Help with whether to remake 1940s family heirloom?

[Tayberry]

I received my husband's grandmother's ring from the 1940s. I loved everything about this cherished item. It's gone. I miss this treasure and I can't bare the thought of telling my husband's parents.

Is it possible to remake? This would be an advanced project. Where would I go for something like this? I would want original vintage diamonds like the heirloom. Husband's family aren't obsessed with jewelry like me, could a replacement be convincing?

 

[Tayberry]

The back and profile are a lot like this

Platinum 20 diamond vintage estate antique ring

platinum 1930's - 1940's vintage diamond ring (2) European cut diamonds = apx .48ct tw (by measurement) SI1 Near colorless (18) round cut diamond accents = apx .52ct tw Apx 1ct total weight Size 5.5 #08051 Ring can be resized within reason by our local jeweler or likely yours. Please contact...

www.ramblingrose.net

 

[Tayberry]

It was two tone 14k yellow and white gold. The center diamond was an old mine cut. There were illusion 'diamonds' engraved in the outside of the setting

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

Lucky you have as many photos as you do
im sure someone will be along in a minute to recomend someone who can remake it

 

[Ionysis]

I certainly think it could be remade, but will it FEEL the same to you. Did you love it because if the design or because it was a family heirloom? Even if it is made to look identical it might not make you feel any better.

 

[MissGotRocks]

Are you sure it is gone (like forever) or is it just misplaced somewhere?

 

[Tayberry]

Are you sure it is gone (like forever) or is it just misplaced somewhere?

Lucky you have as many photos as you do
im sure someone will be along in a minute to recomend someone who can remake it

Thank you, these are all the photos I have

 

[Tayberry]

I certainly think it could be remade, but will it FEEL the same to you. Did you love it because if the design or because it was a family heirloom? Even if it is made to look identical it might not make you feel any better.

I know it won't be the same. I did love that it was 80+ years old and owned by his grandma. I hope for a beautiful tribute honoring the original that will help me feel better about losing it.

 

[Tayberry]

Are you sure it is gone (like forever) or is it just misplaced somewhere?

Yes, I lost a number of items unfortunately. We moved so it would have turned up. I had the car detailed too

 

[kgizo]

I think it can be done. My concerns are: 1) since it is so specific it might be best to work with a local jeweler, but depending on where you live you may not have a good jeweler; 2) how will you feel if others think it is the original and you know it isn’t; and 3) how will you feel if you spend a lot of effort and money trying to recreate the ring and it doesn’t turn out as you imagine? It is very sad it was lost during a move, but life happens. Would your husband be understanding of this and open to a purchasing a similar vintage ring, an “inspired by” homage to his grandmother?

 

[Tayberry]

I think it can be done. My concerns are: 1) since it is so specific it might be best to work with a local jeweler, but depending on where you live you may not have a good jeweler; 2) how will you feel if others think it is the original and you know it isn’t; and 3) how will you feel if you spend a lot of effort and money trying to recreate the ring and it doesn’t turn out as you imagine? It is very sad it was lost during a move, but life happens. Would your husband be understanding of this and open to a purchasing a similar vintage ring, an “inspired by” homage to his grandmother?

1. No local options, we're in a small town. I'd prefer to find the right pricescope vendor
2. I'll feel fine if it's beautiful. I can always admit it's a replacement
3. I would do everything I could to manage my expectations. I would hope that a replacement would be as nice as possible.
4. Husband is so incredibly loving and understanding and will support my decision. He says he doesn't think his parents pay that much attention to details and may never ask about the ring if I don't bring it up.

 

[Agnasia]

I’m not that knowledgeable but it sounds like you have a strong gut feel about what you want to do here. I loved what you said about it being a beautiful tribute, so in that vein I would suggest designing something close but maybe with a personal twist to it, so it is honouring the original but also acknowledging it’s not exactly the same? Just a thought.

 

[YadaYadaYada]

I think you could probably find this ring with some internet sleuthing and it would be a lot less hassle and expense that way. In fact I know I’ve seen a ring like this and I’m trying to hunt it down.

Since it’s two tone, I would search Etsy, RubyLane and EBay for “two tone vintage diamond ring” or “two tone mid-century diamond ring”. I’ll keep looking too.

 

[Paisley2628]

I received my husband's grandmother's ring from the 1940s. I loved everything about this cherished item. It's gone. I miss this treasure and I can't bare the thought of telling my husband's parents.

Is it possible to remake? This would be an advanced project. Where would I go for something like this? I would want original vintage diamonds like the heirloom. Husband's family aren't obsessed with jewelry like me, could a replacement be convincing?

To get an idea of the cost of remaking this ring, I would contact David Klass and send him a few of the best photos you have of the ring and ask him what he would charge to remake the ring. He is very helpful and easy to work with. This would at least give you a starting point and may help in your decision making process.

 

[Rfisher]

I’m so sorry for the loss of the ring. I think it’s lovely you want to recreate it and really glad your husband is on board.

I think one thing to consider for communication between you and who you choose to do the job - is some jewelers recreate to look as they did when brand new. Some jewelers recreate to look as they have already gone thru wear and time.

