THE JANUARY JEWELLERY AUDIT: WHY RECORD-HIGH GOLD PRICES MEAN IT’S TIME TO REFRESH YOUR COLLECTION

As we step into 2026, the "January Reset" is in full swing. We’re decluttering our wardrobes and streamlining our homes, but there is one place that often gets overlooked: the jewellery box.

Earlier this month, I sat down with a client in my Surrey studio who discovered a small fortune in "orphan" earrings and broken chains and a super heavy gold cross that she had inherited years earlier and hadn't touched in a decade. With gold prices currently at historic all-time highs, that neglected drawer isn't just a mess—it’s a hidden asset.

If you haven't checked the price of gold lately, the news is significant. As we enter the new year, gold and silver are performing at record levels. This means:

• Your Insurance is Outdated: If your jewellery was valued five years ago, it is likely significantly under-insured at today’s rates.

• Your "Scrap" is a Resource: Those broken 9ct or 18ct gold pieces are now worth more in raw material than they have been in a generation.

While it’s tempting to sell your gold for cash, I always advocate for the circular economy. Why sell a piece with sentimental history only to buy a mass-produced item later?

The brief from my client last month : "I want something modern, wearable, and personal for both my daughters." By using your own gold, we can create a piece from one of my collections, a variation of one of my designs or something entirely bespoke, for a fraction of the retail cost. You aren't just buying jewellery; you are investing in a modern heirloom. The sketch above was from one of our clients daughters. We used the gold from the chain to have the hand carved pendant cast in gold.

The process is simple. We start with your "Jewellery Audit." You bring in your old pieces or send me pictures, and we look for hallmarks together. Then, I can use the Lost Wax process to hand-carve a new design. Because I work with recycled metals anyway, your old gold fits perfectly into my workflow. We melt it down, cast it into your new design, and hand-finish it right here in the studio.

The second pendant we made for my client, we cut sections of gold from the pendant that worked perfectly with the design and created a brand new geometric style pendant. You can see here the clients image, the process and the finished pendant.

The result. A piece that feels individual and personal and carries the weight of your personal history, but looks like a contemporary piece of art. It’s the ultimate way to start 2026—with a clearer jewellery box and a piece you’ll actually wear every single day.

• Can you melt down different carats of gold together?

  • Technically, metals can be mixed, but if you want your finished piece to be officially hallmarked, it is best to keep them separate. To maintain the purity and the legal hallmark of your new piece, we usually work with 9ct, 18ct, and 22ct gold individually. During a consultation at my Surrey studio, we can have your gold tested to see exactly what we are working with and what the best options are for your design.

• How long does the remodelling process take?

  • Every commission is unique. Typically, the journey from the initial wax carving to the final polish takes between 3 to 8 weeks. Because I hand-carve the models in wax first, we ensure the design is perfect before we ever move to the casting stage.

• Is remodelled gold as strong as new gold?

  • Absolutely. Once refined and cast, your recycled gold is just as durable and beautiful as "freshly mined" metal—but with a much smaller environmental footprint. It is the ultimate way to enjoy luxury jewellery with a clear conscience.

The surge in gold prices we’re seeing in early 2026 is driven by global economic shifts, making raw materials more expensive for jewellers and consumers alike. This is why many high-street brands are raising their prices. By choosing to remodel your own gold, you are essentially 'locking in' the value of the metal you already own, bypassing the rising costs of new raw materials.

The lost-wax casting method is a truly unique craft. Carving directly into the wax allows me to develop intricate, sculptural silhouettes and textures that modern 3D printing just can’t replicate. This hands-on approach ensures every commission is a bespoke masterpiece—a flowing, tactile design that remains as individual as the person wearing it.

Are you ready to audit your jewellery box? Whether you want to check the value of your pieces or discuss a complete transformation, I’d love to help.

Book a Bespoke Consultation

Nude Jewellery was founded by Nikki Galloway, a contemporary jeweller with a passion for sculptural forms and sustainable craftsmanship.

Working from her studios in London and Surrey, Nikki specialises in the ancient "Lost Wax" casting process. Many pieces begins as a hand-carved wax model, ensuring that the organic textures and architectural lines of the finished jewellery are entirely unique.

Dedicated to ethical luxury, Nude Jewellery uses certified recycled silver and gold, blending traditional artisan techniques with a modern, eco-conscious philosophy. Whether you are looking for a signature piece or a one-of-a-kind bespoke commission, every item is designed to be a "modern heirloom" that tells a story.

Want to see behind the bench? Follow the journey on Instagram @nudejewellery or email [email protected] to discuss your own bespoke project.