What Should You Do With Inherited Jewelry? | Hopman Jewelers

What Should You Do With Jewelry You Inherited but Don't Wear?

Table of Contents

• What should you do first with inherited jewelry? 
• How do you find out what inherited jewelry is? 
• Should you keep inherited jewelry even if you don't wear it? 
• Can inherited jewelry be repaired or resized? 
• Can inherited jewelry be redesigned into something new? 
• Should inherited jewelry be appraised? 
• What should you do when several family members inherit jewelry? 
• Can you sell inherited jewelry you don't want? 
• What should you do with broken inherited jewelry? 
• What questions should you ask before deciding? 
• Frequently Asked Questions 

Summary

If you've inherited jewelry that you don't wear, you have more options than simply leaving it tucked away in a jewelry box. Depending on the piece, you may be able to repair it, resize it, restore it, redesign it into something new, have it appraised, pass it along to another family member, or sell it.

Before making a decision, however, take the time to understand what you have. An inherited piece may contain precious metals, diamonds or gemstones, but it may also have sentimental or historical significance that can't be measured by its monetary value.

At Hopman Jewelers in Downtown Elkhart, we often help customers explore the possibilities for jewelry that has been passed down through their families. Sometimes the best choice is to preserve a piece exactly as it is. Other times, a thoughtful repair or custom redesign can give an heirloom an entirely new life.

What Should You Do First With Inherited Jewelry?

Start by slowing down.

When you're given a jewelry box containing pieces that belonged to a parent, grandparent or another loved one, it can be tempting to immediately sort everything into piles: keep, sell, give away or discard.

Before you do that, learn what you have.

If possible, gather any information that came with the jewelry. Look for:

• Original receipts 
• Appraisal documents 
• Diamond or gemstone grading reports 
• Jewelry boxes with designer or store names 
• Photographs showing your family member wearing the jewelry 
• Notes or family stories about when or why a piece was purchased 

Even a seemingly insignificant detail can help establish the history of a piece.

Most importantly, don't assume that jewelry is inexpensive simply because it looks old, broken or out of style.

How Do You Find Out What Inherited Jewelry Is?

The tiny marks stamped inside jewelry can provide clues, but they don't always tell the whole story.

For example, a piece may be stamped to indicate that it is made from 10K, 14K or 18K gold, sterling silver or platinum. Other markings may identify a manufacturer or designer.

However, identifying gemstones and evaluating older jewelry can require more than reading a hallmark.

A jeweler or trained gemologist may examine factors such as:

• Metal type 
• Gemstone identity 
• Diamond characteristics 
• Construction 
• Hallmarks and maker's marks 
• Condition 
• Signs of previous repairs or alterations 

This is particularly important with inherited jewelry because families don't always know exactly what previous generations owned.

A blue gemstone, for example, shouldn't automatically be assumed to be a sapphire simply because that's what the family has always called it. The same applies to colorless stones that have traditionally been called diamonds.

Understanding what you actually have gives you better information before deciding what to do with it.

Should You Keep Inherited Jewelry Even If You Don't Wear It?

You certainly can.

Jewelry doesn't have to be worn regularly to be worth keeping.

A grandmother's wedding ring, a father's watch or a mother's favorite pendant may have tremendous sentimental value even if it isn't your personal style.

Before altering or selling an inherited piece, ask whether someone else in the family might attach special meaning to it. You may also want to document its story for future generations.

Take photographs and write down what you know.

Who originally owned it? When did they wear it? Was it associated with a wedding, anniversary, birthday or other important event?

Those details can eventually become as valuable to your family as the jewelry itself.

Can Inherited Jewelry Be Repaired or Resized?

In many cases, yes.

An heirloom ring that doesn't fit isn't necessarily destined for the jewelry box. Depending on its construction, metal and condition, resizing may be possible.

Older jewelry may also need maintenance before it can safely be worn.

A jeweler may check for issues such as:

• Worn or damaged prongs 
• Loose gemstones 
• Broken or weak clasps 
• Worn ring shanks 
• Damaged chains 
• Missing stones 
• Previous repairs 
• General wear 

It's a good idea to have inherited jewelry inspected before you begin wearing it regularly, especially if you don't know when it was last serviced.

A piece that looks perfectly fine to the eye can still have worn components that place a gemstone at risk.

At Hopman Jewelers, our jewelry repair services include everything from ring resizing and prong work to chain repair, restoration, rhodium plating and pearl restringing.

Discover more about Jewelry Repairs 

Can Inherited Jewelry Be Redesigned Into Something New?

This is one of our favorite possibilities.

You can preserve the emotional connection to inherited jewelry without necessarily preserving its original design.

Perhaps you've inherited your grandmother's diamond ring, but you know you'll never wear the setting. The diamond could potentially become part of a new ring, necklace or other custom-designed piece.

Several inherited pieces might even contribute gemstones or materials to one new design.

Custom redesign can be especially meaningful when jewelry is shared among generations. A gemstone that once belonged to a grandmother could become a pendant for a granddaughter. Diamonds from an older ring could become part of a new wedding or anniversary piece.

The goal isn't to erase the jewelry's history. Instead, you're allowing its story to continue in a way that fits your life.

Before dismantling an older or unusual piece, however, have it evaluated. Some jewelry may have historical, collectible or design significance that should be considered before it is altered.

Learn more about Custom Design  

Should Inherited Jewelry Be Appraised?

It depends on what you need to know.

One important thing to understand is that not every appraisal serves the same purpose.

