to sell this jewellery?

[MalkieFraser]

I lost my Mum a little while ago, and was sole beneficiary of her estate. I let her remaining sister have her choice from all the things that were left, and gave most of the clothes to charity.

There is quite a few items of jewellery left, a lot of which I recognise and feel a close connection with. This, I'll be keeping forever. There are other things though, not as special, earrings, plain gold chains etc. I know I could cash these in for a couple of hundred pounds - which would help to cloth my kids (and myself) - I generally only buy clothes from ebay due to financial circumstances.

A big part of me is shocked and gasping that I'm even considering doing this, but the practical part is saying that it would be more important to my Mum to see things being to good use, whether that means selling it on or using it myself.

Am I a horrible, mercenary cow?

sorry to hear about your mum. when i lost mine i remember going through the jewellery and remembering her wear it....made me realise i had nothing of quality that my own kids would remember,so i bought some,specifically because i want them to have memories!!

your mum wouldnt expect you to hang on to all of it would she?

I think you should sell. You are keeping some items that are precious to you and maybe have particular memories. You have ensured her sister was given the opportunity to have things to remember your Mum by.
The other bits and pieces, I'd sell them. If it makes you feel a bit better, why not use the cash to buy something a bit special for the family. bikes for the kids maybe or a day out that you'll all remember?

They'll be no use to anyone if they sit in a drawer gathering dust.

I don't think it's unreasonable at all. When my dad died I kept his watch and a bracelet he wore all the time, but sold other things, such as his wedding ring from his ex-wife (not my mum), with no guilt at all. Same as I got rid of the rest of his stuff. If there's no sentimental value, it's just stuff, and if you can get more use out of the money than the stuff, I don't see a problem.

I am sure your mum would far rather see her jewellery put to a good, practical use for your family than for you to have it sitting in a box whilst your family is in need of essential items!

Sell it, buy what you need and use a little of whatever is left over to buy some flowers or a plant for your Mum's grave.

I agree with sayithowitis and you are keeping the ones which mean the most to you so you shouldnt feel guilty about selling.

I had to sell some diamond earrings once as I needed to lend a dear friend my husband don't approve of a lump of money in a emergency, thats partly what jewellers for OP secret womans business and financial emergencies I am sure if your Mam thought you were in need you would have her blessing to sell anything she left you. Do try and keep at least one good piece for every child you have so they can eventually have something of Grannies - if possible.

Don't go to a famous name chainshop to sell stuff go to a Jewish family run place they will give you a fairer/better price and if your luck turns you will have a chance to get it back.

I've recently sold some jewellery that was left to me by my aunt. It felt wrong to do at first (my aunt died 7 years ago) but it had just been stuck at the back of a drawer as it wasn't the kind of thing I'd wear. I've kept the pieces that have sentimental value and I got a good price for the rest - I don't think my aunt would mind and it doesn't sound like your mum would either.