If you have ever owned a piece of family heirloom jewelry, then you know the value that comes with it. There is something so special about knowing this jewelry has been passed down through generations.
Heirlooms are not just pieces of jewelry but symbols of our families too. They are memories in metal, plain and simple. With each new generation, these precious pieces should be handed down to the next one who will cherish them as much as their predecessors did before them.
What is heirloom jewelry, and why would you want to hand it down?
Heirloom jewelry is a term used in the United States to define objects that have been in families over several generations. They are usually passed down through the female side, but not always. Family members often purchased these treasured pieces at full price when they were new items many years ago.
Just like any other type of piece of jewelry, heirloom pieces are valuable because of their materials. Heirlooms can be made from precious metals such as gold and silver, or they could be from semiprecious ones like turquoise or pearls.
Different types of heirloom jewelry pieces that can be passed down
Most heirloom pieces are brooches, rings, earrings, necklaces, or bracelets. They can be passed down through family members, young and old alike. It is not necessarily the piece’s value that makes it so special but how many memories are attached to it.
What if I want to start the tradition of handing down heirloom jewelry?
Heirloom jewelry doesn’t have to be centuries-old, nor do they have to be worth an extravagant amount of money.
If you’re a mother or grandmother and you’re planning to purchase luxurious bracelets online, you can already earmark that as an heirloom piece for a child or future grandchild. You can make a note and say that you want your grandchild to have this bracelet when she turns 16 or graduates from high school. It is a way of making memories and passing on traditions for you, your child, and generations to come.
You can also personally hand down the piece during a momentous occasion, like a wedding. This gives the “something old” tradition a new and more memorable spin.
Tips on taking care of your heirloom jewelry
One of the most important things to do when you’re handed down any piece of jewelry, whether it is an heirloom or not, is to take care of it. And while doing so, be careful not to lose any stones or damage the setting too much because that will decrease its value.
Heirlooms should always be stored in a box or pouch to keep them from getting scratched or dinged. They should never be worn casually as everyday wear because they can get dirty and lose their luster without proper care.
Another way to take care of an heirloom piece is to take it out and clean it from time to time. This cleaning should be done according to the type of stone, whether it’s a diamond or gemstone.
With the proper care, you will be able to pass down heirloom jewelry so your loved ones can cherish them for generations to come. It is always nice to know that things are passed down and not just thrown away when no longer used.
The importance of preserving memories for future generations
Heirloom jewelry is a symbol of a family’s past, its present, and its future. They represent all the happiness and memories that each one holds dear.
While it may seem like just another piece to add to your jewelry box, an heirloom piece can be so much more than that. It should be passed down from generation to generation so the whole family can remember how it came around in the first place.
Sharing the story behind the piece with your child or grandchild
The best way to make memories is to tell the story behind the piece. Heirloom jewelry pieces are treasured for generations and will hold on to their value, which can increase with each passing generation, too.
When is the best time to pass down your heirloom jewelry?
It is time to pass on your heirlooms when you no longer wear them anymore for whatever reason. It could be that the style just didn’t suit you, or newer pieces have greater sentimental value.
After all, an essential part of passing down heirloom jewelry is making sure its new owner will love and appreciate them as much as you do.
Conclusion
Leaving something valuable like heirloom jewelry is the best way to make future generations remember you and all you’ve done when you were still with them. If your family doesn’t have heirloom pieces yet, you can start the tradition by buying a beautiful piece that can be your legacy to future generations.
