Diamonds may be forever, but the creatively redesigned works of island jewelry artisan Connie Castellano shows that it’s never been easier to stay gold.

“I would like to show the viewing audience that old scrap gold can be reformulated into white gold, or yellow gold, and old previously owned gemstones can have new life in a more desirable design that suits their current taste and lifestyle,” Castellano said.

“Most do not know that white gold is man made, and their old yellow gold can be reformulated into white gold.”

A Bainbridge-based artist since 1998, Castellano will host an educational demonstration of many of her redesign and repurpose techniques at her studio (292 Ericksen Ave.) during a special First Friday Art Walk reception from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 3, and also from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 4 and Sunday, June 5 as well.

Guests can view Castellano’s sketch book, wax models and the unveiling of her new 2016 spring/summer collection. Appetizers and beverages will be served on Friday, and five percent of all sales that evening will be donated to the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art education fund.

“Recycling your old white gold and yellow gold scrap allows you to choose your favored gold color choice prior to casting the new model,” Castellano said. “Repurposing family gemstones is truly a way of honoring that special person or a place in time. Bringing the unworn jewelry out of the dark safe to once again dance in the light of new timeless or art inspired setting is celebration.

“This is how I like to create fascination in wearable fine jewelry,” she added. “[By] allowing new art and inspiration to breathe life into the new jewelry design is my passion.”

Castellano said that whether working to redesign beloved old pieces, or designing something brand new for a client, her favorite aspect of creating wearable art is the stories behind the jewelry.

“Feel free to share your desires of favorable styles, and possibly your gemstone’s history,” she said. “With full confidentiality, I will quietly collect notes and incorporate these thoughts into concept sketches that you may want to include in your new piece. Besides creating a beautiful piece of jewelry, it is important that it is durable, comfortable and becomes part of you.”

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, contact castellanovs1@msn.com, or visit www.conniecastellano.com.