Do you have a diamond ring that’s gathering dust because it’s not quite your style anymore? Maybe it belonged to someone you love, and you want to incorporate it into your day-to-day life rather than keep it tucked away in a jewelry box?
Turning these forgotten treasures into something you’ll love and wear every day doesn’t have to be a daunting (or expensive) process!
Converting your old diamond ring into a necklace is a wonderful way to keep its sentimental value alive while updating its look to match your current tastes. Here’s what you need to know about how to convert a diamond ring into a necklace.
Ready to convert your diamond ring into a necklace now?
Reasons To Convert A Diamond Ring To A Necklace
Not that you need a reason to gift yourself with a stunning new diamond necklace, but in case you do, here are a few that should do the trick!
Give new life to an old piece of jewelry.
Transforming an old diamond ring into a necklace is a fantastic way to breathe new life into outdated jewelry that holds sentimental value.
Turning grandma’s vintage wedding ring into a pendant necklace means you can keep her memory close to your heart (literally)—and what better way to remember her?
Plus, necklaces with a single, stunning diamond as a pendant make bold fashion statements. They draw attention to the face and can be layered with other necklaces for a trendy, personalized look.
Create versatility in your jewelry collection.
You’ve got the LBD, the perfect clutch, and now you’re wondering what to accessorize with. Unfortunately, that old diamond ring from ‘88 just isn’t going to cut it.
By converting your diamond ring into a new necklace, you increase the versatility of your jewelry collection without letting your existing collection go to waste.
You can customize your new necklace with the metal and setting of your choice to match your style and voila—you’ve got the perfect new accessory to match!
Feel good about sustainability.
Converting your old diamond ring into a necklace is an excellent way to practice sustainability, as repurposed diamonds are an excellent alternative to mined diamonds. The earth (and all the other creatures that have to live on it) will thank you.
Designing Your New Necklace Using Your Old Diamond Ring
You’ve made the choice—converting your family heirloom diamond ring into a necklace is the right move. So now what?
Step 1 – Choose the necklace chain.
Select a chain that complements both the diamond and the overall style of the pendant.
- Are you going for a more “wear everyday” piece? In that case, we suggest yellow gold.
- Are you looking for a more elevated, fancy style? A white gold chain could be the solution for you.
- The length of the chain is also an important consideration affecting the piece’s look and feel.
Step 2 – Select the pendant setting.
Before converting a diamond ring into a necklace, assess the current design and setting. This evaluation will help determine how the diamond will look best when set in a necklace and whether additional modifications might be needed.
Choose a setting that securely holds the diamond and enhances its appearance. The setting should match the style of the diamond and the chain selected. A few popular settings include:
- Bezel setting
- Halo setting
- Prong setting
- Half bezel setting
Step 3 – Incorporate the center stone into your new setting.
The center diamond from your ring will become the focal point of your new necklace. Ensure it is mounted to showcase its best features.
Also, determine if you want the diamond to slide on the chain (that’s called a pendant) or have it permanently attached to the chain (a necklace). There are pluses and minuses to both, but a jeweler can help you decide which option is best for you.
Step 4 – Add additional accents and gemstones.
Consider enhancing your necklace with additional gemstones or accents. These can add color, contrast, and personal flair to your necklace.
The Process: Turning A Diamond Ring Into A Necklace
Now that you have approved the final design, it’s time for the jeweler to work their magic.
Disassembling the Diamond Ring
The first step in the conversion process is to carefully disassemble the original antique diamond ring, preserving all materials for reuse in the new design.
At Scott’s, we’ll take the diamonds out of the rings, clean and carefully measure them. The old gold from the mounting is then recycled and the customer gets credit for the gold. We only use purified, recycled gold in our castings (which we do here in our Dublin store).
Remounting the Diamond onto the Pendant Setting
The diamond is then expertly remounted into the new pendant setting, ensuring it is both secure and beautifully displayed.
Finalizing the Necklace Design
Final adjustments are made to your custom design to ensure the necklace meets your specifications and aesthetic preferences, completing the transformation from ring to necklace.
Working With A Custom Jewelry Designer
Choosing a custom jewelry designer is the decision that makes or breaks this entire process. Take the guesswork out of choosing a jeweler with these tips.
Find a reputable designer.
Finding a reputable jewelry designer is key to successfully convert diamond rings into a necklace. Look for designers like Scott’s Custom Jewelers, who specialize in custom creations and utilize cutting-edge technology.
Collaborate on the design.
Look for a designer that will let you be involved in the design process. Read reviews carefully to see what other customers have experienced and whether they were satisfied with their final product.
Understand the costs involved.
Work with a jewelry designer that will be up front and transparent about the cost of converting your old diamond ring to a necklace. Surprises are great—surprise fees, not so much.
Diamond Necklace Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
The dream diamond necklace has made it back to you—wow, isn’t she lovely? Let’s talk about keeping her pristine and well cared for.
Regular Cleaning
If you don’t have jewelry cleaner on hand, simply mix a solution of mild dish soap and warm water. Soak your diamond necklace in the solution for about 20 to 30 minutes. Gently brush the diamond and any metal settings with a soft toothbrush to remove buildup and restore shine.
Rinse and Dry
After brushing, rinse the necklace under warm running water to remove any soap residue. Make sure the drain is covered to prevent accidental losses! Pat the necklace dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Keep your diamond necklace away from harsh chemicals, including chlorine and abrasives, which can damage both the diamond and the metal setting. And please – don’t use toothpaste! Some toothpastes have chemicals that will discolor the gold, and the abrasives may actually scratch the metal instead of polish it.
Professional Cleaning
Consider taking your diamond necklace to a professional jeweler for a thorough cleaning once a year. They can also inspect it for any loose settings or damage that might need repair.
Converting a Diamond Ring into a Necklace: Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to turn a diamond ring into a necklace?
The cost to convert a diamond ring into a necklace varies depending on several factors including the complexity of the design, the type of metal used, and any additional gemstones or customizations. Generally, you can expect the price to range from $100 to over $1,000.
Can I wear my diamond ring as a necklace?
Yes, converting your ring to a necklace is a fantastic way to repurpose an engagement ring or a meaningful piece of jewelry into something you can wear daily. This process involves designing a new pendant setting for your ring’s center stone.
To achieve a seamless conversion, work with a skilled jeweler who can guide you through the design options and provide a custom solution that fits your style.
Can you repurpose a diamond ring into another type of jewelry?
Yes, you can repurpose a diamond ring into various other jewelry pieces such as earrings or bracelets. This process involves removing the diamond from its original setting and integrating it into a new design that suits your current style or preference.
Ready To Convert Your Diamond Ring Into The Necklace Of Your Dreams?
Are you ready to transform your diamond ring into a beautifully crafted necklace? Book an appointment with us to begin the exciting process of creating a uniquely personal necklace that beautifully narrates your story.