Repair/RedesignAll of us have that drawer that has a bag (or several) full of old necklaces, broken pieces, or jewelry that is outdated and not in style.
Well you should contact me!
Those old beads aren’t doing anyone any good just laying around, and before they get tossed in the garbage, let’s try to do something with them!
Before: turquoise earrings set in 14kt gold with omega backing. My client did not like these types of backings as they were too tight on her lobe and asked if I could change them.
After: I sawed off the excess backing, filed, and added 14kt gold filled flat back ear nuts.
After: finished pair
Before: My client had this vintage blue (possibly turquoise) necklace with 14kt gold clasp and wanted it re-invented into 5 necklaces- 1 for each niece, daughter in law, her sister and herself.
After: A simple sterling silver cable chain necklace. Each adorned with 5 of the original blue beads, sterling silver beads, brass discs- so that the necklace could be worn with either silver or yellow gold earrings. Sterling silver lobster clasp closure. Each necklace measuring 18" long.
After: my client also requested I make a necklace similar to one she admired in the Sundance Catalog. I used natural aquamarine and sterling silver beads along with her original blue bead as the foacl stone. Sterling silver lobster clasp closure. Measuring 18" long.
After: My client requested I design a pair of earrings for her new daughter in law using some of the original blue beads from her necklace. I used aquamarine, freshwater pearls, varying sterling silver beads, sterling silver ear wires.
After: completed pieces
Before: my client had a remnant from something. She couldnt remember. Either a bracelet, necklace or something else in its previous life. She asked me to use my "creative juices" to come up with a new and exciting piece.
After: After cleaning and polishing, I reshaped several bent parts. This one took a while only because I did not like any design I attempted. Long, short, stones, metals, etc. none of them looked favorable. Then I came across these 16mm vintage brass beads. They were perfect! Combining them with varying sterling silver and hematite beads, I think it complemented and enhanced the original piece. Large ornate pewter toggle clasp closure.
After: side view
After: closure
After: laying flat
After: on
Before: A brass and blue cut glass pendant with pearl dangle. Brass chain measuring 13".
After: The story behind this piece is very special. My client brought this sentemental piece to me to have it re-designed as her Dad gave it to her Mom when they were dating. It is not her style, nor does it fit, and asked me to come up with a design that would complement the original pendant. I decided on keeping it simple as to no overshadow the piece. I used natural lapis, brass and sterling silver spacers. Sterling silver lobster clasp closure and made the necklace a length my client chose.
Before: A client mined these Herkimer diamonds as a little girl in her most favorite place on earth in upstate NY. However, she was not entirely pleased with the design work another jewelry artist did for her. She wanted a piece that was "more secure" as the stones have significant sentimental and personal value to them,
After: I presented several ideas when we were discussing changing the design of the piece. My client wanted to keep the dangle part. I changed the entire chain and built a sterling silver one with brass and ss embellishments throughout. Each Herkimer diamond is secured properly with closed loops and also made it so the pendant always remains stationary as opposed to it prior that it would move around the chain. I used a sturdy and larger sized ss lobster clasp closure.
After: the new and much sturdier clasp and closure.
Before- A Great Aunt's strand of knotted jade.
After- 1 of 2 necklaces made using the jade. This is for the Grandmother
After- 1 of 2 necklaces using the jade. This is for the daughter in law.
Before- a mismatched strand of varying semi-precious stones.
The varying stones
After- as the stones were mismatched and an uneven count, I used some complementary gemstones to balance out the piece. I also used large pieces of charoite in order to add a more contemporary feel to the piece.
I was able to closely match citrine stones from the deconstructed necklace to make a matching pair of earrings. I added gem cut amethyst to them so they complete the set nicely.
After- necklace and earrings as a set.
This was a piece I formerly designed and it was in for repair as it broke.
repaired shot 1
repaired shot 2 on bust
Before: A client reached out as one of her favorite necklaces broke and she wasnt sure how to fix it. Although this is not typically the kind of work I repair, I decided it would be a fun and an easy little project.