Insurance Appraisals

If you plan to keep and wear valuable inherited jewelry, you may need a current insurance appraisal.

An insurance appraisal documents the jewelry and establishes an appropriate replacement value for insurance purposes. Your insurance provider can then explain the coverage available under your homeowners, renters or separate jewelry insurance policy.

An old appraisal shouldn't automatically be used as the current value of a piece. Jewelry, gemstone, diamond and precious-metal markets change over time.

Click here to learn more about Jewelers Mutual Insurance  

Estate or Fair Market Value Appraisals

An estate-related valuation serves a different purpose and may use a different type of value than an insurance appraisal.

This distinction is important because an insurance replacement value should not be interpreted as the amount you could expect to receive if you sold the jewelry.

If you need an appraisal for an estate, insurance coverage or another specific purpose, explain why you need the appraisal so the appropriate type of valuation can be discussed.

Dive deeper into Jewelry Appraisals  

What Should You Do When Several Family Members Inherit Jewelry?

Dividing inherited jewelry can become emotional very quickly.

Before family members begin choosing pieces, consider creating an inventory.

Photograph each item and record any information you know about it. If necessary, have important pieces identified or evaluated with an estate appraisal before they are divided.

This can help prevent assumptions such as one piece being considered "more valuable" simply because it contains a larger-looking gemstone.

It also creates a record of the collection before it is separated among different family members.

Remember that financial value and sentimental value aren't the same thing. One sibling may prefer a financially valuable ring, while another may treasure an inexpensive charm simply because they remember their mother wearing it every day.

Both forms of value matter.

Can You Sell Inherited Jewelry You Don't Want?

Yes, and sometimes selling is the right decision.

Not every inherited piece needs to remain in the family forever.

You may inherit jewelry that doesn't fit your lifestyle, isn't sentimental to you, or is unlikely to ever be worn. In those situations, you may decide to sell some or all of it.

Before selling, understand what you're offering.

Precious-metal jewelry may have value based partly on its gold, silver or platinum content. Diamonds, gemstones, designer names, age, condition and desirability can also affect how a piece is evaluated.

Hopman Jewelers offers gold and diamond buying services, so customers can bring in unwanted pieces and explore their options.

Don't feel guilty if you decide not to keep everything. Keeping one meaningful item and selling pieces that don't hold the same significance may be a better choice for you and your family.

Discover more about Gold & Diamond Buying  

What Should You Do With Broken Inherited Jewelry?

Don't throw it away.

Broken jewelry may still have several possibilities.

A damaged chain might be repairable. A worn ring may be restorable. A gemstone from a broken mounting might be suitable for a custom piece.

Even when an item isn't practical to repair, its precious-metal content may still have value.

Keep loose stones, broken chains, single earrings, damaged rings and miscellaneous jewelry together until you've had an opportunity to determine what they are.

That little bag of "broken jewelry" in the back of a jewelry box may contain more possibilities than you realize.

What Questions Should You Ask Before Making a Decision?

You don't have to make a decision about inherited jewelry immediately.

Before you repair, redesign, give away or sell a piece, ask yourself:

• Who originally owned this? 
• Do I know the story behind it? 
• Does another family member have a stronger emotional connection to it? 
• Would I wear it if it fit properly? 
• Would I wear the gemstones in a different design? 
• Is the piece safe to wear in its current condition? 
• Do I know what the metal and gemstones actually are? 
• Does it need an appraisal for insurance purposes? 
• Would I regret permanently altering it? 
• Am I keeping it because I truly want it or because I feel obligated to? 

Sometimes the answer becomes obvious once you consider the jewelry from both a practical and emotional perspective.

Give Your Inherited Jewelry a Chance to Tell Its Next Story

One of the wonderful things about fine jewelry is that it can outlive its original owner.

A diamond can move from one generation to the next. A ring can be resized. A gemstone can become part of a new design. An older piece can be restored and worn again.

And sometimes a piece can remain exactly as it is, a small connection to someone you loved.

If you've inherited jewelry and aren't sure what to do with it, bring it to Hopman Jewelers in Downtown Elkhart. We can help you explore what you have and discuss possible next steps, including repair, restoration, custom design, appraisal or selling unwanted precious-metal jewelry.

You don't need to know what you want to do before you come in.

Sometimes the first step is simply finding out what's possible.

Jewelry for every engagement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I clean inherited jewelry before taking it to a jeweler?
If you don't know what the gemstones or materials are, it's best to avoid aggressive cleaning methods. Some gemstones and older jewelry require special care. A professional can help determine an appropriate cleaning method after examining the piece.

Is inherited jewelry automatically considered estate jewelry?
The terms are often used differently depending on context. In the jewelry industry, "estate jewelry" generally refers to previously owned jewelry. A piece does not necessarily have to come from a legal estate proceeding to be described as estate jewelry.

Can diamonds from an old ring be put into a new setting?
Often, they can. However, the gemstones should first be examined for condition, measurements and suitability for the proposed design. A custom jeweler can then discuss possible settings and designs.

Is an old jewelry appraisal still good for insurance?
An older appraisal can provide useful historical information, but values and replacement costs change. Ask your insurance provider how frequently it requires or recommends updated jewelry appraisals. Many jewelry professionals recommend having important appraisals reviewed every 3 years.

What if I don't know whether my inherited jewelry is real?
That's okay. You don't need to identify everything yourself before visiting a jeweler. Hallmarks can provide clues, while gemological testing and professional examination can provide additional information about the materials in a piece.