Is it possible for me to 'melt down' my jewellery.

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I have several old fashioned pieces of jewellery, of mixed carat, I would like to remove the stones, design and possibly (with tuition!) make a new setting. Obviously I will get them valued beforehand incase there is anything of high value, but these are not so much antique, just old. I would be prepared to go on some sort of course to achieve this, but haven't a clue where to look, everything on the net advises a 'degree'! I just want to recycle my goodies for my daughter. Any help or advise would really be appreciated.