 

[goldnsilver]

1. No local options, we're in a small town. I'd prefer to find the right pricescope vendor
2. I'll feel fine if it's beautiful. I can always admit it's a replacement
3. I would do everything I could to manage my expectations. I would hope that a replacement would be as nice as possible.
4. Husband is so incredibly loving and understanding and will support my decision. He says he doesn't think his parents pay that much attention to details and may never ask about the ring if I don't bring it up.

I think with the amount of clear pictures that you fortunately have, and since it's quite a typical 1940s illusion set ering, it would be easy to recreate for either David Klass or Sako (https://www.instagram.com/cjd_sako). I haven't personally worked with Sako yet, but I have chatted to him on Instagram about potential commission/antique restorations, and a few PSers have commissioned him to make replicas of antique rings with requested modifications, which have turned out amazing and faithful to the originals. I'll try to find these posts and share them.

Also I agree with @YadaYadaYada that it's possible to find a ring just like it. I'll keep an eye out too.

 

[goldnsilver]

Adding the Sako antique ring custom replica threads here:

#JOTW - Antique Oval in an Art Deco Duplication from Sako

Hi all. This begins with a late art deco ring I have had for years, that was one I always really loved. Easy to wear, pretty geometric details, and comfortable. I picked it up years ago on Ruby Lane for a very good price and it was my usual go to travel ring as well! This is the ring. I...

www.pricescope.com

First CAD of columbian emerald ring remake by Sako

This is my first time working with Sako of Cicada Jewelry Design. The center stone is a Columbian emerald I purchased. The two emerald trillions are cut from my grandmothers marquis emerald that was cracked. The diamonds are from two of my grandmas pieces. It will me a mix of 18k yellow gold...

www.pricescope.com

Sako @ Cicada Columbian emerald ring/ family remake

Here are some photos to update you on the process and progress of my emerald ring. This is a Colombian emerald cut emerald, plus two emerald trillions recut from my grandmas broken emerald, and diamonds and gold from my grandmas pieces. It is almost done, just needs milgrain and engraving!

www.pricescope.com

Final product from Sako! She is complete!

Can't wait to wear it! Thank you to everyone for your encouragement and feedback on my first huge project, from lapidary to emerald purchase to designer and CADS!!

www.pricescope.com

And he can add antique patina finish if required as recently shown on his Instagram -

Cicada Jewelry Design, Inc. on Instagram: "When my good friend @franziska_vintage_jewels asked me to create this double row, original French cut diamond, Georgian inspired band for her birthday, I was truly honored. One, she deserves it and more and

516 likes, 47 comments - cjd_sako on March 24, 2022: "When my good friend @franziska_vintage_jewels asked me to create this double row, original French cut diamond, Georgian inspired band for her birthday, I was truly honored. One, she deserves it and more and 2nd, the opportunity of working...

www.instagram.com

Although I think if you go the replica route and don't necessarily want to add patina or worn effects, you can always explain that you've had the ring refurbished/rehabbed, if you're concerned about that.

 

[Tayberry]

I think you could probably find this ring with some internet sleuthing and it would be a lot less hassle and expense that way. In fact I know I’ve seen a ring like this and I’m trying to hunt it down.

Since it’s two tone, I would search Etsy, RubyLane and EBay for “two tone vintage diamond ring” or “two tone mid-century diamond ring”. I’ll keep looking too.

Thanks for the great suggestion. I'm not an ebay/etsy expert like you and other Pricescope folks - I would love to find an original vintage replacement but didn't think it would be possible but will keep looking!

 

[Tayberry]

I’m not that knowledgeable but it sounds like you have a strong gut feel about what you want to do here. I loved what you said about it being a beautiful tribute, so in that vein I would suggest designing something close but maybe with a personal twist to it, so it is honouring the original but also acknowledging it’s not exactly the same? Just a thought.

I think any replica will be an interpretive version of versus exact copy of the original. I had thought whether to replace the 'illusion' part with more diamonds

 

[Tayberry]

To get an idea of the cost of remaking this ring, I would contact David Klass and send him a few of the best photos you have of the ring and ask him what he would charge to remake the ring. He is very helpful and easy to work with. This would at least give you a starting point and may help in your decision making process.

Thank you, I sent photos and messages to David Klass.

 

[Tayberry]

I’m so sorry for the loss of the ring. I think it’s lovely you want to recreate it and really glad your husband is on board.

I think one thing to consider for communication between you and who you choose to do the job - is some jewelers recreate to look as they did when brand new. Some jewelers recreate to look as they have already gone thru wear and time.

Thank you for the consideration. I would not want to create artificial wear or distress. Hopefully one of the vendors recommended responds and I can keep getting help from Pricescope about communication. Appreciate the guidance, I aware this is an ambitious project to take on and I'm not experienced with custom jewelry.

