At Rings By Design, everything is bespoke. Own something made just for you, unique to you
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Book your appointment for remodelling jewellery here or call us on 0191 5843338.
Remodelling Your Jewellery
At Rings By Design, we know how sentimental certain pieces of jewellery can be. Whether it be a ring or necklace you wore when you were younger, or something you inherited from family, we can help you to upcycle jewellery so that you can wear it now.
We can also repair your jewellery so that it will last – click here
How does jewellery remodelling work?
There are three steps we work to so that you can be sure to get a piece of jewellery you love for a lifetime.
Step one
Book a free, no-obligation consultation in our Houghton Le Spring Workshop. Bring the jewellery you would like to upcycle with you along with any ideas of what you might like it transformed into.
Step two
We’ll examine your existing items to determine what materials we have to work with and explore designs of what you would like us to create. We’ll discuss what production techniques would be most appropriate and provide a quotation for the work.
Step three
Once you’re happy with everything we’ll take a deposit and get to work remodelling your jewellery for you.
Frequently asked questions
Can you melt old jewellery down to make a new item?
This isn’t as straightforward to answer as you might think. It really depends on the design and weight of the new item and how much metal your old jewellery contains.
Some items can be formed from wire or sheet (Simple wedding bands up to a certain width for example). Other more elaborate designs need to be cast. If the new item can be formed from wire or sheet then it is often possible to simply melt the old jewellery and roll it into the desired sheet or wire shape.
If the new item needs to be cast then you need enough metal for the new item plus a reservoir of additional metal to form the sprue and button. If there is insufficient metal present when the cast occurs air bubbles and other imperfections are likely to occur in the new item. For this reason a minimum of approximately 20g of gold is required for casting.
I've inherited yellow gold but I only wear white. What can I do?
Unfortunately there is no way to turn yellow or rose gold into white or vice versa.
We often get asked if we can rhodium plate yellow gold to make it look white. Technically this is possible (& we’ll do it if you really want us to) but the plating will wear off really quickly & reveal the underlying colour again so it isn’t something we would recommend.
So what can be done?
If your inherited piece contains precious or semi-precious stones we could create a new item using fresh metal but incorporating your stones.
We could create a two colour piece using predominantly the colour you wear but accented with metal from your inherited item. For some items such as wedding bands we have even created a channel on the underside of the ring that is then filled with the inherited gold making it invisible when the ring is being worn.
Will my new jewellery be hallmarked?
That is entirely up to you. There is no legal requirement for us to hallmark jewellery that has been made using the customers own metal but if you would like it hallmarking we will be happy to arrange this for you. A hallmarking charge will apply.
Can I book a home or virtual consultation for Re-Modelling Work?
For remodelling work we prefer the customer to come into the workshop. This is because it is sometimes necessary to use specialist equipment to measure stones, assess metal types etc and this can only be done in the workshop environment.
Where are you located?
Our address is B21 Houghton Business Centre, Lake Rd, Houghton Le Spring DH5 8BJ
Customer Testimonials
Kirsty Wright
2022-06-18T15:14:03+0000
We have been today for a make your own rings workshop to make our wedding rings, cannot rate rings by design high... enough, Graham was a fantastic teacher, especially as I had not done anything like this before, really puts you at ease and builds your confidence, Ian has been great helping us with design and been really helpful with guidance and having to make changes to our dates! we came out with beautiful bespoke wedding bands we made for each other and a huge smile on our faces! A wonderful memory to cherish alongside our homemade rings, thank you so much rings by design for a wonderful day, will definately be back 😊read more
Lyndsey Houston
2022-02-06T22:04:44+0000
Great speedy service, rings look beautiful.. like new. Thank you.
Lyndsey Pain
2022-01-07T15:32:25+0000
Thank you for repairing my wedding ring after it had to be cut off my finger.
