Do you /would you sell inherited items?

gingin_2

I have some items of jewellery I was given over 10 years ago and have never worn. I am not a particularly sentimental person and the money would be put to good use, but is not desperately needed. I have quite a few pieces and would save a couple for my daughter.

If you inherit an item, are you expected to pass it down through generations or is it acceptable to sell it and use the money?

I am interested in any opinions

sooz

Yes - I would sell inherited items, & have done so before, expecially with large items of furniture that I'd never have the room for! Some huge fairly hideous paintings too. I then used the money to buy paintings I did like.
With jewellery it's a little different, as unless you've inherited some huge rock it's unlikely you don't have the room for it. However, if it's not to your taste, & you've never worn it, why not sell it & let someone else enjoy it? Then buy a piece of jewellery that you do like, & (a lot later) leave it to someone you love?

gingin_2

thanks

The one item I am thinking of in particular is a gold bracelet. It's a pretty dated piece (at the moment) and I suspect it's value would be purely for scrap metal purposes, but after weighing it, I think it is worth about £500, I wouldn't hesitate if I felt that it was going to be loved and used by someone else, but I really think it will just be melted down and made into something else . It was given to me on my 18th by my Grandmother who was given it by my Grandfather who I adored. I do remember her telling me to do what I wanted with it, but I will not buy another piece of jewellery. I wanted to use it to take my son away for his birthday and it's something I can't really justify unless I sell this piece.

foreversomeday

gingin wrote: »

I do remember her telling me to do what I wanted with it, but I will not buy another piece of jewellery. I wanted to use it to take my son away for his birthday .

I think she'd be happy you got what you wanted from it

Dazi

My OH inherited a clock given to his dad on retirement. When I moved in with him it was packed away in a box. I got it out, then it was on the shelf gathering dust. It had a little plaque on the back, we removed the plaque polished it up and sold it. He doesn't regret it. We used the money to have a weekend away. He reckoned his dad would have approved. He said his dad hated housework and loved going away for a break.

I have never received anything passed down, so can't really say how I would feel, but guess that it depends on the memories attached. But then again, memories are always with you, you don't need to hold something in your hand to remember people.

Errata

Most people sell/give away/get rid of stuff they've inherited. Otherwise our houses would be full to the rafters.

3plus1

For me, it would depend on the wishes of the person who had left me the item. If I thought they would have wanted me to pass it on, I wouldn't sell it. If I thought they genuinely couldn't have given a toss, I would consider selling it if I didn't have any use for it.

It would also matter to me what I wanted the money for. I guess I'd want to spend it on something I thought was worthwhile?

Sounds as if your grandmother wouldn't have minded. It's up to you if you feel you want to hang onto it to remember your grandparents by. If you feel your memories are strong enough, then I don't think you'll have any regrets.

Milford_Cubicle

If you're not attached and it doesn't hold any sentimental value, then it's up to you do do what you want with it. If that means selling it, then so be it
Often it's the things with little value we hold most dear. If you can take a memorable holiday with the proceeds, then surely selling it would be worth every penny?

gingin_2

Thankyou, everyone, for putting it so clearly into perspective .

calleyw

gingin wrote: »

thanks

The one item I am thinking of in particular is a gold bracelet. It's a pretty dated piece (at the moment) and I suspect it's value would be purely for scrap metal purposes, but after weighing it, I think it is worth about £500, I wouldn't hesitate if I felt that it was going to be loved and used by someone else, but I really think it will just be melted down and made into something else . It was given to me on my 18th by my Grandmother who was given it by my Grandfather who I adored. I do remember her telling me to do what I wanted with it, but I will not buy another piece of jewellery. I wanted to use it to take my son away for his birthday and it's something I can't really justify unless I sell this piece.

Why not have it melted down and made in to something you want or you daughter might like. Create a new heirloom.

My husband has his late mothers wedding ring. As we both have wedding rings I have suggested that he has it melted down and made in to eternity ring for me.

Yours

Calley

floss2

When our mum died, my brothers and I were left with a whole house full of stuff, mostly things that we had all grown up with. We had no problem about selling things (even pieces of jewellery) as we all knew that Mum had specifically left each of us something equal in both sentimental & monetary value.

I am of the opinion that to sell things to enjoy the benefit is not disrespectful and would give pleasure to the benefactor to know that you have got pleasure from their gift.