Divorce Jewelry - Shifting Karma

As a jewelry "re-designer", working with a client that is ready to redo wedding jewelry from a divorce requires a positive and forward looking perspective.  Before the project beings, I have found it beneficial to spend time helping my client shift their consciousness to find and rediscover the good karma that once existed in the stones.

Whether amicable or not, a divorce signifies the end of something that started with love and optimism. What remains are memories, and of course unworn wedding and anniversary jewelry. My job is to assess the "baggage" and help my client visualize and get excited about what their new jewelry will look like.

Possible setting options for unworn wedding jewelry

Stones out of old wedding band setting

Many times, after the stone is removed from the original setting, I encourage my clients to think about the day they were given the stones - not the ring.  I have found it is beneficial to focus on the joy and excitement from when they first got the jewelry - and keep the focus on the stones.

Once the positive energy is recaptured, and a new life for the stone is visualized, the fun begins in finding the right look that fits her current lifestyle and budget.

The response I get when delivering "new" jewelry to a divorcee is very rewarding as I am delivering jewelry a client never thought she would want to wear again... jewelry she took part in creating... jewelry that suits her new life... jewelry that is a gift she has given to herself. Most importantly, jewelry that she will wear and love - once again.

A few examples of re-designed and reset wedding jewelry and the response from my clients:

Unworn wedding band and ring become new diamond pendant

"After my divorce my diamond engagement ring and wedding band were just sitting in my jewelry box. I didn't want to sell them because a) sentimental value and b) thought my boys might want the stones one day for their brides. Amy created the most beautiful piece of jewelry out of both rings: a pendant that can be clipped on to any necklace. I have worn it on a leather and making it look casual as well as on a diamond chain and pearl necklace for black tie events. Strangers have approached me wanting to know where I bought it! I love wearing it not only because its a stunning piece but because I can keep my ex whom I still care for close to my heart!"                 - Linda K., Bedford, NY

Unworn wedding band becomes new diamond earrings

"Making a "clean sweep" through my husbands gifted jewelry when my 14 year marriage ended was truly a cathartic, uplifting process. The saying "out with the old and in with the new" applied to so many aspects of my new life. Transforming my beautiful jewelry into completely different, powerful and sexy statements was truly a gift of priceless value to me! Thank you so much, Amy, for restoring more than just my ring! You restored my heart and spirit, too!"           - Carol L. Fairfield, CT

Unworn wedding jewelry is transformed into three new pieces

Unworn three stone ring becomes new "right-hand" ring and earrings

"Amy did an amazing job transforming my rings into beautiful contemporary jewelry that reflects my style and taste. She has an incredible ability to creatively make suggestions that can work on each of your pieces and more importantly, she picks designs that fit your needs and lifestyles. I love all my new necklaces and earring and can not wait to find more pieces for her to work on!

- Elyse L. Port Washington, NY

"After being divorced and having my jewelry sit in my jewelry box for three years, Amy found and created new settings for my diamonds that I was planning to sell. She brought new life to my jewelry .... for my new life! Now I love it and wear it all the time - Thank you Amy!               - Betsy B. New Canaan, CT

The Story Behind the Stones #3 - Loose green tourmaline

I was contacted to help create a new piece of jewelry for a vivid green tourmaline that my client's husband had given to his mother years ago. While discussing a few options, the concept of adding diamonds came up, and within minutes, a photo of an unworn heart that had belonged to my client's late mother was sent to my desk-top via email... "Can we use any of these?" YOU BET!

Loose green tourmaline

Unworn diamond heart pendant

Over the next few weeks the stones were removed, a design was chosen, and her new pendant - with my signature enhancer - is now worn in many different ways.... 

Stones selected and ready to be set

New tourmaline and diamond enhancer on pearls

New tourmaline and diamond enhancer on gold chain

The Story Behind the Stones #2 - Wedding Jewelry

I recently had the opportunity to work with a successful business executive who was ready to restyle and reset her wedding jewelry. Divorced now for several years, we discussed her desire to treat herself to new jewelry that would be substantial in look and versatile in function.

All complete, from three pieces of unworn jewelry we created seven new pieces for her to wear and love!

Jewelry BEFORE - Three pieces

  # 1 BEFORE - three stone engagement ring

# 2 BEFORE - diamond wedding band

# 3 - BEFORE - sapphire and diamond tennis bracelet

Jewelry AFTER - seven pieces

#1 - 18K yellow gold "right hand ring"

#2 - Custom designed sapphire and topaz earrings 14K yellow gold (topaz purchased)

#3 -  Bezel set sapphires in 14K yellow gold

#4 - Diamond "dangle" hoops in 14K yellow gold

#5 - Diamond circle necklace set in 14K white gold

#6 - Bezel set single diamond in 14K white gold

#7 - 36" Blue and white sapphire necklace 14K yellow gold (white sapphires purchased)

Combined Before & After Photos 

The Story Behind the Stones #1

BEFORE - 1950's diamond cocktail ring

It seems everyone loves a good story! I am frequently told by clients and viewers of my website and facebook page that as much as they love seeing the jewelry, they love reading the "stories behind the stones" --- so this week I've decided to tell the story with the stones -- I was contacted by a family to help them sort out their inherited jewelry - among the many pieces we sorted was this 1950's diamond cocktail ring. No one thinks it has seen the light of day for twenty years! My client is one of three boys and the ring had belonged to his mother with special instructions for his wife to do what she wanted with it. 

AFTER - Removable diamond pendant with necklace

At first, all she knew was that she wanted to reset the diamonds and make something new. Once clean the stones were dazzling and after removing them and measuring --- I presented several ideas to my clients -- one of which was similar to a necklace I had done last year utilizing a large center stone in a circle pendant. There were plenty of perfectly matched diamonds to make that and a new diamonds-by-the-yard type necklace. The only stones missing were for the enhancer - so I purchased ones to match. Needless to say, this very special pendant now hangs on a very special daughter-in-law, whose face shines almost as much as the diamonds:)

AFTER - Removable diamond pendant and necklace

AFTER - Removable pendant shown on black cord