After: I used synthetic suede, but doubled the cording to add some security. I also knotted some spots that werent prior to prevent the pendant from swinging around the cording resulting in less stress on the piece.
Before: A client came to me with a large bag of broken and/or piece she didnt like and requested to be redesigned or repaired.
After: restrung and/or redesigned 8 necklaces
Before: 1/8- original sterling silver snake chain and pendant. Sentimental as her mother in law made the pendant and she is no longer with us.
After: I suggested to my client varying strands of semi-precious stones that she could choose from. She selected the peridot as she did not have any green colored pieces. I added sterling silver beads and sterling silver lobster clasp closure.
Before: 2/8- my client does not wear long necklaces. She prefers her jewelry to be particularly short- 17.5" normally.
After: I deconstructed this piece and made it into a double strand necklace keeping the large rose quartz pendant as the focal point. Added sterling silver beads and large toggle closure. She absolutely loved the new necklace.
Before: 1 of 2 repairs: a client stopped in at the Pagio Gallery inquiring if I restrung broken necklaces. She also shared she had a bit of a time constraimt as she was attending an upcoming wedding and would like to wear either of the 2 necklaces she needed to have work done to. I told her to bring them in asap and I would see what I could do.
Before: pendant- completely bent and mishapen
After: I deconstructed her old piece- pendant included and completely rebuild her necklace. Supplementing some spacer beads where needed that were lost when the piece broke.
Before: 2 of 2 repairs: knotted turquoise necklace. Broken and unable to wear.
Before: 2 of 2- completely deconstructed the knotted turquoise and cleaned the stones.
After: 2 of 2: restrung turquoise necklace and added sterling silver spacer beads.
My client gave me the piece of wood- that is the focal pendant and asked me to create something around it. The wood had significance as it is a piece of petrified wood from South America and from a client of hers. Used: Petrified wood, mushroom jasper, water buffalo horn, turquoise, sterling silver.
Alexis Bittar necklace that broke and was poorly repaired and not to the satisfaction of my client.
Alexis Bittar deconstructed
I deconstructed the original piece- which was opera length, and redesigned it to be a large, chunky piece that was closer to the neckline. I used all of the original pieces, and then added Swarovksi crystals, hematite, sterling silver, and pewter in order to make up for the lost parts and to finish the piece. It is now a 4 strand necklace that can be worn loose (pictured) or twisted into a torsade.
finished piece closure
My client had some necklaces that were her mother's, but felt they were blah and outdated. She printed out some pictures of my work that she has seen and asked if I could make her several pieces from these beads.
Necklaces deconstructed.
Completed, long, dangle earrings.
Completed, long, dangle earrings.
Completed necklace.
Completed necklace.
2 pairs of hoop earrings- 1 for each of her daughters- in this style.
2 pairs of hoop earrings- 1 for each of her daughters- in this style.
Prior to the unveiling.
A very happy client! Both the earrings and necklace are complementary to her in size, length, and style. The pieces can be worn together or separately.
My client had a broken amber necklace that she absolutely loves. The soldering snapped off and is not repairable.
I removed the 2 side parts of the original 3 focal piece necklace, incorporated ornate pewter beads combined with 10mm sterling silver beads on either side of the main focal stone.
I used the 2 original necklace components and shaved off the remaining solder and silver and wire wrapped them. What was once a part of a necklace are now matching earrings.
What was once only a necklace is now a necklace and earrings matching set.
A very happy client!
My client had a simple necklace that was garnet with little gold beads. It was outdated and never worn.
A strand of garnet beads became this amazing set! The new double strand necklace contains the original garnet, but it now joined with citrine, wood, rose quartz, pyrite, amber, freshwater pearls, and sterling silver. Very Bohemian.
