9 Tips for taking care of family jewels (your heirloom jewelry)

Holiday season is prime time for family get-togethers. And as the generations gather, it’s a perfect opportunity to display your heirloom jewelry—pieces you’ve inherited from grandparents, parents, and other loved ones.

Here are 9 tips for using, maintaining, and protecting your precious heirloom jewelry.

Make the most of heirloom jewelry at holiday time

1. Share the backstory. Even young children will love to hear how Grandpa saved and saved to buy Grandma her gold brooch. A story turns a piece of jewelry from an object to a family heirloom, and can add color to previous generations’ lives.
2. Consider gifting them. A delicate bracelet or ring may fascinate a youngster; a teen going off to college may treasure a necklace that reminds her of home. Consider gifting a few pieces at holiday time instead of keeping them, unworn, in a box.
3. Be creative. If a piece of jewelry looks outdated, give yourself the gift of refashioning it. Don’t wear brooches? Turn it into a pendant. Rings don’t fit?It may be worth it to have them resized. You’ll still have the memories—plus apiece of jewelry that you love to wear.

Keep them protected

1. Store them carefully. Don’t just throw them in a drawer where they can get scratched or tangled. Here are some tips on storing pearls and silver.
2. Clean them correctly. If you’re going to clean your jewelry (especially fine gemstones) be sure you don’t use heat or abrasive cleaners. Usually, a soft cloth will do the trick; If in doubt, see a jeweler for a professional opinion.
3. Know what you have. When you have a few quiet moments, gather all of your jewelry and make a list. (This is also a good idea before you have an appraisal!)

Keep your heirlooms safe

1. Be organized. If you have paperwork for any of the pieces, keep it either in a central place or with the jewelry itself.
2. Get an updated appraisal. This is especially important if it’s been more than 5 years since your last appraisal—values have skyrocketed for many types of jewelry.
3. Insure, insure. Once you have an appraisal, be sure to get adequate insurance coverage. You can’t replace the sentimental value of an heirloom, but you can be reimbursed for its value if it’s lost or stolen.

Heirloom jewelry can be an important bridge from one generation to the next. Use this holiday season to create even more wonderful memories with your precious jewels. Wishing you and your loved ones happy holidays filled with joy and love.

Memorably yours, Aimee