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To leave most of my jewellery to DD

36 replies

JaceLancs · 29/08/2026 11:24

Inspired by DIL and jewellery thread it’s made me think
I have DS and DD - both adults - my will splits everything equally between them
We’ve always joked about who gets what else when I go - they get on well and always have, so never envisaged it being an issue
DS a while ago requested a few pieces of jewellery which are more unisex and family things like my DGF signet ring and DF wedding band
I naturally suggested everything else went to DD as I now have a DGD who would eventually get it but there’s a huge disparity in value
The few pieces DS wants would be less than £5k the rest would probably be valued for well over £75k which doesn’t seem fair
I have a large collection of antique pottery and heaps of Lego which one day may be worth something so could even it up that way or am I just overthinking this and just leave them to sort it out between them

OP posts:
BreadInCaptivity · 29/08/2026 14:07

When it comes to Wills my family have always operated on a “no surprises” basis.

Discussions were had before Wills have been drawn up so that everyone is clear about the what’s/whys and importantly have a chance to ask questions whilst the person is still alive so there was never any possibility of people being left wondering or misinterpreting bequests.

Personally I’d discuss the issue of your jewellery with both your children.

There are lots of ways to make this fair even if you leave it to your daughter.

For example the items are valued on your death and your son gets 50% of the value from your daughters share of your estate or he could be left items of equivalent value.

Given your son’s circumstances it’s doubtful he would want the female jewellery anyway, so that makes things a lot easier.

But don’t necessarily assume your daughter would want all your pieces and then potentially be faced with selling them and/or losing part of your estate in trade for something she doesn’t want.

For example my great aunt had a lot of good jewellery (worth similar amounts to yours) and it was left to my mother and myself.

The thing is that very little of it was to our taste. In the end we sold most of it keeping only a few items one of which I had remade/reset.

stample · 29/08/2026 14:11

my Nans will said all her jewellery go to her daughter (my mum) but her house sale and assets went to her kids and my money she had in savings went to her grandchildren (including me)
however although the jewellery went to my mum, she asked me if I wanted anything which I have a fair bit mostly silver that my mum wouldn’t wear, my brother also had a ring which was my late grandfathers and then my mum asked her brother if he, his kids or wife wanted anything, the kids ( my cousins who are male) had some plain band rings and the rest was given to my aunty to look through too

Makebelieveanotherlife · 29/08/2026 14:20

I have one of each. Dh will give his stuff to our son and me to my dd. Mine is worth much more and will probably make it equal some other way.
but my main reason is I would want it to stay with my dd and not a DIL who could become an ex, and no sentimental value to her.

Catza · 29/08/2026 14:24

The value of the jewellery is irrelevant unless they are planning to sell it. So I think you are overthinking it. Your son has no use for it so it seems reasonable to leave it to your daughter.
My granny split her jewellery between my mum, my aunt and me. None of us know whether our share was "fair", we simply picked the items we liked and wanted to wear.

cupfinalchaos · 29/08/2026 14:38

You’re lucky you don’t have the added complication of a step daughter like I have! I would have it valued and split it like that if I were you.

Makebelieveanotherlife · 29/08/2026 15:40

cupfinalchaos · 29/08/2026 14:38

You’re lucky you don’t have the added complication of a step daughter like I have! I would have it valued and split it like that if I were you.

I wouldn’t be leaving anything sentimental to a SC. Your stuff is for your kids. Money is different.
have very sadly seen SC walk away and never have anything to do with their unrelated family.

BreadInCaptivity · 29/08/2026 15:51

cupfinalchaos · 29/08/2026 14:38

You’re lucky you don’t have the added complication of a step daughter like I have! I would have it valued and split it like that if I were you.

I’m also in that situation. My will states all my family heirloom jewellery goes to my DS (to be passed to any female heirs in the future) including my 2 Cartier watches.

Then I have split the jewellery my DH has bought me over the years (I’m very lucky he’s been a good customer of VC&A and Tiffany) between them.

Given DS has the inherited jewellery left to him I went through my collection with DSD and gave her first dibs on what she would (eventually) like that DH bought for me which she selected based on what she would wear/was to her taste rather than value per se (though by chance it worked out pretty well re: value anyway). DS was aware and happy with this.

DSD was very touched and happy and feels it represents an inheritance from both DH and myself to remember us by when the time comes (though in agreement with DH I’ve also given her a few pieces now as I don’t really wear them and it’s nice to see her doing so rather than them sitting in their boxes).

ETA: DSD will also get my engagement and wedding rings, again on the premise DH bought them. DS also happy with this.

BreadInCaptivity · 29/08/2026 15:56

Makebelieveanotherlife · 29/08/2026 15:40

I wouldn’t be leaving anything sentimental to a SC. Your stuff is for your kids. Money is different.
have very sadly seen SC walk away and never have anything to do with their unrelated family.

As per my post above, I think there is a distinction here between jewellery from my family line vs that which my DH (her father) bought for me.

In terms of the latter I think it’s absolutely appropriate she gets a fair share of it.

Softcream · 29/08/2026 16:00

My grandma left her jewellery to her female descendants but the men got other items instead (a nice clock, a cabinet etc). Her jewellery wasn't worth very much though.

Papyrophile · 29/08/2026 16:03

We only have one son, and I have inherited jewellery from DM and DMIL. Some from my DM will be left to my niece, and we'll see what DS wants, if he marries, for his wife.

Scissor · 29/08/2026 16:22

Just be aware that a valuation for jewellery for insurance purposes as opposed to the actual resale amount you may receive for second hand jewellery is vastly different.

It is a specialist market for quality second hand pieces and the sale price achieved by a reliable and reputable jewellers is not the "cash" value of a personally owned piece. You are insured as if you needed to pay the replacement price from a jeweller, not the money you would get if you sold it to the jeweller.

So that £75k valuation should be viewed carefully.

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