Heirloom Jewelry? 5 Times It's Okay To Update It
An heirloom jewelry item is something meant to be preserved and passed on to future generations. It could be an important, expensive piece or it might just be your grandmother's favorite piece of costume jewelry. But not all handed-down items must be kept simply as they are. There are actually times when it's okay — or even preferable — to update them. Not sure if now is the time to update your particular piece? Here are a few indicators that it may be.
1. The Piece Is Irreparable. Jewelry is meant to be worn. But if something wasn't maintained or repaired properly or if it has just been well used, it may have fallen into total disrepair. An item that has to stay in the drawer at all times isn't always much good to the future generations who inherit it. It may be better, then, to have it remade into jewelry people can actually enjoy using.
2. The Piece Is Outdated. Styles come and go, and what was fashionable at one time won't remain so. Some styles — such as classic Art Deco — are likely to enjoy a fairly regular resurgence in popularity, but others aren't likely to come back in fashion. If your heirloom item is so dated that no one actually wants to use it, an update could give it a new lease on life.
3. The Family Is In Favor. What other stakeholders might be concerned with the jewelry piece? If your siblings, children, or grandchildren might be interested in Grandma's ring, they deserve to have a say in any changes made to it. Hold a family meeting to talk over what you want to do and why. Once everyone is in agreement on a set of plans, take the plunge.
4. The Value Has Diminished. The main argument against altering antiques is to preserve their history and value. But if your jewelry has deteriorated, is unusable, and has mostly sentimental value, it may not be financially worth worrying about.
5. The Thrill Is Gone. Just because you were left a piece of jewelry by a relative doesn't actually mean that it has deep sentimental value to you. It may have been exciting to be gifted your mother's jewelry at first, but perhaps it's become a dust-collector over time. Or your memories of the prior owners may have changed over the years. If the jewelry no longer gives you happy or sentimental feelings, you could turn it into something that will give you a better vibe.
Does your situation match any of these categories? If so, now is the time to learn more about your options so you can make the best decision. Begin by consulting on your particular item with a custom jewelry designer in your area today.