What Is Sentimental Gold Casting?
Sentimental Gold Casting is the process of using gold your customer already owns to create a new piece of jewellery. While the finished piece may look completely different, the metal and story remain connected to the original jewellery. It is one of the most popular services we offer, it has become incredibly sought after by consumers in recent years. The demand has been driven by the price of gold and a desire to create more meaningful pieces.
Why do people choose sentimental casting? Own gold casting makes use of unused or broken jewellery and means that the engagement ring, wedding bands or bespoke piece created is made even more meaningful. It's one of the most personal forms of bespoke jewellery because the piece begins long before the design process starts. Unlike buying something entirely new, sentimental casting allows family history, memories and meaning to become part of the finished piece. Using existing materials is one of the most sustainable ways to create fine jewellery.
What Jewellery Can Be Used for Sentimental Casting?
Your customer’s gold jewellery is carefully assessed, tested and prepared before being cast into a new bespoke design. In general, we can often work with most solid gold jewellery: antique gold jewellery, rings, bangles, pendants, cufflinks, 9ct yellow gold, 14ct yellow gold, 18ct yellow gold, 9ct white gold, 14ct white gold, 18ct white gold.
Every item is tested and assessed individually before any work begins, so unfortunately there may be cases where we cannot use the gold provided.
What Jewellery Can't Be Used?
Some materials, components and pieces are not suitable for sentimental casting. These include: Gold-plated jewellery, gold-filled jewellery, silver and platinum, tungsten and titanium, mixed metal combinations, mixed yellow and white gold, hollow jewellery and heavily soldered pieces like chains.
Before approving any project, our workshop carries out XRF testing to identify the exact composition of every piece. This ensures we can achieve the highest possible quality and reliability in the finished jewellery.
Can Stone-Set Jewellery Be Used?
Yes. Heirloom jewellery containing diamonds or gemstones can often be used for sentimental casting. The stones are professionally removed by our workshop team before casting begins. Depending on the piece, additional workshop charges may apply for this. Many clients choose to reuse sentimental gemstones alongside their gold, creating a piece that carries even more personal significance. We can discuss setting the stones for you, finishing the piece, or just returning the stones to you.
Can Different Carats Be Mixed Together?
In many cases, yes. Different yellow and white gold alloys can often be combined successfully, allowing multiple family heirlooms to contribute to a single piece. But, there are occasions where alloy adjustments are required to reach standard carats. For example, mixing 9ct and 18ct gold may create an alloy that sits between recognised hallmarking standards. In these situations, additional fine gold may be added to bring the metal to an official Assay standard such as 14ct. We always discuss any additional costs that may be related to this with you before proceeding. We do not mix metal colours together, as the resulting alloy can behave unpredictably.
If you have questions about our sentimental gold casting service please get in touch.
