Youve been given grandmas heirloom diamond pendants. Instead of leaving them tucked away in your jewelry box, youd really like to wear them. There is one problem though; grandmas diamond pendants are terribly ugly.

No disrespect meant toward grandma, but you wouldnt ever wear those things. Okay maybe the jewelry really isnt ugly. Maybe it just needs to be repaired or its too small for your taste. Whatever the reason may be, its okay if you dont like your grandmas diamond pendants. You can still put your grandmas heirlooms to good use.

Using your grandmas jewelry you can update the style and create something totally new. A lot of people like to take the stones out of diamond pendants and use them to create a ring or necklace. Dont feel bad about redesigning grandmas jewelry. If its left in its original form what good will it be doing sitting hidden in the drawer of your jewelry box?

By using the stones for another jewelry piece grandmas memory will be with you every time you wear it.

First youll want to have a qualified gemologist take a look at the diamond pendant. They will be able to tell you all about the stones that are in the jewelry. Youll want to know about the color, clarity, cut, and carat of the stone. The gemologist will also be able to tell you about any flaws or problem areas in the diamonds as well.

After youve taken the stone to a gemologist you need to pick a jeweler. Be extremely careful about which jeweler you choose. You want someone that has plenty of experience and skill; an amateur could destroy those heirloom stones.

When choosing a jeweler its also important to look at their other work. Make sure that there are a number of his pieces that you really like.

Designing the ring comes next. You will work extremely close with the jeweler for this step in the process. Youll be giving him your ideas, likes and dislikes. If you have a picture to help you describe what you want, bring it with you when you meet with him.

Remember to be as clear as you can about what you want. If your idea is totally different than what youve described to the jeweler the outcome will be a complete let down.

Drawing sketches is another way to help the jeweler see what youre looking for. Dont be shy either; this is going to be your new piece of jewelry. You have to make sure youre going to absolutely love it.

So if you get diamond pendants and youll never wear them, create something new. Using the stones from grandmas diamond pendants for an updated, different piece of jewelry is perfectly acceptable. Have fun designing it and wear it with pride.