What Do People Do With Inherited Jewellery?

When a loved one passes, it’s common for any jewellery they own to be distributed among family and friends. If you’ve been left a piece of jewellery by a loved one, it can be difficult to know what to do with it. Here at Chapter 79, we love heirloom jewellery, and we like helping our customers make the most of any pieces that have come into their possession.

In this blog, we’ll look at the various things that you can do with inherited jewellery to help you make the best decision for you.

Keep it

If the piece holds treasured memories for you of the person that passed it on, it’s only natural to want to keep it safe and sound. Some people will pop it in a jewellery box for safekeeping, while others might choose to put it on display as a regular reminder of a lost loved one.

Wear it

Sometimes you’re left a piece of jewellery because the owner knew how much you liked it, so the right thing to do is to wear it. Whether you make it part of your regular jewellery ensemble or use it only for special occasions, it’s a great way for the piece to continue doing what it was made for.

Pass it on

Maybe you’re not so attached to the piece you’ve inherited, but know that someone else was. It can be a lovely gesture to pass the item on to them, rather than keeping it out of a sense of duty or expectation. Alternatively, you can keep the jewellery for the time being and then bequeath it to your own loved ones when you pass, making it a genuine family heirloom.

Sell it

Some people are conflicted when it comes to selling inherited jewellery, but there’s no need to be. Selling a ring, bracelet, or necklace doesn’t diminish the affection you have for the person you inherited it from. Unless you’re sure about what you have, we recommend having any jewellery assessed and valued by a professional to ensure you get its market value.

Repair it

Whether you’re keeping, gifting, or selling the piece, inherited jewellery often requires a bit of care and attention. Years of use may have worn down the metal, loosened the gems, or otherwise damaged the item in question. Our skilled jewellers will be able to repair any issues and get it looking as good as new.

Redesign or remodel it

With the right help, you can enjoy a piece of inherited jewellery while giving it a completely new look. Perhaps you’ve received a brooch or a ring that’s a little gaudy for your tastes. Why not use some or all of the gems to create a new piece that you love, like a pendant or a bracelet?

Of course, you can take things a step further and remodel your inherited jewellery entirely. An experienced jeweller can help you craft a more modern and aesthetically pleasing piece. They will incorporate as much of the original material as possible, creating something truly original that still honours the sentimental value of the item.

Jewellery Repair, Redesign, and Remodelling in Hertfordshire

If you want to give your inherited jewellery a new lease on life, visit the experts at Chapter 79. We have the tools, skills, and expertise—not to mention our own on-site workshop—to create something beautiful and unique from your items. Visit us in-store or call us on 01992 534555 to see what we can do for you.