Lauren Wood
2021-08-08T19:28:27+0000
I would definitely recommend Rings by Design. I phoned to query getting my engagement ring cleaned ready for my wedding... and the gentleman was very helpful. He booked an appointment the same day and at a very reasonable price! He cleaned while I waited and to say I was happy with the results is an understatement, it looks brand new! They make some gorgeous pieces of jewellery too and I couldn't resist treating myself to a beautiful bracelet. Me and my partner will definitely be returning to get our rings cleaned in the future.read more
Rose Taylor
2021-06-21T17:07:29+0000
Absolutely amazing service really friendly and helped design mine and my partners wedding rings and love them both so... much was really surprised how quickly we got the rings after ordering 100% recommendread more
Jo Thompson
2021-06-07T14:12:12+0000
Amazing service. Used Rings by Design 10 years ago for my engagement and wedding rings and returned to them now for my... eternity ring. It’s exactly what I wanted and it’s fits with my other rings perfectly. Very efficient, especially to say we are not in the North East and were meeting via Zoom! Thank you so much, Jo and Jonathan Thompson.read more
Graeme Stammers
2021-04-19T15:15:45+0000
I called up today after having an online chat. I was wanting a stone resetting in a new ring after being told it... couldn't be resized elsewhere. Graham took one look and resized it for me and it now fits perfectly. Not only did he save me a few hundred quid, he also made it possible to keep the entire ring original like my Grandad had it. Thankyou pads, highly recommended.read more
Kelsey Downey
2021-03-13T09:33:14+0000
Absolutely thrilled with my redesigned engagement ring. The service from start to finish was superb, with lots of... design help & advice given. Couldn't be happier, I'd definitely recommend and will use in future. Thank you!read more
Pamela Cowley
2020-11-04T15:24:30+0000
Thank you so much for squeezing me in before lockdown part 2. I needed my ring resized and was so impressed with the... finished result. Lovely to be wearing my wedding ring again. Thank you xread more
Joanne Brown
2020-10-23T21:34:10+0000
Brilliant service, I’ve got to many high streets to be told I can only get my ring stretched and no where does re... sizing with a piece added. Found these guys - I was booked in straight away, brilliant service and customer service. My engagement ring was resized up to 4 sizes, no marks or anything can’t see where the the piece went in. Absolutely amazing. Will defiantly be using the service again 😁 so happy after not wearing my ring for the last 6 month - done it while waiting. Took around 15-20 mins. Over the moon thank you 🥰read more
Chris Lindsay
2020-09-16T11:53:19+0000
My wife has used them for repairs and cleaning. Always good service and good value.
Cherrelle Ord
2020-02-21T19:22:56+0000
From our wedding rings, to amends of engagement, fixing eternity ring. I honestly would not go anywhere else...... tremendous service each time!read more
Joanne Houghton
2019-11-16T18:24:46+0000
Over 2 years ago we met Ian at a wedding fair at Hardwick Hall. After an initial consultation we knew that this was the... company we would entrust to make our custom wedding rings (with mine to fit around my engagement ring). We were not disappointed! Communication was fantastic between Ian, Graham and ourselves. Clear pricing and every effort made to ensure that our wedding rings were exactly what we wanted. They listened, measured and created a thing of beauty... well 3 things actually... On 8/11/19 we finally said "I do" and I could not be happier with our rings. I can't stop looking at them. Thank you both so, so much! David & Joanne xread more
Naomi-Jane Greensmith
2019-09-24T06:18:12+0000
Amazing service for both our wedding rings and gorgeous end results that we still love!
Anna Cresswell
2019-08-27T13:25:05+0000
Rings by design made both of our wedding rings for our wedding this August. The consultation was great with lots of... advice to get the styles that we wanted and we couldn’t be happier with the final product. My wedding ring was designed to match my engagement ring and they look great together. Thanks again! 😊read more
Marie Dunn
2019-06-25T15:42:57+0000
Graham made our wedding rings almost 13 years ago and did a fabulous job. We have just taken them to be resized after... years of not wearing them and he has done an amazing job again at a very very good price! I didn’t think it would be possible due to the design so I am delighted he has made it possible for us to wear them again! I highly recommend you design and have rings made here and I also recommend any other services provided! Thanks so much Graham!read more
Kimberley Wrench
2019-05-19T18:03:01+0000
Absolutely love mine and my husbands rings, nothing was a problem took their time helping us design our wedding rings... to give them our own personal designs! Will definitely be recommending these to any couple wanting wedding rings or a personal ring making, thank you so muchread more
Owen Scott
2019-03-05T21:05:54+0000
Ian has just been to our house to measure up and discuss our options for wedding rings . From the start a really nice... guy and very professional, he knew every answer to all of our questions. We decided on which rings we wanted and purchased them straight away. We can't wait to receive our rings 😀 thank you so muchread more
Roxy Scott
2019-03-05T21:04:50+0000
We met Ian at a wedding fair and booked an appointment. He is professional and very informative, and we have just... bought our rings for our big day. cannot wait to see them. thank you 🙂read more
Ken Richardson
2018-11-22T23:56:45+0000
My wife was devasated when she lost one of the diamonds from her engagement ring after 44 years. Contacted Rings by... Design as they had made our daughter's wedding ring a few years ago. We made an appointment today and went along. The service was brilliant - Graham checked the ring, assessed the damage and quoted us for the repair and replacement diamond. Amazingly he was able to offer to do it there and then in about 15minutes. At the end of a relatively short visit the ring had been repaired, the diamond replaced and the whole thing cleaned and sparkling again - with minimal damage to the bank account!!! I would heartily recommend this company to anyone with any problems with jewellery or wanting to have an item made up to their own specifications. Excellent service - Thank you.read more
Jasmin Ellen Lawson
2018-09-21T19:14:44+0000
Over the moon with my appointment today! Thank you so much. Price, service, design is brilliant highly recommend!
