What to Do When You Inherit Jewellery: Tips for Care, and Valuation

Inherited jewellery is meaningful beyond monetary value. Understanding the provenance, or origin, of your jewellery adds an extra layer of significance. 

Were they passed down through generations? Gifted for a special occasion? Researching their history can unearth fascinating details, such as the designer's inspiration, the cultural influences of the era, and the original owner's personal story.

Over 53% of families inherit jewellery or other valuable possessions from friends and family. So it’s important to develop this knowledge, which enriches the sentimental worth of your inherited jewellery, transforming it from beautiful objects into unique heirlooms.

Inherited Jewellery Care Tips to Preserve its Beauty and Value

Proper care ensures your inherited jewellery remains beautiful and valuable for years to come. However, it's not uncommon for jewellery to be inherited in poor condition, with dirt, damage and signs of age affecting its overall quality and appearance. 

Over a quarter of jewellery owners leave broken or unworn jewellery in a drawer or jewellery box and almost 1 in 5 simply throw broken or damaged jewellery away. But with the right jewellery care tips you can avoid this trap and maintain and wear your inherited jewellery with pride.

Here are three jewellery care tips to use when first receiving your inherited pieces:

• Cleaning: Use a soft polishing cloth specifically designed for the type of metal or gemstone. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
• Storage: Store jewellery in individual compartments of a fabric-lined jewellery box to prevent scratching. Consider silica gel packets to absorb moisture and prevent tarnishing.
• Wearing: Remove jewellery before activities that could damage it, such as cleaning or exercising.

Time and wear can take their toll on inherited jewellery. Before wearing and enjoying your newfound pieces, assess their condition to determine if repairs are necessary. 

For loose gemstones, particularly diamonds, a jeweller's intervention is crucial. A professional can securely reset the stone, preventing loss and potential damage to the setting. For delicate pieces with chipped gemstones or fragile settings, consult a specialist. They can assess if repairs like re-polishing or prong retipping are feasible while preserving the piece's integrity. 

However, for sturdier items like gold or silver chains with minor kinks or clasps that don't quite click shut, a DIY approach might be possible. Invest in a good quality jewellery cleaning kit and a soft anti-static cloth to tackle surface dirt and minor scratches. 

But remember, when in doubt, err on the side of caution. A qualified jeweller can advise on the best course of action, ensuring your cherished heirlooms are restored to their former glory so you can wear them with confidence

Valuation Considerations and Understanding Jewellery Worth

Determining the worth of your inherited jewellery goes beyond a simple price tag. It's a complex analysis that considers several key factors:

• Material: Precious metals like gold, platinum, and silver have intrinsic value. Gemstones like diamonds, sapphires, and rubies are valued based on their "4Cs" - cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight.
• Craftsmanship: The skill and artistry involved in creating the piece can significantly impact its value.
• Age and Historical Significance: Antique or vintage pieces, especially those from renowned designers, may hold higher value.
• Market Demand: Current market trends for specific gemstones, styles, or designer pieces can influence valuation.

The valuation report will detail these factors and explain how they contribute to the overall estimated value. It will also help you understand whether jewellery insurance is necessary and what levels of cover your inherited jewellery needs.

Having your inherited jewellery valued provides a professional assessment of their worth, crucial for insurance purposes, potential sales, or simply understanding their true value. 

To ensure a reliable jewellery valuation, seek accredited and qualified professionals with plenty of experience and positive online reviews. Before the valuation, gather any documentation you have, such as receipts, certificates, or even family records related to the pieces.

The registered valuer will then meticulously examine your jewellery, considering factors like the materials used, the craftsmanship involved, their age, and overall condition. Following the examination, you'll receive a detailed report outlining the jewellery's description, estimated jewellery valuation, and any relevant background information gleaned from the valuation process.

Where to Find a Jewellery Valuer in Australia 

Inheriting precious jewellery is a treasured experience, but determining its worth requires the expertise of a registered valuer. Luckily, Australia boasts a network of reputable professionals ready to assist you. Here are a few highly-regarded jewellery valuers across Australia that our team recommends with confidence: 

Klepners Jewellers: This Melbourne-based team of qualified valuers, gemmologists, and diamond graders pride themselves on precise valuations backed by decades of experience. 

Ross Ezekiel Jewellery: In addition to being a respected and accredited team of jewellers, Ross Ezekiel Jewellery provides trusted jewellery valuations in Perth. Their philosophy is based on old-fashioned service, value for money, and honest advice.

Gem Studies Laboratory: Providing in-depth analysis of diamonds and a range of other gemstones, this Sydney laboratory offers a respected range of expertise and resources to help you understand the value and significance of your stones. 

Penfolds Jewellers: A favourite among Brisbane residents, Penfolds Jewellers has been in business since 1974. With decades of expertise in jewellery valuations, they provide their trusted expertise to a range of local and international clients.

Jewellery insurance allows you to cover these special pieces against loss, theft, or damage. Standard homeowner's insurance may have limited coverage for valuables. So it’s important to consider specialised jewellery insurance policies that offer comprehensive protection.

Jewellery insurance allows you to cover these special pieces against loss, theft, or damage. Standard homeowner's insurance may have limited coverage for valuables. So it’s important to consider specialised jewellery insurance policies that offer comprehensive protection.

To choose the right coverage, consider the value of your jewellery and your lifestyle when choosing a policy. Get quotes from numerous jewellery insurance providers and consult their online reviews to learn the experience of other customers. A streamlined claims process and the support of jewellery specialists are also important to ensure a positive experience informed by expertise in antique and inherited jewellery.

Inheriting jewellery is a privilege. By taking proactive steps like proper jewellery care, valuation, and insurance, you can ensure these precious pieces remain cherished heirlooms for both yourself and the generations to come.

Here at Q Report, we understand the significance of your inherited treasures. We offer specialised jewellery insurance in Australia. We’re proud to provide cover against loss, theft, and damage, a five-star online rating from satisfied customers, and a team of in-house jewellery specialists.

Get a free, no-obligation quote online today and ensure your family's legacy is covered for years to come.

This article is advisory in nature and is offered as a resource to be used together with your professional insurance advice. It is an overview only and is not intended as a substitute for consultation with your insurance advisor or other professional advice.