When Jewelry Becomes Even More Precious

The importance of jewelry for aging parents.

We all know that jewelry holds a special place in our lives. Its value takes on a life of its own, far more than the precious metals and stones that hold its form. A wedding ring wore thin with love and time, a necklace given by a parent who has since passed, these items hold unique meaning and memories for their owners.

There is a time when they can take on even more significance. Many of us are at the point in life where our parents are aging and may require more care than can be provided at home. It leads to heartrending decisions about what is best for them, which many times includes them having to move to assisted living locations or nursing homes. It is often a traumatic transition for both your parent and for your family.

However, there are ways to ease the transition. There is a lot of research that shows people who bring personal mementos adjust better to their new environment. Jewelry is particularly helpful due to the profound personal value it holds. The benefits include:

• Helping to maintain a sense of identity – Jewelry reflects personal style and how someone expresses themselves. It can become a point of conversation and a way to connect with others. Compliments from admirers can boost self-esteem.
• Helping to maintain memory – Hence the profound value that we all experience. Jewelry becomes a touchstone for memories and can trigger memories of special people or times in their life.
• Providing a source of comfort – Be it religious jewelry or a wedding band; touching or holding a piece of jewelry that reminds someone of being loved can bring comfort and reassurance in times of difficulty or stress.

While even broken jewelry retains its sentimental value, it cannot be safely worn and is limited in its usefulness. There are other times, due to limited mobility or arthritis, that it may become challenging to wear.

In these cases, we can help. Broken jewelry is repairable or can serve as the focal point of a new piece. Rings can have a hinge system installed so they can fit over enlarged knuckles. If a necklace is no longer wearable because it is hard to undo, the original clasp can be replaced with larger or magnetic clasps. Whatever the problem, we will help you find the best solution.

If you find yourself in need of these services, give us a call or stop in. We are here to serve.