Inheriting jewelry is often a profoundly emotional experience. Whether it’s a beloved grandmother’s wedding ring or a box of antique brooches passed down through generations, these items carry both sparkle and stories.
At Henne Jewelers, we’ve walked alongside many Pittsburgh families through this process, helping them care for their heirloom pieces and make thoughtful decisions based on both sentimental and practical value. If you’ve recently inherited jewelry, here’s how to navigate your next steps with care and confidence.
Start with care and Preservation
Before doing anything else, we recommend storing your inherited jewelry safely. Keep each piece in a jewelry box or a soft cloth pouch until you can have it evaluated.
Avoid the temptation to clean or polish items at home, especially if they’re antique or unfamiliar. Harsh chemicals or even simple cleaning solutions can damage delicate materials, gemstones, or finishes. Handle these pieces gently, as vintage jewelry can be fragile and easily affected by improper storage or handling.
Learn About What You Have
One of the most important steps in inheriting jewelry is understanding what you’ve received. Bring your pieces into Henne Jewelers for a professional evaluation. Our team of gemologists and estate jewelry experts will examine the metals, gemstones, craftsmanship, and overall condition.
This evaluation gives you peace of mind — whether you’ve inherited a valuable designer piece, a diamond with resale potential, or something more sentimental than marketable. We’ll help you identify whether you have fine jewelry, costume jewelry, or unique antique treasures.
Determine the Value and Purpose
Once you know what you have, the next step is deciding what it means to you. Sometimes the emotional connection outweighs the financial value, and other times you may find you’ve inherited something quite valuable.
If you’re planning to keep the jewelry, we recommend an appraisal for insurance purposes — especially for fine jewelry or loose diamonds. At Henne, we offer professional appraisals that can help protect your heirlooms.
It’s also okay to feel conflicted. Not every piece will suit your style or carry deep personal meaning. We’re here to help you consider all options with care and no pressure.
Your Options Moving Forward
Inheriting jewelry doesn’t have to mean keeping it exactly as it is. You have several choices, and we’re here to support you through each one:
- Keep It As-Is
Preserve it in its current form as a family heirloom. - Redesign It
Transform the piece into something that fits your style while maintaining sentimental elements. Our in-house designer will be happy to guide you through this process. - Trade It in or Sell It
If you decide to part with the piece, we buy fine jewelry and offer either payment or trade-in credit toward something new. - Pass It On
You may also choose to hold onto it for future generations or gift it to a loved one now.
Every option is valid. It all depends on your goals, values, and what feels right for you.
Why Work With Henne Jewelers
We know how personal inheriting jewelry can be. As a family-owned jeweler serving Pittsburgh for over 135 years, we treat your heirlooms with the respect and attention they deserve.
Whether you’re looking for evaluations, insurance appraisals, redesign services, or help selling estate pieces, our experienced team provides personalized, discreet support. No two heirlooms, or stories, are the same. We’ll help you honor yours.
Don't Let Inherited Jewelry sit in a Drawer
Every piece tells a story — yours and the one that came before it. If you’ve recently inherited jewelry, now is the time to give it the care and attention it deserves.
Visit Henne Jewelers in Pittsburgh or schedule an appointment to explore your next steps. Whether you keep it, transform it, or trade it in, we’re here to help you move forward in a way that’s true to you.
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