5 Meaningful Things You Can Do with Inherited Jewellery

Inherited jewellery is more than just precious metals and gemstones; it holds the stories, memories, and legacy of loved ones. Every scratch, engraving, or setting has meaning and history. But what if the style isn’t quite you, or the piece is too delicate to wear every day? At Taylor & Co, we believe inherited jewellery should be celebrated and enjoyed regularly, not hidden away out of sight and out of mind in a drawer. With the right care, expertise and transformative know-how, these treasured items can become a beautiful part of your everyday life.

Here are five meaningful things you can do with inherited jewellery to honour its history while making it something that feels unique and reflective of your personal style and story. 

 

1. Wear It with Pride

Sometimes, all an inherited piece needs is a little TLC to make it wearable again. A professional clean or resize is an easy and affordable fix that can restore its original shine, allowing you to enjoy the piece just as your loved one once did. Rings can be resized, chains can be repaired, and pearls can be re-strung. Even simple polishing can work wonders and bring gemstones back to life.

Our repair and resizing services ensure your heirloom jewellery feels comfortable and secure, so you can wear it daily without fear of loss or damage. Wearing these pieces frequently not only keeps them out of the jewellery box but also allows you to make new memories wearing them wherever you go.

 

2. Redesign It into Something New

If the style feels outdated or out of touch with your personal style, remodelling is a wonderful way to breathe new life into inherited jewellery. Trends change, but sentiment is timeless. Transforming an heirloom into a modern piece means you can enjoy it for years to come, keeping the parts you love most about it and changing those you don’t, all without losing its history.

At Taylor & Co, our bespoke service allows you to redesign jewellery in both subtle and dramatic ways. A brooch could become a pendant, a single large ring could be remodelled into a pair of delicate stacking bands, or a string of pearls could be reworked into a bracelet and earrings. The essence remains, but the look evolves to honour both your signature style and the current day trends. Learn more about our remodelling service and see how we can help you breathe a new lease of life into your jewellery.

 

3. Repurpose the Materials

Inherited jewellery often contains high-quality gold or gemstones that can be melted down or reset into new designs. This option not only gives new life to old materials but is also a sustainable and eco-friendly choice. By reusing what you already have, you reduce the demand for newly mined metals and stones while creating something deeply personal.

We also provide XRF testing to confirm the carat of your gold. This is especially useful if your jewellery isn’t hallmarked or you’re unsure of its true content. Whether you’ve inherited a ring of unknown value or a collection of old chains, our technology can determine the exact composition before they’re melted down or after the new piece has been created. It’s a reassuring way to ensure you know exactly what your precious jewellery is worth. 

 

4. Share the Legacy

Jewellery is deeply personal, but it can also connect generations. Dividing a larger piece into smaller keepsakes is a meaningful way to share a loved one’s memory with family. Stones from a single ring could become pendants for grandchildren, or a bracelet could be reimagined into multiple smaller charms, each carrying a fragment of the original piece.

This approach spreads love and memory across your family, allowing each person to hold a part of the legacy. It’s also a thoughtful way to make heirlooms accessible to everyone, ensuring the sentiment isn’t confined to just one drawer or one person’s jewellery box.

 

5. Trade or Part-Exchange It

Not every inherited piece will suit your style, and that’s perfectly okay. Jewellery is meant to be worn and enjoyed, not hidden away. If you feel a piece isn’t right for you, there’s always the option to sell or part-exchange it for something new. The proceeds or store credit can be put towards a brand new piece you’ll wear and love every day, ensuring the inheritance continues to bring joy.

If you are unsure which option is right for you, our friendly team of jewellery designers can guide you through the process, offering honest advice on value and helping you decide whether to remodel, repurpose, or part-exchange. By investing in something that reflects your personality, you ensure the jewellery’s story continues into a new chapter.

 

Why Choosing Expert Help Matters

When working with inherited jewellery, expertise is key. Some older pieces may contain fragile settings or metals that require specialist handling. Others may feature gemstones that need careful cleaning or resetting. At Taylor & Co, we treat every inherited piece with the respect it deserves, balancing craftsmanship with care to preserve its sentimental and material value.

 

Give Your Jewellery a New Story

Inherited jewellery is a gift of history, love, and memory. At Taylor & Co, we’re here to help you decide the best way to honour it, whether that’s by restoring it, remodelling it, or turning it into something entirely new. With our bespoke services and XRF testing technology, we ensure that you not only understand your jewellery’s value but can also make informed decisions about its future.

Explore our bespoke services or visit us in-store for personalised advice on how to give your jewellery a new story that will last for generations. Because jewellery isn’t just about what it looks like, it’s about the lives it connects, past and present.