Golden

My mom had a lot of nice jewelry, all of which she told me to take when she first went into the nursing home. She wanted me to enjoy what I wanted of it and choose who would eventually receive it. I have already put one of my kids in charge of the latter, but I'm having a harder time with the former. My mother was a large woman, and she had bracelets custom made -- all of which are too big for me. Some could be altered to fit; others would be ruined by taking out links or segments. So what do I do with those?

Among the other pieces I'm trying to figure out a plan for are my mom's original engagement ring setting (she had the stones reset) and wedding ring. I have no sentimentality about those, and I'm surprised she didn't trade them in for credit when she had her new rings made from the stones. In addition to the these things I need to sell or otherwise find a home for, I did inherit some interesting and lovely pieces. One of my favorites -- and which has probably no monetary value whatsoever -- is the piece she had made of my and my brother's baby bracelets, little plastic beads with our last name on them, mine pink and my brother's blue. It's sweet and old, and I was delighted to discover it.

While there is a lot of jewelry in the mix that I won't wear, there is some I will (and do) wear and more I will save to pass down in the family. [And I was going somewhere with all of that, but it's late and I'm tired.]