We all know the sentimental value jewellery has, so it’s easy to see how over time and generations, these pieces become more and more special. As with all heirlooms, jewellery gifts can mark moments in a meaningful way.
Jewellery has long been given at special occasions such as engagements, weddings, births and special anniversaries. Here at Austen & Blake, we believe that your jewellery tells a story. It’s more than metal and gemstone; it’s milestone moments, chapters in life and memories immortalised.
Here we’ve compiled some tips to consider before purchasing and timeless jewellery designs you’ll love for many years to come.
What is heirloom jewellery?
Heirloom jewellery is defined as a piece of jewellery with great significance to a family. This jewellery is often passed down through generations, being worn by multiple family members, and demonstrates exquisite craftsmanship. While its financial worth may increase with time, it’s sentimental value that matters. These family heirlooms are often gifted to members or passed on to celebrate momentous occasions, carrying forward family traditions and values.
Family heirloom jewellery doesn’t just have to be an engagement ring. Families pass down legacy pieces across all jewellery categories, including bracelets, necklaces, brooches and more. Esteemed and royal families may even have tiaras in the family that are worn for special occasions.
While you may not have a crown to pass down, you can still invest in quality pieces now that’ll become sentimental jewellery and heirlooms over time.
Heirloom diamond rings
Diamond rings are a popular legacy piece owing to their connections to engagements and weddings. Many see marriage as the beginning of a new generation as a couple embarks on their new life together. Some may see proposing with a family member’s engagement ring as the ultimate symbol of romance, passing on the luck and love from a successful match. It could also be seen as a gift, welcoming a new member into the family. The emotional significance of passing on a diamond eternity ring is also very powerful.
Some may even wish to incorporate parts of jewellery pieces into a new design by resetting heirloom rings. This may include setting stones from diamond engagement rings into a new band or using stones from other jewellery pieces, such as a necklace or earrings.
Vintage engagement rings and antique diamond rings have a deep meaning behind them and a distinctive look. Depending on the era they were created in, heirloom diamond rings may see fancy shapes and cuts not as commonly seen today, such as rose cut diamonds used in the Georgian and Victorian jewellery designs. A diamond ring from the Art Deco period may have carré and emerald cuts. Gemstone rings have also been popular through the ages, with their colourful and unique finish.
Our collection of vintage-inspired engagement rings sees designs infused with the nostalgia of bygone eras. Dahlia is the perfect example of this, with its halo setting and floral side stone design.
Heirloom necklaces
Heirloom necklaces are a meaningful way to remember a loved one as it’s a piece of jewellery you wear close to your heart. Timeless necklace styles may include pendant designs, lockets and tennis necklaces. Antique pearl necklaces are also popular due to their versatility and timeless look.
Similarly to vintage engagement rings, you could wear the necklace as is or have the main diamond reset into something new.
Our Erica necklace has the feel of a heritage piece thanks to its delicate design. It a halo setting around a round centre stone.
Heirloom earrings
Antique diamond earrings are an excellent addition to any jewellery collection. Whether you choose diamond stud earrings or drop earrings, the endurance of diamonds ensures your design will surpass any trends and always remain in style. Our Montpellier earrings feature pear-shaped diamonds for a refined look.
Alternatively, vintage pearl earrings, such as studs or pearl drop earrings, make a statement. Similar to diamonds, they come in many different shapes and sizes to help you create an individual look.
Earrings are wonderfully versatile as they can be worn with any outfit and for both everyday and special occasions alike. Diamond earrings for women elevate your look effortlessly. Plus, earrings do not need to be resized to be worn, which means they’re ready to be passed down and loved by the next wearer.
Heirloom bracelets
Vintage charm bracelets are a wonderful way to share your family’s history. For every milestone, you could add a charm so that each trinket evokes a memory or emotion. The bracelet can be further embellished by loved ones, too. Alternatively, antique bangles with a simple design can still hold great sentimental value.
Diamond tennis bracelets are a classic jewellery piece. Our Positano bracelet features a circle of round cut diamonds with a secure clasp. Its clean design ensures it pairs well with other pieces in your collection, while also looking wonderful when worn alone.
How to maintain heirloom jewellery
Preserving heirloom jewellery is key when passing down family jewellery. This means maintaining its shine with care and cleaning. We’d recommend booking a professional cleaning service with a jeweller to ensure the correct process is used. Following aftercare advice and jewellery care tips at home can also help keep your jewellery looking its best.
The correct storage is also crucial. Jewellery should be kept in individual boxes to help minimise damage from knocks and scratches from other pieces in your collection. Jewellery should also be kept dry and away from direct light. Follow your jeweller’s aftercare and maintenance advice to ensure the best results.
Modern heirlooms: Creating jewellery to last
When choosing jewellery and creating heirlooms that’ll be cherished for years to come, we recommend investing in pieces that have a classic design. Avoid trends and seek timeless jewellery pieces. Equally, modern heirloom jewellery doesn’t have to be plain! Create a signature style with beautiful engraving or coloured gemstones for something individual.
You should also choose an experienced, reputable jeweller to create your jewellery. This will ensure your piece is traceable and verified through hallmarking and certification from reputable institutions, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). If you’re creating something custom-made, select a jeweller who will share their knowledge and experience. Our Jewellery Experts are available by booking an appointment if you’d like assistance creating your bespoke jewellery.
A final thought…
Heirloom jewellery holds great importance and emotional power for the wearer. It provides a physical link between the past and the present, while reminding the wearer of their heritage and family history. It’s jewellery that tells a story. There's something deeply personal about embracing your heirloom jewellery legacy – it turns fashion into family history. So, as you add to your jewellery collection, consider investing in timeless treasures that will be loved more with every wear by both you and future generations.
