As a mom, you will surely want to pass on a gift of love to your children. Nothing is better than heirloom jewelry when it comes to creating a legacy for your family. The value of precious metals and gemstones increases over time, making them a savvy investment for anyone with money to spare. You can wear these pieces today and bequeath them to the next generations.
According to a recent survey, 42% of Americans own a family heirloom that’s over fifty years old. The same survey stated that 54% of Americans consider a piece of jewelry their most prized possession. Wedding and engagement rings were the most popular items on the wish lists of participants. The numbers show that jewelry is the best gift you can buy for your kids.
But picking legacy-worthy pieces is easier said than done, considering the ever-evolving fashion trends and sky-rocketing prices. We have a list of secrets for moms planning to embark on a jewelry-buying spree.
Think Long-Term (with Leibish Wedding Rings)
The US jewelry retail market is booming, with sales figures expected to cross the $91.5 billion mark in 2023. Even as the prices rise, jewelry is still a preferred investment as the value of these assets grows. They also have sentimental value.
As a buyer, you must think long-term because you want your children to like, wear, and retain the pieces you bequeath to them. Buying a wedding ring as a legacy piece may sound far-fetched, but it actually makes sense.
Elegantly designed wedding rings are not just a replica of love, but they can become a family heirloom down the line. This means your son will have a piece to impress his lady without spending big. Or your daughter can call it your own when she ties the knot.
You may also consider buying evergreen classics that do not go out of vogue. Diamond studs, gold chains, ruby rings, and emerald pendants are a few examples of evergreen classics. Emerald pendants are particularly popular because these gemstones are more elegant than diamonds and durable enough to last forever. With pendants, you need not worry about the size and fit as with rings.
Create a Realistic Budget
Recent trends show that diamond prices are spiking due to the sanctions on Russian exports. That means you will need to reconsider your budget when it comes to buying heirloom jewelry. The last thing you want to do is spend an unrealistic amount only because you want to create a legacy-worthy inheritance. At the same time, you shouldn’t cut corners with quality while buying assets for your family.
Creating a realistic budget is the middle path. Consider how much you are willing to spend in the first place. Research the current rates of precious metals, diamonds, and colored gemstones to decide on a number that works for you. You may also consider postponing the big purchase for a while until you can comfortably afford a piece you want.
Consider Your Heirs
Another factor you cannot overlook while buying jewelry to pass on to your children is the people who will inherit the pieces. Investing in a pair of expensive earrings or a string of diamonds isn’t the best move if you have many children. You cannot divide these pieces among your kids. Even if you distribute them, your children may not be happy with the individual shares.
The best approach is to buy multiple pieces with the same budget. For example, you can pick similar rings or pendants because they are easy to distribute down the line. Whatever you buy, ensure it is wearable because even the most precious pieces have no value if they stay locked in safe boxes forever.
Buy Jewelry That Speaks
Heirloom jewelry carries a message across generations in the family. When you buy jewelry pieces as a mom, look for ones that narrate a story. You can even get them customized with designs or engravings that replicate special dates, symbols, quotes, values, or events in your family. Consider it a way to connect with your loved ones.
Chasing trends or celeb styles is the last thing you should do when shopping for legacy pieces. Getting inspiration from jewelry pieces you may have inherited from your mom is a far better idea. You can research online, get some tips from experts, or involve your children in the buying process.
The Bottom Line
Women love jewelry shopping, but buying pieces to bequeath to your children may sound like a responsibility. But you need not stress about the prices, designs, and buying decisions. Follow these tips and trust your instincts. Most importantly, buy certified jewelry from a reputable seller to ensure it is absolutely legacy-worthy.
