Changing a Mabe Pearl Ring to a Pendant – Annabelle’s Story

The phone rang. "Calla Gold Jewelry. This is Calla!"

"You said, 'wear it, don't warehouse it,' and I can't stop thinking about it." And so this fun project landed in my lap.

Changing a Mabe Pearl Ring to a Pendant - Annabelle's story

"Calla, I'm just tired of it. There's nothing wrong with it. I used to wear it all the time. But I feel guilty, 'cause it sits there unworn. But I'm just done with it." This was Annabelle talking about her mabe pearl ring, that wasn't being worn anymore.

She toyed with it idly while telling me about it.

Have You Ever Fallen Out of Love With Something That Was a Favorite?

I'd seen this before. Many times. Heck I've been there. There was this Calla Lily print I wanted in the worst way. It wasn't cheap. So I got it for my birthday and was ecstatic about it. Then ten years later I sold it at a yard sale. I was done.

Yeah, I felt guilty. And I think Annabelle felt that way too. So I asked her if she would like to polish it up and re-gift it or give it a  "jewelry revitalization" and a new purpose? Annabelle said, "whatcha got in mind?"

It Gets Fun When the Choices Start to Bubble Up

"Really?" She seemed intrigued. "Then maybe I can give it to my niece, she loves pearls."

It's Nice to Use Your Beautified Unworn Jewelry for Gifts

Mabe Pearl Ring, Whole, then Separated for it's New Look

So I found a beautiful, decorative bail which was large enough for a chain to run through and balance with the size of the pearl.  Then I separated the top part of the ring that held her Mabe pearl and diamonds from the under structure of her ring.    I carefully took the top part with her Mabe pearl and diamonds off the under structure of her ring.

Once that was finished, I carefully removed her pearl and soldered on the new bail.

Pearls can’t take heat, and must be removed before any repairs that require a torch, such as soldering, can take place.  After testing the strength of the bail, and polishing off the rough spots, I put the pearl back in. It looked really nice as a pendant.

So Did Her Niece Like the Re-purposed Mabe Pearl?

Nope, because she never got it. Annabelle fell in love with her Mabe pearl all over again!

After four years of neglect and warehousing, we gave Anabelle’s pearl a makeover that was meant to be seen.

Five Ways to Know if You Can Convert Your Ring into a Pendant

Annabelle's  "New" Mabe Pearl Pendant

1. Is there a flat area, so that if the ring shank is removed it could lay flat against your chest?

2. Is your pearl simply glue set so it can be easily removed before soldering and other heat work that is damaging to pearls can be done?

3. Do you like the basic design and feel it'd be attractive as a pendant?

4. Would it be a natural addition to your existing pearl necklace? If so, then consider adding a hinged Enhancer bail to the final product, so it will hinge open and clip on to your pearls. Or any other bead necklaces you have.

5. If you're not sure if your ring could be converted? Ask me!

I specialize in jewelry re-purposing, and would be happy to help.  You never know, your ring just might look great as a pendant!

What's the Takeaway Message?

The takeaway idea here? A ring you are tired of could have a fabulous second life in your jewelry wardrobe as a pendant.

Wear it Don't Warehouse it!

Your Personal Jeweler,
Calla