A close up of the gorgeous new earrings. Rose quartz, garnet, freshwater pearls, amber, pewter, sterling silver.
My client had an opera length, black beaded necklace that was her mothers. She asked if I would be able to make matching sets- 1 for her, and 1 for her sister. The end result was a double strand necklace with matching earrings. Now they can both think of their mother fondly when they wear the jewelry.
My client had her mothers hand blown glass beaded necklace that she purchased while traveling in Italy many years ago. She asked if I would be able to create an updated necklace set for her mom, and with the remaining beads, make earrings for the siblings and cousins. Her mother chose the specific beads she wanted in her set, and then we coordinated which combinations would work for each respective family member.
Glass necklace deconstructed.
The finished earrings. I was actually able to make 5 pairs with the beads.
Updated necklace. Incorporated sterling silver chain in between each bead. Sterling silver lobster clasp closure. Necklace measures 22".
Necklace closure.
A very happy client with her updated and new pieces!
My client had this old and outdated rice pearl necklace and 2 small rice pearl bracelets. She asked me if I could come up with something that would be updated and more contemporary as she was not using the jewelry at all.
I deconstructed the original jewelry and had an overwhelming amount of rice pearls to work with. The original plan was to only make a necklace, but with so many left over pearls, my client agreed to also have earrings made- that could be worn with or without the necklace.
Very long rice pearl dangle earrings. Tons of movement and very comfortable.
My client had an old strand of amber and brown colored glass beads. She was going to throw them away, but before she did, she reached out to ask if something could be done with them.
So many little beads.... I know it may not look like much, but there were so many....
The finished statement necklace. What was once a single strand necklace, has now become a double strand statement piece with a magnificent pendant! I incorporated a beautiful agate pendant- that was complementary in shape, esthetic, and color. I used the original glass beads, and added mother of pearl, wood, sterling silver, and citrine.
Beautiful finished piece.
My client had 5 magnificent, Murano glass beads that she purchased in Italy. She had them for many, many years and didn't know what to do with them, but then found me at an art show....
The end result was a very simple necklace with matching earrings. The pieces are very complementary to my client as she is a minimalist with her jewelry choices.
A client of mine had seen that I redesigned a rice pearl bracelet for someone else and reached out to inquire if I could do the same for her as she had similar, outdated jewelry that she was not wearing.
The end result is a dangly pair of rice pearl earrings that are complementary to her petite stature and her preference with jewelry size.
A very happy client!
A client had this pendant- that could be worn as a pin or had a bail to be strung. She never used the piece, but always liked it. She contacted me to inquire what could be done with it.
I removed the pin component part of the pendant, and incorporated outstanding, hand cut labradorite, lapis, and sterling silver. The end result is an outstanding, long statement necklace. Shortly thereafter, my client contacted me to request earrings be made to match.
My client had 2 separate bracelets that were strung on elastic. One broke. She inquired if I would be able to restring them, but incorporate them into one piece.
End result is now one bracelet- that is no longer on elastic.
A client had a pair of her father's cufflinks. They have a lot of sentimental value, but she did not use them. She entrusted them to me to come up with a design so that she would be able to utilize and enjoy them. After going back and forth with several ideas, we agreed that earrings would be the most versatile option for her.
First, these needed to be cleaned thoroughly. Then I sawed off the cufflink component and sanded the metal until it was soft and fine. I then wire wrapped the back and incorporated various beads and findings that made them earrings. I wasn't sure what color to incorporate as the drop bead, so I reached out to my client and asked what her favorite color is- "red".
What the best part of this project was was the emotional feedback I received from my client as her father is no longer with us and she felt as though she would think of him each time she wears these. It was an amazing project!
My client had a beautiful turquoise pendant that she never wore and asked if I would be able to transform a single pendant into a statement necklace. I used her pendant and incorporated Kingman turquoise, copper, smoky quartz, and sterling silver.
