Based in Busselton, Bilsby’s business is built on two core values – exceptional customer service and the art of handcrafting high-end jewellery in-house. Driven by a passion for creating a positive environmental impact, Bilsby has carved a niche in upcycling clients’ old jewellery into modern pieces rich with love, memory and tradition. “Upcycling client’s gold and if possible, diamonds and gems, helps to retain the sentimentality and value of existing pieces, passing on family heirlooms in a new way and giving the client significant savings in this time of high gold prices,” she explains. Her approach doesn’t just stop at sustainability – it’s also deeply personal. Clients are invited to take part in the making of their rings through her signature Create Your Own wedding ring workshops. In this private, hands-on experience, couples can use their upcycled gold or new materials to craft their rings together, under Bilsby’s expert guidance, and enjoy a gourmet platter, accompanied by bubbles.

Something New, Beautifully Renewed

Your wedding day is a celebration of love, unity, and new beginnings – making it the perfect occasion to honour your family’s legacy. Whether you’ve inherited a cherished keepsake or received a meaningful piece of jewellery from a loved one, incorporating it into your bridal look adds a beautiful layer of sentiment. Just like the wedding ring itself, upcycled jewellery is symbolic, allowing you to carry the memory of that person with you forever. But what exactly is upcycled jewellery? “Upcycled jewellery is when existing jewellery is remodelled or remade into a new piece,” explains Bilsby. “The rise in popularity is both sentimental and economic – the gold and diamonds from Nan’s ring you inherited for example, are remade into a new piece, so the original gold still exists in its new form. Or I can recreate the same art deco style of your Nan’s worn ring in a new sturdier replica.”

In her workshop, Bilsby works with metals like yellow, white and rose gold, as well as platinum. Diamonds are highly durable and can almost always be reused, while other gemstones may be repurposed depending on their condition.

“Diamonds often stand the test of time and can be reused, other precious gems can be upcycled if they are not scratched or chipped, although I can have existing stones recut and repolished by an expert gem cutter,” she notes. If you’re ready to transform your heirloom jewellery into a modern masterpiece, Bilsby offers a collaborative process. “The beauty of a design is in the eye of the wearer,” she says. “During our design consultation, we can use design aspects of the heirloom piece in a new more modern design, as we work through all the aspects of the client’s dream piece.”

Preparing For ‘I Do’

Wearing a pre-loved piece of jewellery is a unique and meaningful way to elevate your wedding-day look. Just as your dress, veil and shoes reflect your personal style, incorporating accessories brings a layer of personality and individuality to your bridal ensemble.

Bilsby emphasises the many benefits of choosing upcycled jewellery for your special day. “Once upcycled jewellery is either restored, repaired or replicated in a new piece or remade into a completely new design, it should have the longevity and quality of a brand-new ring,” she describes. “To be showcasing Nan’s fully restored ring will bring much joy and connection to the day and your family, wearing this piece and the memory of who it was inspired by.” Upcycled jewellery can also be made into engagement rings, wedding bands, or statement pieces. “There are two ways,” Bilsby mentions. “I can create new pieces from the upcycled gold, or for the couple to come and create their own wedding rings themselves using the upcycled gold during their personal workshop experience,” she continues.

The upcycled process begins with cleaning the original pieces to remove dirt and build up, followed by removing the stones from their settings.