Diamonds Are Forever; Jewelry Not Necessarily.

Increasingly consumers are opting to upcycle their gemstones and precious metals into fresh pieces, rather than leaving the outdated jewelry to waste at the bottom of their jewelry box. There are many reasons why restyling jewelry has been growing in popularity: economics, resource conservation, and sentimentality to name a few.

For a fraction of the cost of buying new, a master jeweler can transform a worn-out piece into something that better suits its current owner. Through custom design, a goldsmith creates a one-of-a-kind heirloom owners can wear proudly now-- as well as pass down to family members. Meanwhile, precious materials have been recycled and, in many cases, the loved one from whom the original jewelry came is honored and remembered.

"We have a makeover event 2-3 times a year during which you can have your own gemstones from old jewelry reset into new pieces. Or you can select new gemstones from our diamond and colored gemstone collections to replace missing ones from pieces you love," explains Craig Brady, owner/jeweler of Valley Jewelers.

"Our designers will aid you in finding the appropriate gemstone or setting and our expert craftsmen will fashion your jewelry while you watch." Brady adds that he works with clients all the time to repair, restore and recycle jewelry, but only at the makeover events do people have the opportunity to watch the work being done.