A client had this simulated pearl necklace that had sentimental value to her as her mother gave it to her long ago when she lived in Germany. It was irreparable and we discussed options. I explained that I would most likely be able to make 2 pieces from the amount of beads that were available. In the end, I was able to make 2 necklaces that she is able to enjoy.
Necklace deconstructed.
New necklace 1
New necklace 2
A woman approached me at an art show I was working, and explained that she had these blue components. She knew they were old, but had absolutely no idea what they were. I speculated that they may have been ornaments for shoes that women used to use many years ago, but it was merely a guess. After careful consideration, I came up with an earring design that just worked. My client was overjoyed with the end result.
A client had this unique and fun piece that unfortunately broke. She asked me if I would be able to repair it as best as possible as she really liked it. (those are all very tiny metal springs in between the green glass beads.)
As I did not have access to the springs that made up this piece, I decided to utilize sterling silver beads to rejoin the pieces that broke and could not be replaced. The end result is terrific and if you did not know what the original piece looked like, you would not be able to tell the difference.
My client had a beautiful and ornate cross that she felt needed some embellishment so that it's beauty would stand out more.
End result- I incorporated hand cut and natural chalcedony and sterling silver. Earrings to match. Definite upgrade and very complementary to the original piece.
A woman reached out to me via recommendation as she had these lapis earrings, but felt they were too long and too busy for her. She wanted to keep the design as close to the original as possible, but make a piece that was more in her comfort zone. I shared that there would be extra parts and pieces and I could make a necklace/earring set.
Earrings deconstructed and rebuilt and necklace designed utilizing the extra parts and pieces.
A very happy client!
A torsade necklace that needed to be completely restrung and a new toggle closure incorporated as opposed to the original lobster clasp.
New end caps, sterling silver beads, and toggle closure.
A client of mine had seen that I had designed and fabricated a set for another client using her old black beaded jewelry. This client had an old choker necklace and separate bracelet and asked if I would make something similar to what she had admired.
Deconstructed.
New necklace, bracelet and matching earrings.
A clients old amber bracelet broke and requested it to be restrung.
Repaired and as good as new!
A woman approached me at an art show with a bag that contained a broken necklace. She shared she did not remember what it looked like originally, and requested I make something with it as the bag is just sitting in her drawer.
Repaired and gorgeous!
A woman was referred to me for repairs, and had this costume piece of jewelry that was broken and she did not know what to do with it.
End result- Lets turn it into a fabulous statement necklace! Voila!
A very happy client!
My client purchased this multi-strand spiny oyster necklace while on vacation in Arizona. Unfortunately, she felt the necklace was too heavy for her and never wore the piece. She was very specific with what she wanted the necklace turned into.
Deconstructing the multi-strand piece.
My client requested a single strand necklace.
She then requested a double strand necklace- using the original sterling silver bead caps, clasp, and extender. I added copper beads to finish and complement the ends.
Closure to the double strand necklace.
My client also requested a 4 strand bracelet be made with a toggle closure. As she does not have pierced ears, she requested ear clip findings with 2.5 inch drops.
Completed redesigned pieces. My client is overjoyed with the finished results and has shared that she is grateful to be able to finally enjoy and wear her various new jewelry.
My client purchased these from me when I first started making jewelry! She has loved them for several years, but unfortunately dropped one and the stone broke. She contacted me to inquire if I had similar stones in stock so that I could re-build them. I had similar stones and was able to recreate the original look for her!
Difference in size between the new earring (L) and the original earring (R)
Final result. My client was overjoyed to have these back and to continue enjoying them.
A client contacted me as she had a necklace that her mother in law made for her and unfortunately one of the stones cracked in half. We discussed various options regarding types of repair/redesign ideas. Thankfully, I was able to help her bring the piece back to life as it has sentimental value to her.
Cracked and unrepairable stone.
Finished piece. I removed the original pendant and was able to utilize it as a replacement for the cracked stone. I added some extra beading to make up for some sizing.
