Heirloom Ring Etiquette

Heirloom rings are more than just gold or platinum bands with magnificent gems on top. These special items preserve family history and are passed from one generation to the next. These rings tell a story, the story of the person who wore it before and the memories it created, the love it represented.

Usually, heirloom rings are given as a gift during engagements or weddings. But in the event of death or divorce, what happens to the heirloom ring? Can it be taken back by the relative who gave it? How does it pass down from one family member to another?

Only the Owner Can Pass it Down

Heirlooms can only be passed down by the one who owns it. Owner’s keepers, as they say. In this case, if you are a mother who wants to give a specific piece of jewelry to your eldest son, you should first make sure that the said heirloom ring is genuinely yours to give away. You would not want to pass down an heirloom ring to your child only to discover that your grandmother has given it to your sister.

Make Sure Your Receiver Will Appreciate It

Mothers often set aside heirloom rings for their sons or the first son to get married. But there is no cardinal rule for this. If the son is not planning to use it for his engagement, then why not give it to your daughter instead, who actually wants it more?

You cannot make your future daughter-in-law feel like she is being forced into wearing it when she wants a more modern and stylish design. Think which person will suit the jewelry best and ask if he or she wants it. That way, you can make another plan if the answer is negative.

Be Equitable

Sentiment and monetary value should be considered when you are making decisions for the heirloom ring. If your white gold engagement ring goes to your first son’s fiancee, you should make sure that your daughter should also get different jewelry of the same value, like a beautiful strand of pearls. This is to ensure that there are no hard feelings from all family members. The best way to do this is to get an appraisal to help balance the scale.

Include the Paperwork

This ties up with the need for fairness. Once you have gotten a recent appraisal, make sure that the paperwork goes with the ring you are proposing to hand down. If you have not asked for an appraisal yet, it is ideal to advise your family of the importance of getting their valuable jewelry appraised and help them to get started, if possible.

Incorporate the Ring’s Back Story

The point of passing down heirlooms is to preserve family history and let the younger generations feel connected to the past. You help them learn more about the backstory of the ring will make it more meaningful and precious. Writing a note you can give along with the ring is a gesture that your children will appreciate.

Know the Importance of Preservation

If you are planning to pass down your ring, it is advisable to know how to keep it in its best condition. Heirlooms are valuable after all, so there is a need to maintain their quality. Learn how to take care of the ring while it is still in your possession by protecting it from sun damage and moisture. Once you have passed it down, make sure to orient and teach the one who receives it about the basic of caring for and cleaning the heirloom ring.

While heirloom rings might be merely a piece of jewelry for some, but many value its history and the connection it maintains from generation to generation. It is a legacy, a reminder of where one family comes from and a remembrance from those who have already departed.

They are not only valuable in the monetary and sentimental sense. Heirloom rings preserve memories as well, symbolizing past relationships and generations of love and commitment. It is only fitting that you know the etiquette of passing it down to your children.