What Does Your Jewellery Say About You? Kat McLean on CBC’s Alberta at Noon

What if the most meaningful piece of jewellery you could ever wear is already sitting in a drawer somewhere waiting?

That's the idea at the heart of what we do at Marlow Design. And recently, our lead jeweller and gemologist Kat McLean had the chance to share that perspective on a bigger stage CBC Radio's Alberta at Noon with host Ted Henley.

The conversation touched on something we hear every single day in our studio: jewellery isn't just beautiful. It carries history.

Repurposing vs. Refurbishing — What's the Difference?

One of the most common questions we get is whether to repurpose or refurbishment a beloved piece. As Kat explained on air:

"Repurposing doesn't necessarily erase the history of the piece, but it does allow you to wear it in your own way — to put your own story on the piece. Refurbishment, on the other hand, is if you want to keep the history and the style of the piece."

Both paths are beautiful. It just depends on what the piece means to you, and what you want it to mean going forward with Benefits of Custom Jewellery.

Grandmother's Ring as Your Engagement Ring

One of the most meaningful trends Kat has seen over the years? Brides choosing to wear their grandmother's or mother's Engagement ring as their own.

"What we specialize in is: if you choose to reuse that piece, how can we make sure that you can wear it for another 30 years?"

Years of wear and tear tell a story — but they also mean a piece needs care. Our Craftspeople bring the experience to assess exactly what's needed to keep that ring going for another generation.

The Ring Kat Wears Every Day

Ted asked Kat if she had a personal piece connected to someone she loves. Her answer stopped us:

"I took some gold from my grandmother, and I took some gold from my mother, and I melted them down into one ring. I wear it every day — as a reminder of the strong people that I've come from."

Her grandmother was a nurse in the Second World War. Her mother, a force. That ring holds both of them and Kat carries their strength with her, every day, on her thumb.

That's what jewellery can do.

What About Cleaning?

Kat also set the record straight on cleaning and her answer might surprise you.

"A toothbrush and dish soap. Just clean your ring — most of the time that does everything you need. It's the servicing that you really want to focus on."

Just like a car needs regular maintenance, your jewellery needs to come in for a check-up. Kat and our team look at the claws, the stone settings, the thickness of the metal catching any issues before they become problems.

Bring Your Piece In

Whether it's a ring tucked away in a box, an heirloom you've been meaning to restore, or a stone you want to reimagine we'd love to see it.

📍 Marlow Design | Calgary, AB

🔗 Book a Virtual Appointment at marlowdesign.ca

Listen to Kat's full feature on CBC's Alberta at Noon → https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-1-alberta-at-noon/clip/16197872-what-object-reminds-someone-love