A New Story for a Beloved Ring
An engagement ring is more than a symbol of love — it is a story that lives on your hand. For some, that story begins anew with a family heirloom; for others, it continues through a cherished ring that no longer fits or reflects who they have become. Resizing, resetting, and reimagining an old engagement ring are not acts of change but of continuity — ways of honouring the past while shaping the next chapter of your journey.
At Prins & Prins Diamonds, each ring that passes through our hands carries both craftsmanship and sentiment. Whether it is a vintage diamond passed down from a grandmother or a classic solitaire ready for a modern twist, our master goldsmiths approach every piece with the respect it deserves — preserving its emotional value while perfecting its beauty and comfort.
Why Resize or Reset?
Rings are designed to be worn for a lifetime, yet lives — and hands — inevitably change. Over time, a band may become too tight or too loose. Resizing ensures the ring feels as natural and comfortable as the day it was first worn, without compromising its structure or sentimental worth.
Resetting, meanwhile, allows the ring to reflect the person you are today. A vintage diamond in a worn claw setting can be given new life in a sleek bezel or halo design, preserving its original charm while ensuring durability for years to come. These processes are not about replacing a memory but revitalising it.
At Prins & Prins, every resizing or resetting project begins with careful evaluation by our gemmologists and goldsmiths. Their goal is to maintain the integrity of the original craftsmanship while ensuring the design, fit, and proportions feel harmonious and secure.
The Art of Resizing
Resizing a ring is both a science and an art. It demands precision, patience, and an understanding of how metal behaves under stress. Our goldsmiths first measure and assess the band, considering metal type, gem placement, and design features before making even the smallest adjustment.
To enlarge a ring, a section of matching metal — gold or platinum — is carefully added and soldered with seamless precision. To make it smaller, a piece is removed and the band rejoined so the join is invisible to the naked eye. The surface is then refinished to its original sheen.
Vintage and antique rings often have engraving, filigree, or hallmarks that must be preserved, requiring expert craftsmanship to maintain both aesthetic and historical integrity. In the Prins & Prins workshop, these details are never an afterthought — they are part of what makes the piece irreplaceable.
The Beauty of Resetting Diamonds and Gemstones
Sometimes a ring’s design no longer suits the wearer’s lifestyle or taste. Resetting provides the opportunity to refresh its appearance while safeguarding the sentimental value of its original gems. It may involve replacing fragile claws, refining proportions, or creating an entirely new setting.
Our clients often choose to reset heirloom diamonds or gemstones into new designs inspired by modern settings such as halo, bezel, or prong — similar to those in our curated collection of Engagement Rings Cape Town. The result is a fusion of past and present: a ring with contemporary elegance that still holds the soul of its original story.
Resetting is also an environmentally conscious choice. By repurposing your existing diamonds or gemstones, you embrace sustainability — celebrating love with a design that respects both history and nature.
Reimagining with Bespoke Design
To reimagine an old engagement ring is to transform it into something entirely your own. Perhaps you wish to incorporate new side gemstones, change the band’s metal colour, or merge two heirloom rings into one unique design. These bespoke creations are guided by your personal story — crafted by the Prins & Prins design team and brought to life by our master goldsmiths inside the atelier at Huguenot House.
Our process begins with consultation and design sketches. Clients are invited to explore various design directions while viewing their original ring under magnification. This collaborative approach ensures that every design decision — from claw profile to diamond placement — feels intentional and true to the original sentiment.
Whether subtle or transformative, the result is always meaningful: a ring that connects generations through design, emotion, and artistry.
Preservation and Provenance
At Prins & Prins Diamonds, every restoration begins with respect for provenance — the origin and history of a jewel. Our qualified gemmologists assess each diamond or gemstone, confirming authenticity and condition. The process may include gentle cleaning, polishing, or replacing worn settings, all performed with delicate precision.
Every reimagined ring remains true to its heritage. The workshop inside Huguenot House, our Cape Town landmark, is where old and new craftsmanship meet. It is here that expert jewellers preserve heirlooms not just as adornments, but as living legacies. This blend of technical mastery and emotional understanding ensures that each piece continues to tell its story — one that began long ago and will continue far into the future.
The Cape Town Craftsmanship Advantage
Cape Town has long been a hub of creativity and craftsmanship. Its blend of European artistry, African heritage, and natural beauty has shaped a jewellery tradition unlike any other. Prins & Prins stands at the heart of this legacy — a heritage jeweller where authenticity, quality, and cultural depth unite.
Unlike many modern jewellers who outsource design or manufacturing, Prins & Prins keeps every aspect of resizing, resetting, and redesigning under one roof. From the first consultation to the final polish, each piece remains in the hands of our expert team. Clients can visit our heritage showroom and see the very workbench where their ring is being restored — a rare privilege that reflects our commitment to transparency and trust.
When you bring an heirloom ring to Prins & Prins, you are not merely having it repaired. You are giving it a new chapter within the same walls that have witnessed generations of craftsmanship and love stories.
From Heirloom to New Beginning
Resizing, resetting, or reimagining an engagement ring is a deeply personal experience. It allows you to honour the people and memories that came before while crafting something that reflects who you are today. For some, it means adapting a family heirloom for a new proposal; for others, it’s rediscovering the beauty of their own engagement ring years after it was first worn.
Whatever your story, our artisans ensure that the process remains true to your sentiment and style. A ring reborn in this way becomes more than a jewel — it becomes a living heirloom, connecting generations through love, memory, and design.
We invite you to visit our showroom at Huguenot House or explore our curated selection of Engagement Rings Cape Town to see how traditional craftsmanship continues to evolve in the hands of modern artisans.
