What Happens to the Deceased’s Jewellery?

When a loved one passes away, there are many decisions to be made and questions to be answered. Among these is the matter of what happens to the deceased’s personal belongings, including their jewellery they might be wearing. This can be a delicate subject, as jewellery often holds significant sentimental and monetary value. Here, we’ll explain the typical process and options available for handling a loved one’s jewellery after they’ve passed.

Immediate Family Considerations

  -Initial Assessment: After a person passes away, the family will usually be given the opportunity to collect their personal belongings, including jewellery, from the place of death, whether it be a hospital, hospice, or home.

  -Family Preferences: It’s important for the family to communicate their wishes regarding the jewellery. Some may want to keep the items for sentimental reasons, while others might decide to distribute them, or leave them on the deceased.

During Funeral Preparation

  - Inventory and Documentation: When the deceased is taken into the care of a funeral home, an inventory of all personal items, including jewellery, is typically made. This ensures that all valuables are accounted for.

  - Removal for Safe-Keeping: Often, the funeral director will recommend that the family remove any valuable jewellery before the deceased is bought into their care. This is primarily to prevent loss or theft and to allow the family to decide on the best way to handle these precious items, but sometimes you may wish for them to keep on a wedding ring for example.

Choices for Jewellery

  -Burial/Cremation with Jewellery: Some families choose to have their loved one buried or cremated with their jewellery, either for personal or cultural reasons. If this is the chosen path, it is done with great care to honour the family’s wishes.

  - Keepsakes for Family Members: Jewellery can be a poignant keepsake for family members. Dividing the pieces among close relatives can provide a tangible connection to the deceased, offering comfort and a way to remember them.

  - Repurposing Jewellery: Another option is to repurpose the jewellery. This might involve resizing rings, resetting stones, or transforming pieces into new items that family members can wear and cherish.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

  - Estate Planning: If the deceased had a will or estate plan, it might specify how their jewellery should be distributed. Adhering to these wishes is crucial to respect the deceased's intentions and avoid potential conflicts among heirs.

  - Ethical Handling: Funeral homes are bound by strict ethical guidelines to handle all personal items, including jewellery, with the utmost care and respect. Families can trust that these valuables are managed professionally and honourably.

The handling of a deceased person’s jewellery is a deeply personal decision, influenced by cultural, emotional, and practical factors. Whether the choice is for the jewellery to remain with the deceased, for the family to keep, repurpose, or pass on these items, it is essential to approach the process with sensitivity and respect. Funeral directors are here to assist families in navigating these decisions, ensuring that each step is carried out with the dignity and care that their loved one deserves.

For more information or personalised assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us. Dawn and Rob are dedicated to supporting you through every aspect of this journey.