Receiving heirloom jewelry is an extraordinary inheritance, worthy of equally extraordinary gratitude.
Often after inheriting estate jewelry we lock the pieces away, avoiding any decision to keep it, wear it, sell it or use the precious gems and metals in a new jewelry design – until we forget about it altogether. Wouldn’t it be a more fitting tribute to your loved one to use the jewelry and enhance your life?
Find the Meaning
Think about why you were left such a unique and personal bequest. Is it a piece that has been passed down through generations of your forefathers? Have you always admired your mom’s engagement ring – and she knew it? Did your aunt mean for you to use the money from its sale for a down payment on a home? Even though inherited jewelry has a sentimental weight to it, your family member intends for you to enjoy their gift. Once you realize what the inheritance means to you, you can follow your legacy, so to speak.
Use a Qualified Appraiser
Determining the value of your heirloom jewelry goes a long way toward protecting it, buying adequate insurance for it or selling it at a fair price. A qualified independent appraiser is well versed in the skills needed to identify and grade gems and jewelry manufacturing techniques. They are likely to be equipped with a gem lab and instruments to assess and determine the quality of a stone. A professional appraisal lists the purpose of the inspection, a description of the jewelry and pictures. It also includes the four jewelry value appraisal standards:
- Replacement cost – Used for insurance purposes.
- Estate value (retail) – How much a jewelry store would sell the pre-owned item.
- Estate value (wholesale) – How much a jeweler would pay to purchase the piece.
- Intrinsic value – The value of the raw materials (gems, metal) in the jewelry.
Design a One-of-a-Kind Legacy Piece
If you decide to keep the jewelry, consider custom designing a unique legacy piece that incorporates your style along with the best of your loved one’s favorite jewelry. With the help of Indy Facets, you can get a professional appraisal, have your heirloom jewelry cleaned, repaired or restored to its former glory – or transformed into the jewelry piece of your dreams. Our goal is to design something you are excited to wear and reminds you of your loved one each time you look at it.
Sell to Us
If you decide to sell your inherited jewelry, we will provide you with the highest cash offer for diamonds, gold and estate jewelry. You can even use the value of the gold and gems toward a new piece of custom jewelry. No matter the direction you choose, we work in a discreet and secure office to ensure your privacy.
Indy Facets – Everyone’s Private Jeweler
Indy Facets seamlessly blends the expertise and full service of a traditional jewelry store with the value and convenience of a personal jeweler experience. We give you the face-to-face interaction with an expert that you deserve, in a private setting where you can relax and feel comfortable. Owner/Designer Shaun Goodyear and his team have earned an excellent reputation as everyone’s private jeweler for engagement rings, custom design, investment grade diamonds, luxury Swiss timepieces, estate jewelry, jewelry repair and the highest level of customer service, available to you from an onsite, state-of-the-art Custom Design Studio and Gemological Laboratory by private appointment only. You are guaranteed a unique, fun and exciting experience without the hype, pressure, judgment or uncertainty associated with other jewelry shopping options. We schedule appointments at your convenience, and are usually available evenings and weekends, too. Call 317-810-1665 for your private appointment or schedule online, IndyFacets.com/schedule/.