In the coming years, we are living through what financial experts are calling The Great Wealth Transfer. An estimated $84 trillion will move from one generation to the next in the United States over the next two decades, as Baby Boomers and older generations pass along their assets to children and grandchildren. Among the stocks, properties, and savings accounts, one of the most meaningful forms of inherited wealth is often overlooked: jewelry.
At Olufson Designs, we understand the unique role jewelry plays in this generational transfer of wealth. As families inherit heirloom pieces, they often face questions:
• What should we do with jewelry we may not wear?
• How can we honor its history while making it part of our lives today?
• Is there a way to update or repurpose jewelry without losing its sentimental value?
That’s where we come in.
Redesigning with Respect
One of our specialties at Olufson Designs is reimagining heirloom jewelry. Perhaps your mother’s diamond ring doesn’t fit your lifestyle, or an inherited brooch sits unworn in a drawer. Our designers work with you to create something that reflects your style while preserving the legacy. A brooch can become a pendant, loose diamonds can be reset into modern earrings, and an outdated setting can be transformed into a piece you’ll treasure every day.
Repairing and Restoring
Time takes its toll, even on the finest jewelry. Clasps weaken, prongs bend, and stones loosen. Before wearing inherited jewelry, it’s important to make sure it’s secure. Our team of associates and jewelers carefully inspect and restore pieces so they can be worn safely without losing their original charm. Sometimes, the most meaningful gift we give is simply bringing a family treasure back to life.
Unlike other assets, jewelry tells a story. It carries the warmth of family gatherings, the sparkle of milestone celebrations, and the quiet strength of loved ones who came before us. A grandmother’s engagement ring, a father’s cufflinks, or a string of pearls tucked away for decades—these aren’t just valuables, they’re living connections.
Appraisals and Guidance
Inherited jewelry also comes with practical questions. What is it worth? Should it be insured? Is it best to keep, sell, or repurpose? Olufson Designs offers professional appraisals and honest guidance. Whether you want to understand the value for estate purposes, decide which pieces to keep, or explore options for selling or trading, we can help you make informed choices.
Keeping the Story Alive
The Great Wealth Transfer is about more than money—it’s about memories, traditions, and meaning. Jewelry has the rare ability to embody all three. By caring for, redesigning, or restoring inherited pieces, you ensure that your family’s story continues in a way that feels authentic to you.
At Olufson Designs, we see it as an honor to help families during this once-in-a-generation shift. When the jewelry box passes from one set of hands to the next, we’re here to make sure those treasures remain just that—treasured.
Stop by our Corvallis store or reach out to schedule a consultation. Let’s discover how your inherited jewelry can carry its history into your future.