What to Do With an Heirloom
“An heirloom is inherently sentimental – its significance comes from the precious memories of our loved ones that we imbue into its adornment.”
-Claudia Ender
I work with a lot of clients who have received jewelry and gems from their parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, mentors – people who have come before and who hold a special place in their hearts. But while the sentiment of passing down jewelry is a beautiful one, these pieces often go unworn because their aesthetic doesn’t suit the new keeper.
Cocktail rings in outdated settings with lots of tiny stones. A gift from your Grandfather to your Grandmother on their wedding day. Your mother’s wedding ring that shows its age from daily wear. Your favorite Aunt’s statement clip earrings with large stones that you cannot wear. Each of these examples holds its own unique potential for becoming something new.
I always encourage my clients to do a little personal inventory before we work together:
+ What does this piece mean to you?
+ What memories are attached to it?
+ What is the piece worth to you as a whole – not only the intrinsic value of the materials, but the emotional value?
+ Could this be repurposed into a number of different pieces, perhaps as gifts for your children and grandchildren?
And then there are the logistical questions that I help answer:
+ What condition is it in?
+ Are the stones damaged or chipped in any way?
+ Will removing the stones damage them further?
+ Can both the metal and the stones be repurposed?
+ Does the condition demand that we simply resize and refurbish the existing design to restore as much of its original beauty as possible so it can be passed down to the next generation?
Once we have these answers and talk through the emotions attached, my clients are often delighted to find that a redesign is not only within reach, but a powerful way to honor the gift.
Maybe a cocktail ring becomes a showstopping new necklace. Or a clustered ring transforms into a new constellation of necklaces and pendants to sprinkle amongst the family. The possibilities really are endless.
So have a look inside your jewelry drawer and imagine what you could transform with love and creativity! Is there something in there asking to be made into a modern heirloom? If you’re ready to explore your options, drop me a line. I’d love to play with you!
Hugs & Kisses,
xoxo
