The Power of a Family Heirloom

For true jewelry aficionados, the idea of passing down a beloved piece of jewelry is always in the back of one’s mind. For whether our lives may be long or short, it’s likely our cherished pieces will outlive us several times over.

“I feel as though I’m only the custodian of my jewelry,” Taylor wrote in her 2003 book, “Elizabeth Taylor: My Love Affair with Jewelry.”

And so, it is with each person’s special collection.

Our History, Our Story

In the Leibish family, we also have our own special story of a cherished ring.

I was amazed to learn that our daughter Chavi’s ring is a real heirloom that’s been a family treasure now for four generations. Her great-grandmother, Chava Binder in Zurich received it from her husband some 100 years ago.

When she passed away in 1976, my mother-in-law inherited it. Rosi and I had just gotten married, and a year later, our daughter Chavi was born. My mother-in-law, Betti Kurz, gave it to our daughter.

My daughter Chavi Itzakov

My wife Rosi

Like many storied pieces, over time, the ring acquired its unique history from being worn year after year.

In June 1953, Betti and Chava were sitting together on their balcony. Betti was wearing her mother’s ring as Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation procession made its way along London’s Oxford Street.

The late Queen Elizabeth II had inherited plenty of priceless heirloom jewelry during her lifetime.

Many pieces were centuries old and possessed remarkable provenance. 

Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation

A Royal Ring Becomes a Legend

But when her son, Prince Charles proposed to Lady Diana Spencer in 1981, she picked out something new to begin her own story. In a complete pivot from tradition, Diana made her selection from a tray of rings rather than have something made especially for her as other royal ladies did.


So, there it was. Charles proposed to Lady Diana with a 12 carat Sri Lanka sapphire and diamond ring designed by Garrard, the Crown Jeweller.  After Diana’s tragic death in 1997 the ring passed down to her sons William and Harry. Since William proposed first to Catherine in 2010, Harry decided that William should make that her engagement ring.

A Trend for Gemstone Engagement Rings

After giving Catherine his mother’s legendary sapphire engagement ring, William reportedly said that this was his way of ensuring his late mother was part of the special occasion. Kate’s engagement and the ring’s reappearance reignited global interest in the piece, making it once again a symbol of royal romance. It also stirred renewed enthusiasm for sapphire and other gemstone engagement rings.

Kate and William with the famous sapphire ring

Jewelry as Future Heirlooms

Fine jewelry is often passed down from mother to daughter. However, it will seldom endure for four generations as our precious ring has done. The beauty of heirloom jewelry lies in its timeless appeal. But it also lies in its solid construction to withstand time.

Likewise real gemstones don’t age—they often become even more coveted as time goes by, and their supply becomes scarcer. Its everlasting appeal connects one generation to the next while it builds on the history of the piece.

Heirloom jewelry has its own intrinsic worth, but the life it takes on as it’s worn from decade to decade makes it priceless. Family stories often revolve around heirloom pieces and enrich the lives of those fortunate to own them.

LEIBISH Extraordinary No Heat Oval Sapphire and Diamond Side Stone Ring

What Makes Exceptional Heirloom Jewelry?

While we may have a sweet spot for a loved one’s jewelry that was passed down to us—it doesn’t guarantee a long lifespan, far beyond our own life.

Heirloom-worthy jewelry should be constructed in such a way as to stand the test of time. If well crafted, each new generation who inherits it will be able to fully enjoy it.Fine jewelry was made to be worn.

The piece must be constructed with a thoughtful design that ensures its integrity and wearability year in year out. While styles evolve with each era, an heirloom-worthy piece must be crafted to adapt to new fashions and times with its artful design.

And the gemstones—these are really the stars of the show. High quality diamonds and gems will be as scintillating decades from now as when they were first placed in an item.

You love your jewelry now and take great pleasure in wearing it. Someday a loved one may continue the story of your item when it becomes their heirloom.