I'm a Luxury Expert: Why Inherited Jewelry is Worth Far More Than Owners Realize
It’s difficult to put a price on inherited jewelry. A ring, necklace or watch passed down through several generations could seem priceless because of the memories attached to it. But sentimental value can sometimes blind us to what the jewelry is actually worth.
Natasha Anspach, a fine jewelry and luxury watch specialist at CIRCA, said people are often surprised to find out that things they’ve inherited can be worth a lot of money.
“Inherited jewelry, very often, carries far more value than families initially realize,” Anspach said.
Get Started: 8 Collectibles Popular Among Gen Z Expected To Soar in Value Before the End of 2026
Keep Learning: 12 Unusual Ways To Make Extra Money (That Actually Work)
Here's why your inherited jewelry may be worth more than you think, and what experts look for when evaluating it.
The Emotional Story Behind Every Heirloom
Jewelry that has been in a family for decades is often cherished for memories, and it's so easy to overlook the item as an asset.
“At CIRCA, we recognize jewelry can hold strong emotional attachments and tell a family's story,” Anspach said. “When first deciding to have their collections evaluated, clients mainly focus on the cherished memories and cultural history attached to their pieces.”
You can turn an heirloom with substantial value into cash for other family priorities, such as college funding or making a down payment for a home. However, that doesn’t mean selling is the right move but the first step to understanding what you own.
The Details You Might Overlook Can Add Significant Value
You don’t need to own diamond jewelry for it to be valuable. Experts look for details that may not be visible to untrained eyes.
“We examine those pieces for craftsmanship, condition, gemstones, hallmarks, signatures, provenance, rarity, period, stylistic relevance, documentation, and collateral, and how the piece is positioned regarding current collector interest,” said Anspach.
That’s why you shouldn’t judge an heirloom by appearance alone, as it can result in underestimating the true value of what you hold.
Market Demand Can Change What Your Jewelry Is Worth
Collectors and the broader resale market also matter when valuing inherited jewelry. A piece that might have been unremarkable years ago may be of greater interest today if its designer, period or style is in demand by collectors.
According to Anspach, experts use “extensive research, education and familiarity with sales data” to help owners understand an item’s current value. Simply put, knowing what similar pieces are actually selling for can provide context that sentimental value cannot.
“Our goal is to ensure an heirloom is not undervalued even though its significance might not be immediately apparent,” she said. “We believe that selling is something to be done best with the confidence of knowledge.”
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
More From MoneyLion: