I just completed my first custom heirloom remake and you guys… I am so here for this kind of work.

There’s something really special about collaborating with people who are in love, excited about the process, and deeply value handmade, meaningful jewelry. Add to that the trust it takes to reimagine a family heirloom—and wow. I'm still pinching myself.

This kind of work is where heart, craft, and connection come together in the best way. And this project with Lillie and Kevin? A total dream.

Kevin proposed to Lillie with his grandmother’s wedding ring—a vintage piece that had been restyled sometime in the 1980s. It featured a prong-set center diamond in a cathedral-style setting, with two smaller stones flush-set on either side.

While the sentiment behind the ring was absolutely beautiful, the setting didn’t quite suit Lillie’s style. The prongs sat too high, and overall, it felt too structured for her taste. She was envisioning something more organic, low-profile, and with a mixed-metal vibe. (Which, as you probably know, is my jam.)

The Inspiration Behind the Remake

Lillie’s been wearing my Ebb ring since she discovered my work at Renegade Craft in San Francisco, and that piece became our design lift off point. It felt like such a full-circle moment to take her love of a ring I made and use it as the foundation for something so significant.

I carefully deconstructed the original ring, thoughtfully salvaging the white gold so it could be used in the final design. Nothing wasted—just reimagined.

From there, I created three custom design options, each one incorporating elements Lillie loves: her original diamonds, soft organic lines, a sense of open negative space, and of course, mixed metals.

The final design we landed on is a total stunner: a two-diamond engagement ring in 14k yellow gold, featuring a gently sculpted form that feels earthy yet elevated. Paired with it is a 10k white gold wedding band that hugs the curves of the engagement ring perfectly, creating a harmonious, made-to-match set.

As a finishing touch, Kevin picked out a warm green tourmaline to add to the band to counterbalance the warmth of the yellow gold. 

It’s one of those small details that makes the whole piece feel even more personal—unique to her, and rich with meaning.

Once the designs were finalized, I brought them to life using the sand casting method—a process I love for its texture, authenticity, and organic feel. Each ring was hand-carved and individually cast, which means no two are ever exactly alike.

Sand casting leaves subtle, natural textures that feel grounded and alive—perfectly suited to Lillie and Kevin’s vision. It's a slower, more hands-on process, but that’s part of what makes these rings so special. They're not just handmade—they’re hand-formed from start to finish, infused with care at every step.

What we created together is more than just a wedding set—it’s a story of past, present, and future wrapped around Lillie’s finger. The original diamonds still shine, but now they sit in a setting that truly reflects who she is and what this chapter of life means.

To complete the set, I also designed a ring for Kevin: a 4mm hand-carved band in 14k yellow gold with a soft, organic texture. It complements Lillie’s ring perfectly—sharing a similar warmth and handcrafted feel—while still standing strong on its own with a quietly masculine presence.

There’s beauty in honoring the original while making space for something new—and that’s exactly what these rings do.

This project reminded me just how powerful jewelry can be. It’s not just about precious metals or sparkling stones—it’s about memory, meaning, and connection. About honoring where you come from while celebrating where you’re going.

Lillie and Kevin were such a joy to work with—open, creative, and clearly smitten with each other. Getting to be part of their story in this way was an absolute gift.

If this is what heirloom remakes feel like… I’m all in. More, please.

If you're ready to talk about how to make something special, whether or not you've got heirloom pieces to use, I would absolutely love to chat. Email me to get started. rebekah [at] rebekahjdesigns [dot] com