The Story

A 21st Birthday Gift Worth Keeping Forever

The brief arrived as so many of Sara's best commissions do, not from a nearby client, but from a family in Canberra who had searched carefully, read reviews, and decided that distance was not a reason to settle for something less than what they wanted. They had inherited gold jewellery. They had a daughter turning 21. And they wanted to give her something new, something that carried the family's history but felt entirely like her own.

The starting point was a collection of older gold rings, some worn, some simply unworn, that had accumulated in a jewellery box over two generations. None of the pieces worked as they were. But the gold itself, and the intention behind keeping it, was deeply meaningful. The family wanted that significance to live on in a single new ring.

Have inherited jewellery you'd like to transform? Sara works with clients across Australia via video consultation. Distance is no barrier.

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The inherited gold rings before remodelling — older pieces from two generations of a Canberra family Design inspiration brief for Canberra jewellery remodelling project, Sara Handmade Jewellery Kiama NSW

Left: The inherited pieces, older rings that were no longer worn but too meaningful to sell. Right: The inspiration brief provided by the family, pointing toward a clean, contemporary silhouette.

The Remote Process

How a Canberra Commission Works with a Kiama Studio

The initial consultation happened via video call. The family shared photographs of the existing pieces, described the daughter's style and preferences, and outlined the budget. Sara assessed what was possible with the available gold, explained the design options, and outlined the timeline.

The existing pieces were sent to Kiama via insured post. Sara assessed each ring on arrival, testing the gold purity, weighing the usable material, and photographing everything before any work began. The family received a detailed assessment and a design sketch for approval before a single piece was disassembled.

The old gold was melted, refined, and rolled into sheet and wire stock for the new ring. The design, a clean contemporary band with subtle detailing that referenced but didn't replicate the older pieces, was shaped entirely by hand in Sara's studio. Every stage of the making process was documented and shared with the family via photos.

The finished remodelled ring — gold from two generations transformed into a contemporary design for a 21st birthday

The finished ring — gold from two generations of a Canberra family, transformed into something the daughter will wear every day and one day pass on herself.

Working Remotely

Distance is No Barrier to Sara's Remodelling Service

This commission is a good example of how the remote remodelling process works. Clients across Australia, whether in Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, or Perth, can work with Sara's studio in Kiama without ever visiting in person. The process is structured to make remote collaboration easy, transparent, and enjoyable.

Video consultations allow Sara to see the existing pieces (held up to the camera), understand the client's personal style, and begin the design conversation. Secure postage is available for sending pieces to the studio. Design approvals happen via email or video call. And the finished piece is delivered via fully insured, tracked courier, with a personal note from Sara inside.

For clients in Canberra, it's worth noting that Sara's jewellery remodelling service is frequently recommended by word of mouth across the ACT. Clients who have experienced the process return for additional commissions and refer family and friends.

Common Questions

FAQ: Remote Remodelling

Yes. Sara works with clients across Australia. The consultation happens via video call, pieces are sent to the Kiama studio via insured post, and all design approvals happen digitally. The finished piece is delivered via fully insured, tracked courier.
Yes. In most cases inherited gold can be melted, refined, and used in a new commission. The gold's weight and purity are assessed on arrival, and its credit value is applied to the total cost of the new piece. This makes remodelling an especially cost-effective route to bespoke jewellery.
Sara recommends using a registered, tracked, and insured postal or courier service. She can provide guidance on the best approach for your location. All pieces are photographed and documented on arrival, and Sara provides confirmation of receipt before any work begins.
Most remodelling projects take 4–8 weeks from design approval. Remote commissions add a few extra days for postage in each direction. Sara provides a realistic timeline at the initial consultation and keeps clients updated throughout the process.