Heirlooms are a piece of jewelry that has been passed down through generations. They’re usually larger and more precious, like rings, necklaces, and earrings. When passing them down to their heirs, families will often use locks to ensure that the family heirlooms aren’t lost or stolen. You should check several things after inheriting a piece of heirloom jewelry.
1- Take It to a Professional
Your inheritance may be an antique with a designer label on it. Or it might be an object such as a necklace passed down through your family that has no monetary value because there aren’t other similar pieces around anymore. If you haven’t researched the value of the jewelry, the first thing you should do is see if the piece of jewelry is worth anything. You will want to find an experienced and reputable appraiser who can give you a true value for what your heirloom piece is worth on the market today.
2- Check Restrictions or Legal Issues
You may have inherited a piece with a specific condition or restriction, such as an antique engagement ring that needs to be returned when you get married. Or maybe your family member left the ring in her will to only her children, grandchildren, and spouses. This will limit your ability to sell it or give it away. When figuring out what your inheritance is worth and whether there are any restrictions or legal issues, you’ll need to look into the state laws and the policy of the family.
3- Clean It Up
If you can smell a strong odor on the piece of heirloom jewelry that was just received, you need to clean it immediately! The smell may indicate that your piece has been exposed to water, damaging the piece’s integrity. If there is a pre-sale appraisal or appraisal, the jewelry is worth more, so you should seriously consider cleaning it up before selling it. The cleaner and more organized it is, the better the chance people will want to buy it. If you do not know what to do with it when your family does not need it anymore, take professional advice from an expert on what’s best for your piece of heirloom jewelry.
4- Check the Jewelry
check the piece for small chips or cracks on the stones. If the jewelry looks damaged, you should probably seek an experienced jeweler for advice. You might be able to repair small chips on the piece yourself, or at the very least, see what kind of price you can get from an appraiser.
5- Store Properly
It would be best to store your heirloom jewelry in an enclosed space like a locked drawer or box. Avoid storing it in your safe, which can trap moisture and attract bugs that could harm the piece.
It is important to know its history if you have a piece of heirloom jewelry. Without this historical information, your piece may have little value to you. Your family’s jewelry should be treated as priceless treasures that can be passed on for generations to come, so treat them with care and respect