You may often hear about an heirloom piece that has being handed down through generations and you are wondering what makes it an heirloom. It’s actually a good question because some people believe that it directly relates to the financial cost of a piece, the truth is that most heirloom pieces have a financial, emotional and sentimental value to it. Anything can be an heirloom, for example, a rare book, taken out every so often by a grandfather, to read to children in the home, has a financial value, and emotional value and if the grandfather was lovely, it would often give a sentimental value to that book. The book might be worth a lot of money, but those memories are attached making it a priceless heirloom. Often, the book is not the only part handed down, but the people in the family, try to recreate the same memories with the next generation and the cycle continues.

An heirloom can be anything from a painting, to a book, Holy religious items or a piece of Jewellery.

If you want to have some Jewellery heirloom pieces, this is possible with some consideration. In general, wedding rings and engagement rings, do not become heirloom pieces, unless, a grandchild or great grandchild are will to wear it as their own or if its value is is very high.

In Ireland, the most common Heirloom, is the traditional Claddagh ring. A mother often gives her daughter her first Claddagh ring, and in many cases, it is her own ring that she passes to her daughter. The Claddagh ring is given to the daughter when she is in her teens and men may want to date her, it allows him to know that she is taken or single, later if she is engaged. Once married, it is still worn, but no longer used as a point because of the traditional wedding ring. Then it is passed on or kept and worn. It’s a really beautiful tradition and although its not in all families, it is still a popular tradition.

Pocket watches and time pieces are also popular heirloom items among men. Often, pocket watches are purchased for wedding days and this is passed down with men or grandfathers. Often, the pieces were shown to the younger generations and added an emotional value to them or giving the perception that it was something really important. Often, a gold watch would be passed down or in recent years, brands such as Rolex in America have been handed down and are worth a lot of money.

Lockets are generally a go to piece for people who want an heirloom piece that are worth something but are affordable. Many of us had grandparents and parents who wore a locket all the time and inside was the ones they loved. This is beautiful and often while its not worth much, because the one you loved wore it with such love, it makes it an heirloom.

Special Diamond Pieces are often passed down and do have a special sentimental attached. A piece giving from a husband to his wife after a hard time, or after a special anniversary. Often, these pieces become heirlooms because of the symbol of love attached to it. The wife often reciting the circumstances in which she received the item. It is helpful to have some documentation of the pieces for diamond and gemstone items.

Religious Jewellery is a big heirloom piece and very often, you would take the items belonging to your loved one to wear yourself. There crosses, miraculous medals and in many circumstances silver and gold rosary beads. These pieces are really beautiful and they often have a deeply personal heirloom aspect. They were a symbol of the persons faith, which brings comfort to their loved ones, and reminds the person where the loved one are gone. They continue on through the generations and the wearers just keep the traditional often sub consciously.

Nothing stays an heirloom forever. It just eventually falls short on one person and this stops it. But, while it is a piece of honour, it is a lovely thing. Heirlooms, can end up as a vintage item and could give someone a good chunk of money unexpectedly. This is where the financial aspect is good and the documentation is handy. Because, eventually, it will become a part of the life of another person.