How to Start Reimagining Your Jewelry

At Croft & Stern, jewelry reimagining is one of our specialties. Many of our guests come to us with jewelry that has been inherited, in need of restyling, or simply unworn. The jewelry still carries memories, value, and potential. That’s where we come in.

So you’ve been thinking about remodeling your jewelry…

Jewelry Remodeling is Our Speciality

Be inspired by our Before & After page

1. Sort Through Your Collection

Most people who are ready for a jewelry makeover already have jewelry they’re not wearing. The first step is gathering it all. Don’t just bring the one piece you’re considering changing—bring everything you could potentially part ways with. If you aren’t sure if it is precious metals, don’t hesitate to bring it in. Why? Because we may be able to:

• Repurpose gems from multiple pieces into one new design.

• Credit platinum or gold from other items to offset your project cost. We offer higher value toward your project when you choose to trade in your precious metal.

• Learn what you have. Perhaps the item you are unsure about really is fine jewelry, perhaps it’s not. Let’s find out together and put an end to the mystery.

In short: the more you bring, the more options you have.

*note: If you have old sales documents, gem reports or appraisals, please bring those papers with you to the initial consultation

2. Think About Where You’ll Wear It

Once you have a collection of “what you have to use,” start thinking about “where” you’d love to wear your new piece. Do you want a ring you’ll wear every day? Earrings for special occasions? A necklace or bracelet that feels fresh and timeless? This helps us guide the design direction.

3. Ideate the Style, Not the Blueprint

Here’s the good news: you don’t need to design your own jewelry—that’s our job! What we do need is your vision. Think about the vibe or style that excites you. Are you drawn to bold, modern lines? Vintage-inspired details? Minimal and sleek?

Don’t worry about how your gems will fit or limit yourself to “just rings.” Instead, gather inspiration. Pinterest boards, magazine clippings, even screenshots of jewelry you admire all help us understand your style.

We know life is busy, if looking at images is not an option, simply sharing the style of a designer or store you admire will help our designers understand how to better assist you.

Further Inspiration

View our Recent Project Gallery to help brainstorm ideas

4. Bring Your Ideas to Us

With your collection in hand and a vision for the style you’re drawn to, you’re ready to begin. We’ll take it from there—sketching, designing, and guiding you through the custom build process.

To learn more, check out our FAQ page for common questions, or visit our Custom Order page to see how the process works and to schedule your introductory design appointment.