Inherited jewellery holds unique value, often transcending its material worth due to personal memories and attachments. Lewis Malka London advises against rushing decisions, emphasizing the importance of professional assessment to understand the piece's true nature, condition, and value. This initial evaluation helps owners determine whether to preserve the item as is, protect it through proper storage and insurance, or reimagine it through bespoke redesign to suit their personal style.
You’ve inherited a piece of jewellery. Now what?
Inherited jewellery is unlike almost anything else we own. Its value isn’t necessarily measured by the gold, platinum or gemstones it contains. Often, its greatest value is the person and memories attached to it. But if you’re not going to wear it, then what?
Whether you’ve inherited a diamond ring, a brooch, a watch or an entire jewellery collection, my first advice is simple:
Don’t rush into doing anything with it.
First, find out what you actually have
Before wearing, selling or redesigning inherited jewellery, have it professionally assessed.
You may need to establish what the gemstones are, the metal, its condition and whether any settings or clasps require attention.
Old jewellery can also contain surprises. Something that has always been described within the family as one thing may turn out to be something quite different.
Store it properly
If you’re not going to wear the piece, but you want to keep it, good storage matters.
Individual pieces should ideally be kept separately in a lined jewellery box or soft pouch to prevent metals and gemstones rubbing or scratching one another.
Particularly valuable or sentimental pieces may warrant more secure storage.
The jewellery has survived long enough to reach you. Let’s make sure it survives for the next generation too.
You can view jewellery storage options on my Amazon storefront here
Make sure it’s properly insured
An old valuation may no longer reflect what it would cost to replace a piece today.
Having inherited jewellery professionally valued and keeping your insurance documentation up to date gives you a clear record of what you own and its current replacement value.
Photographs, certificates and any provenance relating to the piece should also be kept safely.
Have it professionally cleaned and checked
Decades of wear can mean worn claws, weakened settings, damaged links or loose stones.
A professional clean can bring an old piece back to life, but the inspection that accompanies it can be even more important.
Before wearing inherited jewellery regularly, make sure it’s actually safe to wear.
You can view jewellery aftercare on my Amazon storefront here
Make it something you’ll actually wear
Sometimes the sentimental value is enormous, but the jewellery itself simply isn’t your style.
That’s where bespoke redesign becomes particularly special.
An old engagement ring can become a new one. Diamonds from a brooch can become earrings. Gemstones can be reset into a pendant. Gold can sometimes be incorporated into an entirely new design.
You’re allowing the jewellery’s story to continue.
I’ve transformed inherited jewellery into engagement rings, anniversary pieces and completely new designs that clients can finally enjoy wearing rather than keeping hidden away.
And perhaps, one day, they’ll be passed down again.
If you’ve inherited jewellery and aren’t sure what to do with it, bring it along to a consultation. We can look at what you have, what needs preserving and what possibilities there might be for its next chapter.
