An inherited piece of jewelry is rarely just gold or silver – it carries a story. Perhaps it’s the ring Grandma got married with, the silver cutlery that always came out for Christmas, or a brooch whose origin no one quite remembers.
When such items come into your hands, questions often arise: Should it be used, or stored? Can it be renewed without losing its unique character? And what do you do with things you have no connection to? Here we go through how best to care for your family heirlooms.
Start by mapping out what you have
Before you make any decisions, it's a good idea to get an overview:
- Check for hallmarks. Norwegian gold and silver are usually stamped with a fineness mark (e.g., 925S for silver or 585 for gold) and often a city emblem or maker's mark. This can tell you a lot about its age and origin.
- Assess the condition. Is there wear and tear, loose stones, dull surfaces, or damage that needs repair?
- Consider what matters to you. Not all heirlooms need to be kept – and that's perfectly fine. The most important thing is that what you choose to keep is well cared for.
How to care for inherited jewelry
Cleaning and Maintenance
Gold and silver are durable, but deserve regular and gentle cleaning. Avoid strong chemicals, and store jewelry separately so they don't scratch each other.
Repair and Refurbishment
Does your jewelry have loose stones, bent ring shanks, or dull surfaces after many years of use? Our goldsmiths in Bergen have extensive experience in repairing and refurbishing both jewelry and traditional Norwegian silver, including bunad silver. We also offer grinding and polishing of flat and curved parts to restore the item's luster.
Renew the Surface
Has an inherited white gold piece turned yellowish, or has your silverware lost its shine? Then silver plating or gilding might be the solution – a process that applies a new, thin layer of precious metal on top, restoring the item's original appearance.
Personalize with Engraving
Inheriting a piece of jewelry is a wonderful opportunity to add your own touch. An engraving with a date, a name, or a short message can make the inherited piece even more personal – without altering the jewelry itself.
Feel free to ask us for advice!
What do you do with jewelry you don't wear?
Not all heirlooms suit your style or have a natural place in your everyday life. In such cases, there are good alternatives:
- Let it live on in the family. Ask if others in the family have a connection to the item – perhaps it means more to someone else.
- Sell gold and silver you no longer use. If you prefer to convert heirlooms into value, you can sell gold and silver safely and easily to Arven. Read more at selgdittgullogsolv.no
Do you own any jewelry, silverware, or cutlery that you wish to become a future heirloom? Then good maintenance today is the best investment for tomorrow. A piece of jewelry that is properly cared for can easily last for several generations – and it is precisely this idea that forms the basis of everything we create at Arven.
Inherited jewelry and silver are more than just material assets – they are part of the family's history. Whether you choose to continue using them, refurbish them, personalize them with engraving, or give them new life with someone else, the most important thing is that they are cared for thoughtfully – just as they were once created.
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