The “Inflation Hack”:
Remodel Old Jewellery & Save R40,000+
Gold has hit record highs in South Africa (R1,775/g). Stop letting your inheritance gather dust. Here is the ultimate guide to turning “Scrap” into “Luxury.”
By Jewellery Connection Team | Updated: January 2026
What You Will Learn
1. The Math: Buying New vs. Remodelling
In 2026, the retail price of gold jewellery has skyrocketed. This is due to the weakened Rand and global economic instability. However, this works in your favour if you own physical assets (old jewellery).
Let’s break down the cost of a Heavy 18ct Gold Solitaire Ring.
Option A: Buying Retail
Walking into a mall and buying a new ring.
Option B: Remodelling
Using your own “Gold Mine” at home.
The Strategy: Take the R43,500 you saved and invest it in a higher quality diamond or a top-tier Moissanite stone.
2. The “Melting” Myth: Understanding Porosity
One of the biggest misconceptions we hear at our Johannesburg Studio is: “Can you just melt my ring and pour it into a new mould?”
The answer is Yes, but we shouldn’t.
Old jewellery contains solder (the metal glue used to join parts). Solder contains Zinc and Cadmium. If we melt your old ring directly, these impurities boil and create gas bubbles. This creates “Porosity”—tiny holes that make the new ring weak and brittle.
The Solution: “Scrap & Swap”
To ensure your new ring lasts 50 years, we use the Credit System:
- We weigh your old gold (e.g., 18ct Yellow).
- We calculate its value based on the Live Gold Spot Price.
- We give you credit for that amount.
- We use fresh, porosity-free casting grain to make your new ring.
This way, you get the financial benefit of your old gold, but the structural integrity of new gold.
3. Is It Safe to Remove Old Diamonds?
Removing a diamond from a bezel or channel setting can be risky if not done by a Master Setter. At Jewellery Connection, we check for existing chips before we touch the stone.
Pro Tip: Many antique diamonds have “naturals” or small chips on the girdle (edge) that were hidden by the old setting. Once we unset the stone, we can map these out and position the new claws to cover them perfectly.
4. Top 3 Remodelling Trends (2026)
The “Omni” Stack
Melt down 3 or 4 thin, broken bands to create one solid, thick “Cigar Band.” Flush set your small diamonds into the metal for a starry night effect.
The Mixed Metal Halo
Use your old Yellow Gold for the band, but use new Platinum for the claws and halo. This makes the diamond look whiter and brighter.
The Pendant Conversion
Don’t wear rings? Take your original engagement diamond and set it into a floating slider pendant. It sits close to your heart and never gets in the way.
5. Expert FAQ
Can I mix 9ct and 18ct gold together?
No. They have different melting points and alloy contents. If we melt them together, the resulting metal will be brittle and legally un-hallmarkable. We will refine them separately and give you credit for the total fine gold weight.
How much gold do I lose in the process?
During melting and polishing, there is a standard industry loss of approximately 10-15%. This is called “casting loss” or “shrinkage.” We factor this into your quote upfront.
Do you buy gold for cash if I don’t want a new ring?
Yes, we do buy gold, but you get 20% more value if you use it as “store credit” for a remodel or a new purchase compared to a cash payout.
I am not in Johannesburg. Can I courier my gold?
Absolutely. We use RAM Hand-to-Hand Couriers, the same service used to transport bullion for mines. Your parcel is fully insured and tracked every step of the way.