Family Jewels

Inheriting family heirlooms such as paintings, furniture, jewelry, letters, or the occasional mysterious object tucked away in an old box can feel both meaningful and overwhelming. These “family jewels” carry history, but they often arrive without much explanation, leaving you with as many questions as treasures. Caring for them means becoming an investigator, a curator, and, ultimately, a storyteller.

As the granddaughter of a passionate art collector, I’ve spent decades uncovering the stories behind inherited works. What began as simple curiosity has become a lifelong pursuit, one that has brought me enormous joy. Along the way, I’ve made some remarkable discoveries. In one memorable instance, I sold a print on eBay to a descendant of the artist who created it in the late nineteenth century. Moments like that remind me how unexpectedly our family histories can reconnect with the present.

If you’ve inherited special objects, begin by documenting what you have. Before trying to determine value, create a simple inventory. A simple spreadsheet works well. Photograph each item from several angles and note its dimensions, materials, inscriptions, signatures, or maker’s marks. Even the smallest detail can become an important clue. I once discovered a tiny watermark on a work on paper that led me to the Zurich workshop where it had been printed. Organizing your collection makes the research far easier and allows you to build on your discoveries over time.

The next step is research, which requires equal parts curiosity and patience. Start by talking with family members. Even vague memories can provide valuable leads. A comment like, “That belonged to your great-aunt in Europe,” may be enough to point you in the right direction. From there, museum collections, auction archives, reverse image searches, and online art databases can help identify artists, makers, and similar objects. One helpful tip: the more precise your search terms, the better your results.

If an item appears particularly valuable or historically significant, consider seeking professional advice. Certified appraisers, museum curators, antique dealers, and auction house specialists can often provide insights that are difficult to uncover on your own. In my experience, museum professionals are often generous with their knowledge if they are able to help.

Preserving your heirlooms is just as important as identifying them. Resist the temptation to clean or repair old objects yourself. Well-intentioned restoration can sometimes reduce both historical and monetary value. Instead, store treasured pieces in stable conditions, away from direct sunlight, excessive humidity, and temperature extremes, and use acid-free materials for papers and photographs whenever possible.

As your understanding grows, think about how you would like to steward these pieces. Not every heirloom needs to remain in your home forever. Some may find a better future with a museum, historical society, another family member, or even a collector who will appreciate them. Others may be sold to support something meaningful for your family.

Most importantly, write down the stories you uncover. Even if the history is incomplete, future generations will treasure your notes as much as the objects themselves. By taking the time to learn about your family’s heirlooms, you preserve more than possessions; you safeguard memories, identity, and the rich stories that connect one generation to the next.