A clear, expert-led comparison of sterling silver and white gold, exploring their appearance, durability, maintenance, and cost to help you choose the perfect metal for your jewellery.
Jewellery remodelling is a thoughtful and sustainable way to breathe new life into pieces you no longer wear. Whether it’s inherited jewellery filled with sentiment, gifts from another time in your life, or pieces that no longer suit your style, remodelling offers the chance to honour the past while creating something that feels just right for today.
But not everything in your jewellery box can—or should—be reused. So what exactly can be remodelled, and what’s best left behind?
Let me explain.
What Materials Can Be Reused?
I work exclusively with precious materials. These ensure not only the beauty of your new piece, but also the durability and integrity to last for years to come.
Here’s what I can work with:
I do not work with platinum, costume jewellery, or non-precious metals, as these aren’t suitable for the quality of handmade jewellery I create.
The Truth About Recycling Metal
Recycling your own gold or silver might seem like a simple swap—but it’s actually a detailed, time-intensive process. Often, it takes longer than starting with newly refined metal. Here’s why:
This extra care is what allows me to preserve the sentiment of your original jewellery while ensuring the new piece meets the highest standard.
What About Lost Wax Casting?
For certain designs—especially sculptural or detailed pieces—I may recommend a method called lost wax casting. In this process, a model is hand-carved in wax, then cast into metal.
In these cases, your original metal can’t be used directly. Instead, it’s sent to a bullion dealer, and you receive the scrap value as a credit towards your commission.
Reusing Gemstones
Most precious and many semi-precious stones can be reused, provided they’re in good condition. Before setting them into a new piece, I carefully inspect each stone to ensure it’s free from chips or cracks that might affect its durability.
If a stone is damaged, I’ll always talk you through the options—whether it can be recut, set into a protective design, or replaced with something similar and meaningful.
Creating Something Personal and New
Once we’ve established what can be reused, the creative process begins. Whether you’re transforming inherited gold into a meaningful pendant, combining family heirlooms into one special ring, or reworking old stones into something entirely new—the result will be your story, captured in metal and stone.
If you have unworn jewellery tucked away, let’s reimagine it together.
Ready to begin your own remodelling journey? Get in touch here and let’s explore what’s possible.
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Few gemstones carry the soul-deep resonance of turquoise. With hues ranging from tranquil sky blue to vivid ocean green, this ancient stone has been cherished across continents and centuries — a symbol of protection, healing, wisdom, and connection to the elements.
For me, turquoise is far more than a birthstone. It evokes clarity, calm, and inner strength — the ocean, the sky, and the grounding spirit between them. It’s a stone I’m deeply drawn to, not just for its beauty, but for its energy and the incredible stories it carries. I source my turquoise stones through a small, trusted business in the USA, whose owners cut the stones themselves and buy directly from the mines. These aren’t factory-made cabs — they are slow-mined, thoughtfully selected, and beautifully finished.
In this journal entry, I’m sharing everything you might want to know about turquoise — from its rich history to how to recognise the real thing, and why its value is soaring again today.
Turquoise is a rare opaque gemstone composed of copper and aluminium phosphate. It forms in arid regions where acidic groundwater filters through rocks rich in copper, leaching minerals into voids and fractures to eventually form this remarkable blue-green mineral.
Turquoise is typically rated between 5–6 on the Mohs hardness scale, which means it’s softer than quartz but still suitable for jewellery when handled with care. Its colour can vary depending on the ratio of copper (which gives it the blue tones) to iron (which adds green).
Natural turquoise often features a “matrix” — a veining or webbing pattern caused by the surrounding rock. Some collectors love stones with intricate spiderweb matrixes; others seek clean, even-coloured pieces.
Turquoise is one of the oldest gemstones known to humanity, revered across cultures for over 7,000 years. From ancient Egypt to Persia, China, the American Southwest and beyond, turquoise has been worn as amulets, used in sacred rituals, and set into ceremonial jewellery, weaponry, and architecture.
Here’s a brief journey through the places where turquoise has been mined and cherished:
The ancient Egyptians were among the first to mine turquoise, in the Sinai Peninsula at Serabit el-Khadim. The mines here were worked as early as 4000 BCE. Queen Zer’s tomb (c. 5500 years old) contains turquoise-inlaid jewellery, and Cleopatra famously adored turquoise.
Meaning: Turquoise was believed to bring protection and was used extensively in burial adornments, particularly in scarabs and necklaces.
Iranian turquoise, especially from the Nishapur region, has been prized for over 2,000 years. This high-grade material is typically robin’s-egg blue and virtually matrix-free. Persian turquoise was widely traded along the Silk Road.
Meaning: It symbolised purity, wisdom, and protection from the evil eye. Warriors often mounted it on daggers and bridles for strength in battle.
Turquoise has been carved and treasured in China for at least 3,000 years, used in everything from statues to snuff bottles to jewellery. It became particularly popular in the Qing dynasty.
I sometimes use Yungai turquoise from China (also called Cloud Mountain) – beautiful blues with rich brown matrix.
Meaning: Turquoise was associated with healing, wealth, and spiritual harmony. In Chinese medicine, it was believed to calm emotions and detoxify the body.
Turquoise held enormous cultural significance for the Native peoples of the American Southwest, particularly the Zuni, Navajo, Apache, and Hopi tribes. Ancient mines include:
Kingman Mine, Arizona – one of the oldest and most famous in the USA.