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We all know the sentimental value jewellery has, so it’s easy to see how over time and generations, these pieces become more and more special. As with all heirlooms, jewellery gifts can mark moments in a meaningful way.
Jewellery has long been given at special occasions such as engagements, weddings, births and special anniversaries. Here at Austen & Blake, we believe that your jewellery tells a story. It’s more than metal and gemstone; it’s milestone moments, chapters in life and memories immortalised.
Here we’ve compiled some tips to consider before purchasing and timeless jewellery designs you’ll love for many years to come.
What is heirloom jewellery?
Heirloom jewellery is defined as a piece of jewellery with great significance to a family. This jewellery is often passed down through generations, being worn by multiple family members, and demonstrates exquisite craftsmanship. While its financial worth may increase with time, it’s sentimental value that matters. These family heirlooms are often gifted to members or passed on to celebrate momentous occasions, carrying forward family traditions and values.
Family heirloom jewellery doesn’t just have to be an engagement ring. Families pass down legacy pieces across all jewellery categories, including bracelets, necklaces, brooches and more. Esteemed and royal families may even have tiaras in the family that are worn for special occasions.
While you may not have a crown to pass down, you can still invest in quality pieces now that’ll become sentimental jewellery and heirlooms over time.
Heirloom diamond rings
Diamond rings are a popular legacy piece owing to their connections to engagements and weddings. Many see marriage as the beginning of a new generation as a couple embarks on their new life together. Some may see proposing with a family member’s engagement ring as the ultimate symbol of romance, passing on the luck and love from a successful match. It could also be seen as a gift, welcoming a new member into the family. The emotional significance of passing on a diamond eternity ring is also very powerful.
Some may even wish to incorporate parts of jewellery pieces into a new design by resetting heirloom rings. This may include setting stones from diamond engagement rings into a new band or using stones from other jewellery pieces, such as a necklace or earrings.
Vintage engagement rings and antique diamond rings have a deep meaning behind them and a distinctive look. Depending on the era they were created in, heirloom diamond rings may see fancy shapes and cuts not as commonly seen today, such as rose cut diamonds used in the Georgian and Victorian jewellery designs. A diamond ring from the Art Deco period may have carré and emerald cuts. Gemstone rings have also been popular through the ages, with their colourful and unique finish.
Our collection of vintage-inspired engagement rings sees designs infused with the nostalgia of bygone eras. Dahlia is the perfect example of this, with its halo setting and floral side stone design.
Heirloom necklaces
Heirloom necklaces are a meaningful way to remember a loved one as it’s a piece of jewellery you wear close to your heart. Timeless necklace styles may include pendant designs, lockets and tennis necklaces. Antique pearl necklaces are also popular due to their versatility and timeless look.
Similarly to vintage engagement rings, you could wear the necklace as is or have the main diamond reset into something new.
Our Erica necklace has the feel of a heritage piece thanks to its delicate design. It a halo setting around a round centre stone.
Heirloom earrings
Antique diamond earrings are an excellent addition to any jewellery collection. Whether you choose diamond stud earrings or drop earrings, the endurance of diamonds ensures your design will surpass any trends and always remain in style. Our Montpellier earrings feature pear-shaped diamonds for a refined look.
Alternatively, vintage pearl earrings, such as studs or pearl drop earrings, make a statement. Similar to diamonds, they come in many different shapes and sizes to help you create an individual look.
Earrings are wonderfully versatile as they can be worn with any outfit and for both everyday and special occasions alike. Diamond earrings for women elevate your look effortlessly. Plus, earrings do not need to be resized to be worn, which means they’re ready to be passed down and loved by the next wearer.
Heirloom bracelets
Vintage charm bracelets are a wonderful way to share your family’s history. For every milestone, you could add a charm so that each trinket evokes a memory or emotion. The bracelet can be further embellished by loved ones, too. Alternatively, antique bangles with a simple design can still hold great sentimental value.
Diamond tennis bracelets are a classic jewellery piece. Our Positano bracelet features a circle of round cut diamonds with a secure clasp. Its clean design ensures it pairs well with other pieces in your collection, while also looking wonderful when worn alone.
How to maintain heirloom jewellery
Preserving heirloom jewellery is key when passing down family jewellery. This means maintaining its shine with care and cleaning. We’d recommend booking a professional cleaning service with a jeweller to ensure the correct process is used. Following aftercare advice and jewellery care tips at home can also help keep your jewellery looking its best.
The correct storage is also crucial. Jewellery should be kept in individual boxes to help minimise damage from knocks and scratches from other pieces in your collection. Jewellery should also be kept dry and away from direct light. Follow your jeweller’s aftercare and maintenance advice to ensure the best results.
Modern heirlooms: Creating jewellery to last
When choosing jewellery and creating heirlooms that’ll be cherished for years to come, we recommend investing in pieces that have a classic design. Avoid trends and seek timeless jewellery pieces. Equally, modern heirloom jewellery doesn’t have to be plain! Create a signature style with beautiful engraving or coloured gemstones for something individual.
You should also choose an experienced, reputable jeweller to create your jewellery. This will ensure your piece is traceable and verified through hallmarking and certification from reputable institutions, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). If you’re creating something custom-made, select a jeweller who will share their knowledge and experience. Our Jewellery Experts are available by booking an appointment if you’d like assistance creating your bespoke jewellery.
A final thought…
Heirloom jewellery holds great importance and emotional power for the wearer. It provides a physical link between the past and the present, while reminding the wearer of their heritage and family history. It’s jewellery that tells a story. There's something deeply personal about embracing your heirloom jewellery legacy – it turns fashion into family history. So, as you add to your jewellery collection, consider investing in timeless treasures that will be loved more with every wear by both you and future generations.