If you inherit a piece of jewellery, there will be a lot on your mind. Here are some steps to follow when thinking about what to do with the items you have inherited:
- Wait a while before you decide anything. It’s a very emotional time when somebody dies, so take your time when thinking about what to do with the jewellery items they have left to you.
- Think about emotional or sentimental value. Does this equate to more than its retail value? Even if the jewellery is not your specific style, you may want to hold on to it because of the emotional ties that you have to it. If jewellery means a lot to you, by all means keep it in the family.
- Get a valuation. You don’t have to act on it just because you have got a valuation for your jewellery. It will help to inform your final decision.
- Speak to other family members. They may have more of a use for it than you, and this will means that you can keep hold of the jewellery piece without feeling like it’s going to waste. It’s always nice for jewellery to be worn when possible, rather than leaving it sitting in a drawer.
- Make a different jewellery piece from it. For example, if you have been left a ring which isn’t to your taste, make it into a pair of earrings or wear it on a necklace. You don’t necessarily have to use all parts – maybe just keep a stone and incorporate this into a new piece of jewellery.