My aunt married several years ago and a frame made for a necklace that had belonged to her g-mother. she said the laid the necklace in something and then pressed it in to make a mold matching the necklace perfectly. they used this to make a mold then a metal removable frame. On the diamonds the medal frame kind of scooped so the gems really sat down in it instead of drilling holes and using screws. Looked nice, and it wasn't a large piece.
--Previous Message-- : Thank you for your good advice and to all : other posters. I was surprised by the : interest in a non royal and not particularly : lavish jewel and will certainly follow up : once I have been able to have information : from the original jeweller and/or have the : frame made, if at all possible. : : --Previous Message-- : The original jeweller may well still have : records as to the frame in their archives. : Perhaps you could approach them to ask for : copies, then take the specifications to a : number of jewellers to see what the cost : might be. In silver, it would be primarily : the workmanship. In that regard, approach a : university or college where they offer a : jewellery making program and see if the : students might be able to replicate the : frame based on the archival materials. : : : --Previous Message-- : I would like to know the opinion of you : experts in this board. My family owns a : Belle Époque "multi-purpose" : necklace by the Dutch royal jeweler : Bonebakker, that used to be convertible into : broach/pendant or a tiara, but the tiara : frame is lost. Even if there are no : opportunities to wear it as a tiara (apart : from a family wedding, not in sight) I would : like to have it completed. I assume that : going to the original maker or another : "royal" jeweler would cost more : than the value of the piece. Would you go to : any jeweler, or just keep it as it is? : : : : :