Independent Cirencester family jeweller Walter Bull & Son specialises in bespoke consultations to remodel heirloom pieces to carry them forward for future generations.
SoGlos chats to James Gegg, the great, great grandson of the founder Walter Bull, about the expertise and craftsmanship required to bring pieces from the past into the present with timeless style.
What are some examples of heirlooms that you’ve transformed over the years?
Over the years we’ve transformed a wide range of heirloom pieces, from Victorian and Edwardian rings to mid-century engagement rings, brooches, pendants and charm bracelets.
Common projects include remodelling inherited engagement rings into contemporary solitaires or trilogy rings, converting brooches into wearable pendants, combining multiple family rings into a single modern piece and resetting stones from outdated mounts into clean, timeless designs.
We’ve also worked with signet rings passed down through generations, refreshing worn shanks while preserving original crests or engravings.
What makes them so special?
Heirloom pieces carry stories that go far beyond their materials.
They often mark important moments, relationships and generations, which makes them deeply personal.
Our role is to honour that emotional value while ensuring the piece can be worn and enjoyed today, rather than remaining tucked away in a drawer.
How do you approach giving heirlooms a fresh lease of life?
We always start with a conversation. Understanding the history of the piece, what the client loves about it and how they want to wear it is essential.
From there, we assess what can be preserved, whether that’s stones, engravings or design elements and consider how these can be sensitively incorporated into a new piece.
The aim is never to erase the past but to reinterpret it in a way that feels relevant and wearable now.
How do you feel about bringing a piece of the past into the present and giving it a bright new future?
It’s one of the most rewarding parts of our work.
There’s something very special about seeing a piece that hasn’t been worn for decades become part of someone’s everyday life again.
It ensures the story continues, rather than ending with one generation.
What are some of the more tricky aspects of dealing with heirlooms?
Older pieces can present technical challenges, such as worn settings, fragile stones or outdated construction methods.
There can also be an emotional aspect, as clients may feel nervous about altering something irreplaceable.
Clear communication, careful craftsmanship and a respectful approach are essential to navigating both.
What are you most proud of achieving with your revitalised pieces?
We’re most proud when a client tells us they now wear their heirloom every day.
Knowing that a piece with history has been successfully transformed into something practical, comfortable and loved again is incredibly satisfying.
If someone is unsure of what could be achieved, what would you suggest?
We always encourage people to come in for a consultation, even if they’re unsure.
Often simply laying the pieces out and talking through possibilities opens up ideas they hadn’t considered.
There’s no obligation and sometimes reassurance is all that’s needed to take the first step.
Is there anything else you’d like to highlight about your heirloom service?
All heirloom transformations are carried out in our in-house workshop, allowing us complete control over quality and craftsmanship.
This also means clients can be involved throughout the process, from initial ideas to the finished piece, making the experience as personal as the jewellery itself.
