The emotional value of a jewel: why some are never taken off

Two jewels with the same price can be worth very different things to the person wearing them. Emotional value cannot be weighed, but it can be felt.

Where does it come from? #

• From a person: someone dear gave it.
• From a moment: a wedding, a birth, a trip, a hard period that was overcome.
• From a family story: it belonged to a grandmother, a mother, a father.
• From a ritual: it is always worn on a certain day or with a gesture.

Why do some people never take it off? #

For many people, the jewel becomes something like a part of the body. Taking it off feels like something is missing, and wearing it brings calm, company or security. It is a personal habit; if a jewel is always worn, check it often and clean it. See jewelry in the shower, pool and sea and professional maintenance.

Why do certain jewels make us feel special? #

Because we associate the jewel with something that matters: a person, an achievement, a version of ourselves we like. Putting it on, we remember that. There is no rule: what makes a jewel special changes from person to person.

When is it a memory? #

A jewel becomes a memory when its story weighs more than its use. Then it may stop being worn and be kept carefully. See how to store jewelry.

Taking care of what matters #

• Take a photo and write down its story.
• Insure the most valuable pieces.
• Check clasps and prongs from time to time. See prong repair.

See also: jewelry of people who are gone.