Restoration of a Signet Ring
A gents yellow gold signet ring that was very well worn and in need of a full restoration.
The Story Behind Restoring a Treasured Signet Ring
In our Kiama studio, we recently had the privilege of restoring a signet ring that had been worn for over 60 years—an heirloom rich with sentiment and family history. Time had weathered both the ring and its original engraving, making the initials almost impossible to read. The band (or “shank”) had bent and worn to match the aged hands that never took it off. Restoring such a personal piece is incredibly rewarding, especially when it’s a surprise for the wearer’s loved ones.
The ring after being re-shanked is beginning to look like it once had.
How Jewellery Restoration Brings History Back to Life
Restoring jewellery is about more than simply fixing a piece—it’s about reviving precious memories and allowing families to enjoy them for generations. For this particular signet ring, we carefully worked under the microscope to recover the faint design and decipher the original style of the engraved initials. This attention to detail ensures each restoration is faithful to your family’s story.
We also performed a full re-shank, a process where the worn band is cut away and replaced, preserving the integrity of the ring while retaining any internal engraving. The result? A ring that looks and feels brand new, ready to be worn and loved all over again.
The ring once the restoration had been completed.
Expert Re-shanking and Engraving in Kiama
At Sara Handmade Jewellery, our skilled jewellers specialise in re-shanking and engraving, breathing new life into even the most delicate heirloom pieces. Whether it’s matching a distinctive font, restoring faded details, or building up the band for daily wear, our local team in Kiama goes above and beyond to deliver results that honour your original design.
Explore our full range of jewellery remodelling services for everything from vintage restoration to creating new from old, or see how we create custom-made jewellery and unique engagement rings to mark your milestones.
Jewellery Remodelling: Preserving Sentiment, Creating Modern Heirlooms
Remodelling and restoring old jewellery helps preserve the sentimental meaning of your special piece, letting you bring it back to its former glory or give it a new look entirely. We understand how important it is to maintain a piece’s emotional connection while ensuring it can be treasured for years to come.
If you’re thinking about restoring or remodelling jewellery in Kiama, the Southern Highlands or Sydney, our service is personal, approachable and focused entirely on your story. We offer in-person consultations as well as remote phone or online options for those who can’t visit us in store.
Frequently Asked Questions – Jewellery Restoration in Kiama
-
Most restorations (including re-shanking and engraving) take 2–6 weeks, depending on the complexity and the condition of your piece.
-
Absolutely! We have experience restoring everything from antique family heirlooms to modern pieces, always with careful attention to detail.
-
Re-shanking is replacing the worn or broken band on a ring. If your ring is thin, bent or out of shape, re-shanking will restore its strength and maintain your original engraving.
-
Yes, we specialise in hand engraving, carefully matching fonts and designs to retain your piece’s original style.
-
Yes! If your jewellery no longer suits your style, see our remodelling jewellery service. We’ll help you redesign your piece’s legacy into a modern treasure.
Ready to restore your heirloom or remodel a cherished piece? Visit Sara Handmade Jewellery in Kiama, browse our bespoke services, or get in touch today.
