There’s something undeniably special about family heirloom jewellery—pieces passed down through generations, carrying memories, traditions, and sentimental value. Understandably, many people want to incorporate these treasured items into new designs, either by repurposing the metal or resetting gemstones.
However, at Lilia Nash Jewellery, we do not work with customer-supplied gold or gemstones. This decision isn’t made lightly, and it’s not about rejecting the importance of heirlooms, it’s about ensuring the highest possible quality, ethical integrity, and craftsmanship in every piece we create.
Here’s why...
1. Metal Quality and Structural Integrity
Gold and platinum may seem indestructible, but over time, they wear down, develop microscopic cracks, and weaken—especially in vintage or antique jewellery.
Why This Matters:
- Older metal may have been alloyed differently, making it brittle or unpredictable when worked with.
- Some jewellery has been soldered or repaired multiple times, creating weak points that can’t always be detected until the metal is reworked.
- Refining and reusing gold requires specialist processes to remove impurities, and even then, there’s no guarantee that the final result will meet the high standards of our handmade designs.
At Lilia Nash, all of our jewellery is made from freshly milled recycled 18ct gold and 950 platinum to ensure every piece is as strong and durable as possible.
2. Gemstone Risks and Ethical Concerns
Resetting gemstones from heirloom jewellery may seem like a sustainable choice, but there are several risks involved.
Why We Don’t Reset Customer Gemstones:
- Hidden Flaws: Even the most beautiful gemstone can have internal fractures or stress points that aren’t visible to the naked eye. Some stones may crack or shatter when removed from their original setting.
- Uncertain Origins: Many older gemstones have no traceable origin. At Lilia Nash, we prioritise ethically sourced, fair trade, and conflict-free gemstones, ensuring every stone is responsibly mined.
- Compatibility Issues: Not all stones can be reset safely, especially softer gems like opals or emeralds, which are highly fragile and may not withstand the process.
Each gemstone we use is hand-selected for its quality, ethical sourcing, and ability to withstand everyday wear. This ensures every piece we create is not just beautiful, but also built to last.
3. Ensuring a Consistent Standard of Craftsmanship
Lilia Nash rings and jewellery are designed with a specific standard of workmanship and
durability in mind. When working with unknown metals or stones, there’s no way to guarantee that the final piece will meet these standards.
By only working with materials we have sourced and tested ourselves, we can:
✔ Ensure every piece meets our exacting quality standards
✔ Provide a full guarantee on craftsmanship and materials
✔ Maintain ethical transparency from sourcing to final creation
4. Preserving the Integrity of Your Heirloom Jewellery
Rather than melting down or altering a sentimental heirloom, there are alternative ways to honour its history:
- Wear It As It Is: Many antique rings can be cleaned, polished, or resized without needing to be completely redesigned.
- Pass It Down: If the piece isn’t your style, consider keeping it within the family for future generations.
- Commission a New Piece Inspired by the Original: If you love the design elements of an heirloom, Lilia Nash can create a brand-new piece that reflects its essence—using responsibly sourced materials that will stand the test of time.
Quality, Ethics, and Longevity—The Lilia Nash Way
Every Lilia Nash piece is crafted with the utmost care, using high-quality recycled precious metals and ethically sourced gemstones. By maintaining strict control over our materials, we can guarantee that every ring we create meets the highest standards of beauty, durability, and responsibility.
If you’re looking for a piece of jewellery that will become a future heirloom—designed to last a lifetime and beyond—our collection offers a range of elegant, handcrafted designs to treasure.