with another intriguing interview with none-other than Rob UMUN Jewellery Studio’s master jeweller and Clarisse Forge Chiffon’s jewellery stylist.

Rob and Clarisse, there has been much discussion about UMUN sparking a REMODELLING REVOLUTION! Your innovative approach, the unique pieces you reimagine in collaboration with each other!

So as we are all filled with an acute case of curiosity we would love to gain an insight into all this excitement!

Could you firstly explain what exactly is a remodel?

In jewellery terms it is changing the structure or form of a piece but this could be as simple as inverting, adding a ring and threading onto a gemstone necklace...........”Voila!”

Which kind of jewellery are you able to remodel?

Only fine jewellery or can costume jewellery also be remodelled?

Costume jewellery is typically made of base metals and synthetic gemstones which do not withstand the processes of fine jewellery manufacture. Really best to stick with fine jewellery as there is usually a significant value in the materials, making it a worthwhile investment.

Are you only able to remodel one piece at a time?

We always like to see all the pieces in question so we can consider the whole design project. Often the most underrated pieces can surprisingly be the magical ingredients.

What about broken jewellery?

Yes, it’s a good idea to bring broken pieces. We can often use part of a chain or a solitary earring to create something wonderful.

Can I add new materials to the remodel?

Certainly, we encourage that. This is the perfect way to bring it into your aesthetic.

What if I were to remodel a piece of jewellery with a damaged gemstone but I would like to keep the gemstone in the piece?

In this case we have a couple of colleagues who are fantastic gem cutters. About the only skill we don’t have in house. We would ask for their advice on how best we can bring your stone back to its former glory.

Okay so now we have a jeweller’s insight into the key principles of jewellery remodelling, I would like to dive a little deeper and discuss your innovative approach to remodelling.

As you have mentioned anything is possible, with all fine jewellery having the ability to be remodelled...

What is your approach to remodelling loved jewellery that has great sentimental value, however is never worn as it does not fit the individual’s personal style?

Firstly we look at how we can adjust the jewellery to simply bring it into our clients aesthetic if possible, often this can be done by changing the chain or even the length of the chain for example. If this is not enough we would then consider using the material and making a completely new piece.

How do you retain the sentiment contained within a family heirloom?

If we are using the material to remake the piece completely we often take our inspiration from its past keepers as well as the design of the original piece.

If we are altering the piece our approach is the least invasive. We deconstruct only what is absolutely necessary and try to keep things together as much possible. For example, if we are changing a brooch into a pendant, we will only remove the rivet and pin but retain the hinge and catch so that one day in the future if the new keeper of this piece would like to wear it as a brooch it can be easily changed back.

How would you approach a remodel if the individual had a collection of jewels but couldn’t envisage how or when they would wear them or was unsure of their personal style?

Easy, lets make an appointment with Forge Chiffon and work through it. Just allow 30mins.

And lastly where would someone begin to have something remodelled?

Give us a call or send an email and let’s make an appointment.
To that appointment bring in your bag of jewels that you’re considering remodelling and any ideas you might have.

We will sort through them with you, giving you lots of advice along the way, talk about your personal aesthetic and share some new concepts with you.

Something to Cherish…

A Story to Share… Something Special from the Past…Gifted to a Granddaughter with Deep Affection.

The beauty of jewellery is that each piece depending on where it falls in its cycle has a story to be told either from the past, the present or in the future … making jewellery one of the most sentimental of keepsakes. 

An added pleasure to this is that each keeper of the jewellery, at their time in the journey, develops their own unique deep connection to it, maybe adjustments have been made to suit their own style during their time or they choose to wear it as original… either way when documented over the years, a wonderful array of stories can be collected and shared with every generation… about the past…the present and into the future. Connecting families then and now.

So when Jeanette presented a parcel to us at UMUN Jewellery Studio of pre-loved family jewellery, she shared wonderful stories of who and how these pieces had been worn and even where the metal was found to make them many years ago. 

