Jewellery redesign, remodelling and diamond upgrading service
At Arcade Jewellers the professional goldsmiths carry out repairs on site as well as a diamond upgrade service, although their real passion is the creative jewellery design and remodelling.
Uniquely Arcade Jewellers offers their clients the opportunity to trade in their old jewellery for something of higher quality. They fully understand that tastes change over the years and they have seen a huge demand for customers seeking to trade in their old jewellery in for something new.
“I upgraded my old jewellery to a lovely diamond ring.”
Often 1970’s and 80’s jewellery is part exchanged for something modern or of higher quality. When most couples become engaged they are in their twenties and often, at this stage in life, finances are unstable with setting up home, so jewellery selection is limited. As relationships grow and finances become stable many couples decide to upgrade their jewellery as they have far more choice available to them. There is a real move towards people choosing a second engagement ring to mark a special occasion or as a gift at Christmas time. From upgrading a pair of diamond earrings to supplying and fitting necklaces and rings with a preferred stone, such as a birthstone, to complete jewellery redesign; this company gives it’s customers plenty of options. Some customers choose only to upgrade their diamonds to a superior quality stone, keeping the jewellery as it. Other clients choose to have their jewellery completely remodelled and become fully involved in the redesign process.
Often brooches are converted to pendants and rings, using the original stones and retaining as much of the original features as possible. Other customers choose to have stones removed from old jewellery and re-set into a new piece of jewellery.
ABOVE: Computer aided design used for resetting emeralds
The staff at Arcade Jewellers will work together with the client to produce a new bespoke piece of jewellery to their exact specifications. Their incredibly well stocked workshops have sourced stones from all around the world. The vast range means they can supply the finest quality diamonds, but also find diamonds and gemstones to fit any budget.
The company offers an excellent rate for buying silver, gold, antique and diamond pieces. Gold has steadily increased in value over the last 20 years so good prices are offered – and gold is also predicted to carry on rising! Now is a useful time to cash in some old unused or broken pieces of jewellery for a little bit of extra cash in time for Christmas.
“The repair service is amazing.”
Investing in antique jewellery
The value of antique jewellery has on average more than doubled over the last decade, with some pieces showing a five-fold increase. Antique jewellery has always been regarded as a good investment for those in it for the long-term. The value of jewellery from some eras has risen more than others. Jewellery from the Belle Époque era (1890 – 1915) and Art Deco era (1920-1930’s) have been the best investments in terms of wear ability and value.
ABOVE: Jewellery from the Belle Époque era, 1890 – 1915
Arcade have seen a rise in interest for jewellery from the post-modern era, this has been very popular; it’s fun and asymmetrical designs are often very eye catching. In the last year the demand has shifted back to vintage jewellery from the 1970’s and 80’s, the yellow gold chains and pendants are seeing a real revival. There has been less interest in Victorian jewellery in recent times and prices have stabilised to reflect this. Victoriana could prove a shrewd investment, buying now before the next Victorian revival! Certain brands always hold their value very well such as Cartier, George Jenson and Bucheron.
“A great find. It has a wonderful selection of new, vintage and antique jewellery.”
Over the years pieces are often broken up and passed on in families. The stones are shared out between siblings and reset in new jewellery. This means antique jewellery is becoming increasingly rare; accounting for the continued price rises.
ABOVE: Jewellery from the Edwardian, Belle Époque era
The high demand for antique jewellery has out striped the supply, so often manufactures make new jewellery in antique styles. While these pieces can be very attractive to wear and are often more robust than the genuine antique article, their investment potential is obviously far more limited. Jewellery advertised as “old” and “antique style” is usually new jewellery styled and treated to look antique.
In Arcade jewellers they have one of the largest collections of genuine antique jewellery in the area. Antique jewellery holds it’s prices if it is good quality, in goodcondition and any repairs made have been done sympathetically, in keeping with the unique styles and materials of the era.
