What would you do with sentimental gold bangles I can no longer wear

[AgualusasL0ver]

I am very lucky to have six bangles which I love. They were gifts over time from my grandparents and my parents (I’m 44 and my GPs passed away when I was 16 and 18). They are 22ct gold, thin but solid, so quite heavy compared to how they look. They are also from my dad’s home country and because I am a summer baby I would be taken to the jeweller each summer to select my birthday presents. Over the years things have been exchanged for other things etc.

I used to wear them every day, but for the last 15 years or so I’ve slowly put on more and more weight and they haven’t fit for over a decade (at least).

I am going back home next week for a holiday and am wondering what do with them. The last time we sent our old gold and I held these back as they hold a great deal of sentimental value.

Options I think I have:

1. I keep them and give each of my DS’s potential partners two each (gold giving is tradition and these would be extras as I feel they are family pieces - I’d be happy for them to trade them for something they could wear if they didn’t like them:they don’t fit).
2. I take them to the jewellers on holiday and trade them in and get something I can wear (does this mean I technically retain the sentimental attachment that these were gifts from people I loved).
3. give them in and take the cash and do something nice (think I’d be looking at £600-1k)
4. just keep them (I’ve started trying to lose weight but I am 5st from where I was and I wore these at my absolute slimmest so I doubt I will get there again)

I’d just keep them, given their sentimental value

I’d keep them - they might fit you again, and if not they’ll make a lovely present to your children’s partners.

Have them made bigger and then wear them all the time regardless of how much you weigh.

Came on to same the same - can they be made bigger?

You could get them melted into one new bracelet which you could wear now.

This.

Keep them. Look into getting them made bigger.

I’m not at all sentimental so I’d do either 2 or 3. I’ve just got rid of some jewellery I’ve been given over the years that was just languishing in my jewellery box, and now have a couple of really nice items that will get a lot of use.

I think the design on them might make enlarging tricky. It is worth the question though. I would happily wear them, I only mentioned size because they don’t fit. I am going to get my engagement and wedding rings enlarged as haven’t worn them for years either.

I could probably get something quite nice for the money, or perhaps diamond studs, as I would wear those daily or at least quite regularly.

That’s what I am wondering, does something lose its sentimentality just because it isn’t the original. If I replace them it’s with the money (prob not the actual gold) of the gifts I was given.