Some were broken and bits had been lost but Jeanette had faith in our ability as designers and jewellers to piece together something from the past and restore it with a modern feel. Something special for her to gift to her granddaughter Sophie on her approaching 18th birthday.

So another story can begin….

A delicate gold earring with a wonderful vintage character was spotted, but it was solo, its partner had been lost in the past…

An intricate design, with two amethyst gemstones and a seed pearl all set within.

Time to reimagine its purpose…

Did you know that before starting a new design here at UMUN Jewellery Studio, we get the input of a stylist first! This is to make sure that we truly understand our client, from their personality to their best colours and to how and when they would like to wear their new piece. A service that is 100% about the client and their individuality. We think this is pretty cool and we are proud to say, that we are the ONLY jewellers that currently offer this service.

So let us share the stylist advice…..

Here are just a few of the questions we asked the stylist… How would an 18-year-old girl wear this best? Would she like it? Is it too old fashioned? 

“Well, I think it would be absolutely beautiful as a fine and delicate pendant… also very appropriate with the fashion trends…. and if you turn it upside down it would be even better. This will modernise the vintage look and it will work beautifully to elongate the design which in turn elongates the wearer. Drape it from a very fine chain, one that can be extended to give Sophie options with her looks and yes, I think it’s perfect for her now and it will travel through the years with her, never dating ”

Jeweller’s concept Sketch… Jewellery design.

So it’s backs to the jewellers bench…

Time for our jeweller to carefully restore and remodel this vintage piece. A handcrafted bail was also needed. Simply to drape the drop from the chain. By the way, our clever master jeweller Rob, used the metal to make this element of the design from Sophie’s great grandmothers wedding ring. 

How cool is that!!! 

A fine and delicate gold pendant, enhanced with amethyst and a seed pearl.

Beauty restored … 

A piece that Sophie can wear, elevating her style for many occasions from casual to the most formal.

Gifted to be embraced and connect her to past… 

A delicate vintage piece with a modern spin that oozes elegance when worn at any age. 

Something from the past, now to be enjoyed in the present and then to be passed into the future. 

Sophie and her pendant… A sentimental 18th birthday gift.

Stylist- Forge Chiffon Styling Studio

And now for a few words from the family whom this pendant belongs…. 

“While going into the city would normally be the practise when you want something special done, having such a top jeweller so close to home is a real bonus and it’s always a good sign when the professional listens to what you have in mind and can interpret your ideas even better than you had hoped.

My granddaughter Sophie was thrilled with her birthday necklace. She really does love it. Couldn’t have been better – and she really appreciated the family association to the components!

Thanks again for your work. Brilliant. “

- Jeanette

“The pendant has turned out absolutely beautiful!  When mum first told me of what she had in mind and showed me the earring I must admit I was a bit scared as to how it would turn out and be modern enough for a young girl to enjoy and want to wear.  After we met with Rob and I saw his other work I could tell he was totally on the right page and the end result was incredible, absolutely perfect!  

The best part was having mum travel over here to give it to her personally on her birthday and for her to be able to see that absolute genuine delight and appreciation on Sophie’s face.  It was a very special moment.

It was also lovely how mum presented it to her with an accompanying little background of the various bits of gold and jewellery that went towards making it. It reinforces the history of what was a lone earring and is now a pendant. I am so very pleased for my mum’s initial idea and investment turning out to be something that will be truly treasured.

Thanks to Rob for all his effort and skill, we are all very happy. “

- Annette

“I am loving my pendant! I’m so impressed how UMUN have managed to make something old, look so modern. This pendant is so special to me, as it’s one of the very few necklaces I own with so much history, let alone tailor made for me. The intricate details that have gone into making this necklace really impressed me. Thank you so much for putting this very sentimental necklace together for me, and it is something I look forward to passing on to my children. “

- Sophie