Whether you’ve inherited a stunning necklace collection or a timeless watch from a member of your family, becoming the caretaker of an heirloom is a big responsibility. It’s also an honour for those who want to feel closer to their ancestors.
You may want to wear your new staple piece or simply keep it safe in storage; regardless, you need to understand how to take care of your family treasure so that it’s still in great condition when it comes time to hand down to the next generation.
Here are a few general tips for how to look after and maintain your precious family heirlooms.
Share the backstory
No great family heirloom is given without a detailed story of how it was first acquired, and this is what makes the item so valuable. Even young children will adore hearing about their grandma’s wedding ring and how it’s been passed along the family over several generations. Make sure that you know the story; you could even consider writing it down on paper to store alongside the item itself.
Keep them safe
Some pieces may come with paperwork, so it’s important to keep this safe either in a secured storage unit or alongside the jewellery itself. Then, you should try to get an updated appraisal to discover the value of the item should this not have been done within the last five years.
Once you finally have an estimate for the value of the piece, you may wish to take out jewellery insurance. While this won’t replace the sentimental value of the heirloom, it could offer some reimbursement should it be lost or stolen.
Consider being creative
The jewellery may look slightly outdated or you may not be able to wear it safely but this doesn’t mean that it can’t be repurposed. If a ring doesn’t fit, why not get it resized? Better yet, turn it into a necklace. Don’t wear brooches? Turn them into a beautiful pendant.
Remember, you’ll always have those memories and you can create a piece of jewellery that you’ll love for many years to come.
Ensure they are well maintained
When storing your prized possessions, don’t just place them in a cluttered drawer where they are prone to being scratched or dented. Delicate pieces of jewellery are best kept in a velvet or satin-lined box, whereas silver jewellery can simply be stored in a cloth bag to reduce tarnishing.
When cleaning the items, particularly fine gemstones, make sure to use a soft cloth. Avoid anything that involves heat or abrasive cleaners as this can cause irreparable damage. If you have any doubts, consult a professional to get their opinion.
