Perfecting the Tradition of Gifting Jewelry This Season
Are you considering gifting a piece of jewelry from your own collection this holiday? A cherished piece holds meaning and tradition, and sharing it with someone you love is one of the best ways to celebrate the season. We’ve compiled a list of tips to guide you through the many considerations involved in doing so.
The Element of Surprise Just because you’re giving a gift doesn’t mean it needs to be a surprise. Sometimes a significant gift of jewelry warrants having a conversation with the recipient/s about what your intent is. Likewise, the decision may be worth reviewing with other members of the family, to avoid any unintended tension.
Are you OK with the piece being completely changed?
Does your vintage setting hold sentimental value?
Strings Attached? Meaningful pieces may be hard to let go of because of the unknowns around what will happen when the item passes hands. Before you gift them, be honest with yourself in considering your hopes about their future. Making those wishes clear to the recipient in a thoughtful note can add to the importance of the gift. However, also be open to the option that the recipient may have other ideas about how to carry on the tradition of the piece in their own way.
Review with an Expert There are so many options a jewelry expert can inform you of. For instance, a family diamond can be updated into a new modern engagement ring, or a singular piece can be duplicated to gift to two family members. In some cases, a gemstone rich with family history may actually be determined to be an imitation. Or, an appraisal may be needed to determine insurance or gift tax. A consultation with an expert can make you fully informed.
Before Restoration
After Restoration
Repair, Restoration, & Alteration Before you gift a piece, consider if there is any repair and restoration required. If so, give some thought to whether you want to include that service as part of the gift, or if you feel comfortable gifting the item “as is” and letting the recipient handle the repair. It may also be appealing for the recipient to be gifted the freedom of altering the piece to a style they prefer. Part of the gift will be your blessing to do so.
Thinking Outside the Box You may have a piece that holds significance but doesn’t fit the personal taste of the recipient. Or, you may have a collection of valuable pieces, but a family that doesn’t care for jewelry at all. Consider having a dated ring reset to a modern style, or even selling your own piece in order to purchase a new piece you can gift. You could even use the money earned in selling your collection for a memorable family vacation! Allow yourself to create new traditions that bring joy and connection to those you love.