Catherine Donaldson
2018-07-23T19:43:27+0000
Picked up our weddings rings and wow they are amazing! So pleased with the end result and can’t wait for the wedding in... October so we can show off our rings every day! Thanks again for creating two wonderful pieces. Highly recommend!read more
Catherine McNay
2018-07-19T10:11:08+0000
Fantastic speedy service throughout the process of designing and buying our weddings rings. We now have beautiful... bespoke rings for which we paid a very (surprising!) reasonable price. Absolutely faultless, thank you!read more
Kayleigh Hessian-Bunting
2018-06-20T20:54:49+0000
Last week me and my partner made our Wedding rings. The entire day was incredibly relaxed and we loved every minute.... Graham was fab, patient and explained clearly. Not only have I got exactly what I wanted that I haven't been able to find anywhere else, knowing that we've made each others along with the memories of making it will stay with us forever. Thank you so much for both a fabulous day but two amazing rings!read more
Leanne Garbutt
2018-06-20T13:13:12+0000
Brilliant company picked our rings up last week and they are stunning. Very helpful and friendly
Kate Smith
2018-05-17T17:17:02+0000
Excellent service and quality, thank you for everything we love our rings. Highly recommended x
Susie Belshaw
2018-05-03T14:29:13+0000
Rings by design were amazing. Picked up our rings today and are incredibly impressed with them. They've turned out... better then we could have imagined and we'd reccomend them to anyone. So reasonably priced aswell. Thank you so much. Can't wait to wear them now �read more
Naomi Clark
2018-01-21T12:46:31+0000
Amazing place, they did mine and my husbands wedding rings and mine goes round my engagement ring, absolutely gorgeous... couldn’t fault them!read more
Lucy Rowntree
2017-09-23T08:00:59+0000
Rings by Design made both of our wedding rings and we absolutely love them! Through every step of the process the team... were brilliant. The consultation was friendly, professional, both Ian & Graham were highly knowledgeable and supported us throughout. The price was very reasonable too! My engagement ring is an unusual shape so we had to have my wedding ring moulded to fit. Nothing was too much trouble they made me two different moulds in wax to make sure I was happy with the design I chose. The finished rings are stunning! My wedding & engagement ring fit together perfectly & it looks even better than I imagined! My husbands ring was made exactly how he wanted it, from the metal, fit, design to the finish. Rings by Design are simply brilliant and we would highly recommend them!!!read more
Kate Forster
2017-08-25T22:31:12+0000
We cannot recommend Rings by Design highly enough, we absolutely adore our wedding rings. Thank you for being so... patient, and advising us on the best approach to meet our tastes. We were both made to feel so welcome each time we visited the workshop, and couldn't be happier with the final products �. Thank you again xread more
Ashleigh McGuire
2017-08-23T21:05:57+0000
Amazing service. 2 rings cleaned twice a year and better than when purchased. I recommend to everyone. Fab ���
Amy Bellars
2017-08-12T17:59:00+0000
Big thank you to both Ian and Graham for our beautiful wedding bands. Designed and made a goregous band that interlocks... with my engagement ring perfectly, and is exactly how I described it.Highly recommended.read more
Steph-Millie Harbisher
2017-06-26T17:07:47+0000
I honestly can not thank the guys enough, they done a fantastic job with my beautiful wedding ring, they made... everything so simple, Kind Regards Steph xread more
Sophie Emms
2017-06-21T19:41:38+0000
We booked the workshop to make our own wedding rings and it was a wonderful day from start to finish. Graham had all... the time in the world for us during our consultation, where he took time to explain about the different shapes of rings and metals we could use to make them. During the workshop we were shown how to make our rings step by step and the whole time Graham was extremely patient with us, never stepping in to take the rings off us, and allowing us to complete the process by following his examples.Extra touches were added by Ian to make it feel special, who took photos all throughout the experience and we were even offered a glass of prosecco to celebrate at the end.We thoroughly enjoyed our day, and would highly recommend Rings By Design if you're looking for this type of experience.read more
Katherine Owens
2017-06-21T18:14:00+0000
My word!!! Am lost for word's my wedding ring is absolutely gorgoues, am so overwhelm. It's more than I ever imagined,... will 1000% be ordering from you again. Thank you so much From Mr Owens To Be ��read more
Nikki Blackburn
2014-03-08T16:18:02+0000
Just picked up our wedding rings and could not be happier. The time and attention that Ian put into our consultation... has meant we've both ended up with a completely unique, bespoke wedding ring. Mine is the exact ring I wanted but had been unable to find in shops, and having it made by this company meant I was also able to provide my own stones from my mums eternity ring, making it so much more special. Ian even spent time measuring every bit of my engagement ring to ensure my wedding band fits perfectly with it. Excellent service and fantastic jewellery - thank you so muchread more
Alice Armstrong
2014-01-06T21:19:31+0000
Had both rings designed and made and they are amazing! Great service and great value for money. Got something totally... unique to me at a fraction of the cost of a high street jeweler. Thank you!read more
About Us
Established since 2001, we've become North East leading specialists in bespoke rings.
Blog
Read the latest on Rings By Design, see our recent designs and meet some of our customers.
Contact Us
If you'd like to learn more about how we can help you there are a few ways you can get in touch.