ABOVE: Jewellery from the Art Deco era, 1920 – 1930’s
In the Arcade shops antique jewellery is valued by their connoisseurs who have years of experience, recognising the distinctive styles associated with each period. Their experts use a combination of clues and evidence to date and value the pieces. Along with recognising the distinctive styles and construction methods, their experts will combine this analysis with their understanding of hallmarks and manufacturers stamps. They will check the materials used are in keeping with the era and use a range of scientific checks, such as acid tests on metal and stone analysis, to ensure the antique jewellery is correctly dated. Their jewellery is never labelled blandly as antique, each piece has been carefully valued and dated to the era so their customers can be confident of exactly what they are buying.
A bespoke jewellery and maintenance and repair service
Many of us love our jewellery for its sentimental value because in many cultures it often marks important mile-stones and occasions in our lives. Birth, baptism, engagement, marriage and other milestones are often celebrated by gifts of jewellery. It is therefore so important to make the most of these treasured gifts by ensuring we wear and enjoy them.
In our busy lives it can be easy to forget that we need to keep our jewellery well maintained. Wear and tear does happen, but damage can be minimised by ensuring you have your jewellery checked and maintained regularly.
At home you can check for dented clasps and look to see if there are areas where gold metal has worn down, however it is always better to have it checked by a
professional jeweller.
In the Arcade store in Bournemouth you can take your jewellery in to be checked for your peace of mind. If something is broken remember to collect the broken pieces when you submit your jewellery for repair, and keep any broken pieces of gold, missing stones or pearls.
Their professional goldsmiths carry out traditional repairs in their workshops, such as building up areas where gold has worn down; typically this in on the shoulders of the ring or on the claws that hold the stones in place. They can replace chain links, provide and fit replacement clasps, re-shape and remove dents. In their superbly stocked workshops they have sourced stones from all over the world, this wide selection makes it easy for them to find the perfect replacement stone. Jewellery needs to last us a lifetime, to help pro-long the life of your precious items Arcade can re-size rings, bracelets and necklaces to give you the perfect fit. Pearls can be re-strung to any length so you can change with the fashion and to keep them safe. Jewellery can often be spectacularly enhanced simply by a professional clean and polish which is offered in-store, leaving it looking as good as new! They can complete intricate and the most complicated repairs; the experts are on hand, with years of experience, to advise you on these services.
All of the repairs take place on the premises. The cost of repairs can vary with the level of difficulty and time taken to complete the repair. The materials are factored into the cost of the repair, 9-carat gold is less expensive than 18-carat gold but it is important to match the metal to the style and the piece. With such a vast range of stones they can upgrade stones in size and grade or fit a stone to suit any budget.
The Christmas gift dilemma solved
Christmas has come round again, and in this very turbulent year shoppers are returning to the town centre with caution.
All jewellery at the store can be sterilised before trying on using a professional ultra sonic cleaning process that jewellers have actually used for years! The staff at Arcade have gone to great lengths to ensure your shopping experience is as safe as possible.
Earrings tend to be the most popular Christmas gift and it seems you can never go wrong with a pair of traditional diamond stud earrings. Pendants and charms are also very popular. If you are on a budget you could consider just purchasing a new pendant to wear on an already much loved chain. Rings are very popular, especially diamond solitaires for those popping the question! Diamond and gemstones rings tend to be great choices for Christmas presents – why not buy a ring with a birthstone or even have a birthstone fitted to a piece jewellery already owned.
There has been a surge of interest in cocktail rings, which are bold and striking, the perfect statement piece for a night out – how loud can you go!
There is also a revival going on at the moment for 1970’s and 1980’s gold chain jewellery which make great gifts for anyone who loves vintage!
For help finding the perfect gift visit the Arcade Jewellers Shop.
Arcade Jewellers
7 Bournemouth Arcade, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 2AF
Tel. 01202 298628
Christchurch Jewellers
7 Saxon Square, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1QA
Tel. 01202 470075
Dorchester Jewellers
Cornhill Corner, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1BA
Tel. 01305 262754
Leave a Reply