 

[Tayberry]

I think with the amount of clear pictures that you fortunately have, and since it's quite a typical 1940s illusion set ering, it would be easy to recreate for either David Klass or Sako (https://www.instagram.com/cjd_sako). I haven't personally worked with Sako yet, but I have chatted to him on Instagram about potential commission/antique restorations, and a few PSers have commissioned him to make replicas of antique rings with requested modifications, which have turned out amazing and faithful to the originals. I'll try to find these posts and share them.

Also I agree with @YadaYadaYada that it's possible to find a ring just like it. I'll keep an eye out too.

Adding the Sako antique ring custom replica threads here:

#JOTW - Antique Oval in an Art Deco Duplication from Sako

Hi all. This begins with a late art deco ring I have had for years, that was one I always really loved. Easy to wear, pretty geometric details, and comfortable. I picked it up years ago on Ruby Lane for a very good price and it was my usual go to travel ring as well! This is the ring. I...

www.pricescope.com

First CAD of columbian emerald ring remake by Sako

This is my first time working with Sako of Cicada Jewelry Design. The center stone is a Columbian emerald I purchased. The two emerald trillions are cut from my grandmothers marquis emerald that was cracked. The diamonds are from two of my grandmas pieces. It will me a mix of 18k yellow gold...

www.pricescope.com

Sako @ Cicada Columbian emerald ring/ family remake

Here are some photos to update you on the process and progress of my emerald ring. This is a Colombian emerald cut emerald, plus two emerald trillions recut from my grandmas broken emerald, and diamonds and gold from my grandmas pieces. It is almost done, just needs milgrain and engraving!

www.pricescope.com

Final product from Sako! She is complete!

Can't wait to wear it! Thank you to everyone for your encouragement and feedback on my first huge project, from lapidary to emerald purchase to designer and CADS!!

www.pricescope.com

And he can add antique patina finish if required as recently shown on his Instagram -

Cicada Jewelry Design, Inc. on Instagram: "When my good friend @franziska_vintage_jewels asked me to create this double row, original French cut diamond, Georgian inspired band for her birthday, I was truly honored. One, she deserves it and more and

516 likes, 47 comments - cjd_sako on March 24, 2022: "When my good friend @franziska_vintage_jewels asked me to create this double row, original French cut diamond, Georgian inspired band for her birthday, I was truly honored. One, she deserves it and more and 2nd, the opportunity of working...

www.instagram.com

Although I think if you go the replica route and don't necessarily want to add patina or worn effects, you can always explain that you've had the ring refurbished/rehabbed, if you're concerned about that.

Thank you so much for finding these awesome posts. Sako is incredibly skilled and seems like they could do just what I need. Hopefully I get a response to my inquiry. I'm excited to see what Sako says.

I'm trying not to get my hopes up about finding a vintage replica but that would be amazing!

 

[Tayberry]

Love seeing your poll responses! So grateful to this forum

 

[Calliecake]

If your husband’s family is not obsessed with jewelry they probably wouldn’t be aware of all the details of the rIng. Life happens, things get lost. If I was your In-laws I would be touched that the ring meant so much to you that you were trying to duplicate it.

 

[AnastasiaBeaverhausen]

I think it'd be cool to make a repro and add any personal touches to make it "yours." If anyone asks, maybe phrase it that you missed having that ring on your hand so much you had it recreated?

 

[Tayberry]

Sako responded. He's saying to optimize the old version, especially the extra metal around the center and the engraved outer leaves that don't have diamonds. He was easily able to describe the style and would source a 5mm old mine center and single cut round sides. The replacement would be 18k yellow gold and platinum and would be an improved 'ode' to my husband's grandmother's.

 

[Tayberry]

If your husband’s family is not obsessed with jewelry they probably wouldn’t be aware of all the details of the rIng. Life happens, things get lost. If I was your In-laws I would be touched that the ring meant so much to you that you were trying to duplicate it.

Thank you, I was so touched that the ring was passed down to me and I did love wearing it. I'll love the replacement too, the style is pretty and wearable, and I will be wearing it to honour his grandmother even if it didn't actually belong to her.

 

[Tayberry]

I think it'd be cool to make a repro and add any personal touches to make it "yours." If anyone asks, maybe phrase it that you missed having that ring on your hand so much you had it recreated?

Thank you, I do hope for a reproduction/ reinterpretation that is as beautiful as possible. The tweaks to the original that Sako is suggesting make perfect sense to me - upgrades to the center diamond and making the outer leaves diamond set. I don't wear much jewelry and would probably wear this one only for special occasions. More than anything, a lovely replacement would be a balm to soothe the sting of losing the original.

Side note - his grandmother was known for being particularly grumpy!

 

[Tayberry]

Some beautiful vintage pieces on Rubylane. This one is pretty and has a similar feel to it

I think you could probably find this ring with some internet sleuthing and it would be a lot less hassle and expense that way. In fact I know I’ve seen a ring like this and I’m trying to hunt it down.

Since it’s two tone, I would search Etsy, RubyLane and EBay for “two tone vintage diamond ring” or “two tone mid-century diamond ring”. I’ll keep looking too.

ribbon and leaf style

 

[YadaYadaYada]

Ahhhh! It’s driving me crazy because I know I’ve seen a ring that was so similar and now I can’t find it of course.