Modified Classics: How to Customise Our Existing Collections
BY TONIN collections are designed for daily wear—simple silhouettes made to be lived in. We also understand that sometimes a piece needs a small adjustment to feel exactly right for you.
Our Modified Classics service offers a way to personalise an existing design. It sits between our ready-to-wear pieces and a full commission, allowing you to adapt our core designs to suit your needs.
How we can modify a piece
Modifying a classic is about subtle changes that make a piece more functional or personal for your lifestyle. We focus on adjustments that maintain the balance of the original design.
Metal Specifications
While many of our pieces are available in 925 sterling silver or gold plated finishes, you can choose to have any design made in 9ct, 14ct, or 18ct solid gold. This is a practical choice for those who want a favourite silhouette to last a lifetime as personalised solid gold jewellery.
Stone & Pearl Substitutions
We can swap a traditional pearl for a unique baroque shape or replace a sapphire with a stone that holds more personal meaning. We source stones that fit our aesthetic of natural variation and simple beauty.
Proportions & Finish
We can adjust the weight of a band, change the length of a layering necklace, or apply a different texture—from a high-polish finish to a soft, brushed matte.
The Process
The journey of a Modified Classic is simple and intentional.
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The Selection: Choose a piece from our earrings, necklaces, bracelets or rings that you’d like to adapt.
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The Consultation: We discuss your adjustments to ensure the final piece is both functional and durable.
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The Quote: As modifications change the metal weight or stone type, we provide a 24-hour quote based on current material values.
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The Creation: Your piece is made in our studio with the same care as a full commission, usually with a shorter lead time.
Why choose a Modified Classic?
Choosing to customise jewellery NZ based on an existing design is a straightforward way to get a piece that works for you. It is a good option for:
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Gifting: Adding an engraving or a specific birthstone to one of our bespoke gold rings.
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Minimalist bridal jewellery NZ: Adapting a pendant or hoops to suit a wedding neckline.
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Daily use: Lowering a setting profile to make it more practical for working with your hands.
By starting with a BY TONIN classic, you are choosing a design that is already balanced—refined by us, but finished for you.
How much will it cost?
Because every Modified Classic is made to order, pricing is calculated based on your specific requirements.
The final cost depends on the metal you choose, such as moving from silver to solid gold—and the current market value of materials. We provide a 24-hour quote for every request so the price you receive is accurate and fair. This ensures you only pay for the specific materials and craft required to customise jewellery.
Lead times
The timeline for a Modified Classic is typically shorter than a full commission, as we are building on an existing foundation.
Once your quote is approved and the deposit is paid, your piece will generally be ready within 4 - 5 weeks. We will give you a specific date during your consultation, as times can vary depending on the sourcing of stones or the complexity of the adjustment.
If you have a specific date in mind, such as for a gift or a wedding, let us know and we will do our best to accommodate it.