Sleeping Beauty, Arizona – known for its pure sky-blue stones with no matrix.
Lone Mountain, Nevada – famed for its stability and intricate matrix.
Emerald Valley, Nevada – produces stunning blue-green shades.
Wild Horse, Arizona – more often a jasper with turquoise-like patterning but still highly sought after.
These mines range in rarity and availability. Some, like Sleeping Beauty, have now closed, making their turquoise even more collectible.
Meaning: Turquoise was considered the ‘fallen sky stone’ and was central to Native American spiritual practice. It was believed to connect earth and sky, providing guidance, protection, and blessings for health and rain.
Across civilisations, turquoise has been associated with:
Protection – against injury, bad fortune, and negative energy.
Wisdom – a stone of clear communication and insight.
Healing – thought to benefit the respiratory and immune systems.
Calm – soothing emotional storms and bringing inner peace.
Connection – bridging earth and sky, body and spirit.
In the metaphysical realm, turquoise is linked to the throat chakra, helping with truthful expression, clarity, and authenticity. It’s also thought to balance masculine and feminine energy, offering both strength and softness.
For me, turquoise is about clarity — not just mental, but soulful. It brings a sense of stillness, like standing at the edge of the sea, breathing deeply and feeling both small and infinite.
Natural, untreated turquoise is becoming increasingly rare. Most turquoise on the market is either:
Stabilised – a natural stone hardened with resin or polymer to improve durability.
Reconstituted – crushed turquoise mixed with resin and shaped into beads or cabochons.
Dyed howlite or magnesite – white minerals coloured to mimic turquoise.
The closure of key mines (like Sleeping Beauty) has driven up prices. Truly natural stones with no enhancement are now a collector’s dream. That’s why sourcing matters — I choose stones with full transparency on origin and treatment, hand-picked from a trusted source.
As a jeweller, turquoise is my birthstone, but it’s also a lifelong inspiration. I associate it with freedom, clarity, and deep connection — to nature, to oneself, and to something timeless.
That’s why I seek out the best, ethically sourced turquoise — and why I only make pieces that do justice to its story. Each turquoise stone I use is lovingly cut by my trusted USA supplier, sourced directly from independent mines. When I design with turquoise, I do so slowly and intentionally — creating one-of-a-kind pieces that carry both soul and sparkle.
Turquoise is more than just a beautiful blue stone — it’s a global story of artistry, belief, and connection. Whether gifted to a loved one or chosen as a talisman of your own, it has the power to ground, uplift, and remind us of the beauty in stillness.
If you’re drawn to turquoise the way I am, you’ll know it when you see the right stone — it will speak to something deep within.
Would you like to explore turquoise jewellery that holds meaning and beauty in every detail?
Browse my turquoise pieces here — or get in touch to discuss a bespoke design that’s yours alone.
Introducing the New 9ct Gold Water’s Edge Ring
When designing jewellery meant for everyday wear, durability and longevity are essential. That’s why the new narrow band Water’s Edge ring is crafted in solid 9ct gold, set with a sparkling 3mm diamond.
9ct gold is incredibly robust, making it perfect for a piece that’s designed to be worn and loved daily. Its warm tone and lasting strength ensure it can withstand the demands of life while developing a unique patina that adds to its character over time.
This is more than just a ring — it’s a timeless treasure, crafted to carry the magic of the shoreline with you, always.
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Inspired by the tranquil beauty of the North Norfolk coast, The Water's Edge collection captures the rhythm of the waves, rippled sand, and sunlight glistening on the water. Each piece evokes the serenity of the shore, using techniques like acid etching and fretwork to bring the magic of the beach to life.
The Water's Edge: carry the magic of the shore with you, always.
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As part of International Women's Day I have written this blog to explain why I went into business 22 years ago and how starting my jewellery business has changed my life
What drew me to starting my business?
I was stressed, permanently tired and my passion had gone. I worked all day and then in the evening after I had fed the family and completed my ‘mams taxi service role’. I was a biology lecturer in further and higher education. I started teaching the September after graduating and got all my qualifications whilst on the job. In the beginning I loved the job. I was filled with passion and inspired to create lots of learning resources that were used by the whole department. But over the years the role changed. It became more about administration rather than the education of the students. I began to dread going into work. The crunch came in September 1999 – I didn’t want to go back at the start of term.
I had part time roles at two different colleges and worked more than a full-time job. I couldn’t continue. I needed to do something else. At school I loved being in the art room but was funnelled into the sciences as I was relatively academic. ( At that time art was something you did if you weren't academic). I wanted to be creative again. I have always loved jewellery, particularly hand made jewellery, so decided that was to become a jeweller. I have never looked back.
What is the best thing about being your own boss?
Freedom. I can create whatever I want in the way I want to do it. I make people happy doing what I love. I can choose who I work with, the events I exhibit at and can take holidays at anytime of the year (although prior to Christmas isn’t ideal). I control the direction and scale of my business. I reap the rewards for my efforts. When our children were a home I had the freedom to fit around their school time table and was able to enjoy the summer holidays with them.
My advice for other women going business
Top tip for success
Follow your passion and always work with integrity
Something surprising about me
I am terrified of heights. I can’t look over a balcony on a high building without my stomach lurching and feeling dizzy but I love zip wires, skydiving and hot air ballooning, have abseiled and wing walking is next on my list
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