My Photos, My Memories

Earlier this month, one of our members wrote in to ask us what to do with the old jewelry she’s accumulated that she no longer wears or may have seen better days. Her predicament... 

“I’ve just started downsizing and going through our bedroom closets. I’ve come across a rather large collection of jewelry pieces that I either no longer wear, didn’t remember I had, or are broken and in need of some TLC. I plan to Artifct the ones that I will keep and one day pass down to my daughter and granddaughters, but I’m not too sure what to do with the rest. I’ve heard gold is at record prices, and I’m wondering if I should sell some of it rather than simply donate to our local thrift shop. Any advice?” 

Our first response after reading her note was, “You’re not alone.” We routinely get this question a couple of times a year, although we’ve yet to write about it. So, in honor of and in tribute to those of you who’ve asked and those of you who’ve wondered, this ARTIcle is all about what to do with the jewelry you no longer use.  

Many of us have jewelry tucked away in drawers — broken earrings, outdated rings, chains tangled in a giant knot, or pieces we just don’t wear anymore. With gold and silver hitting record-breaking prices in recent years, now might be a great time to think about selling those pieces for cash.  

Turning Old Jewelry into Cash — Without Losing the Story 

Precious metals markets have seen historic highs. Gold has surpassed multi-year records — recently trading above $5,300 per ounce according to multiple market reports — and silver has also surged, making old metal jewelry potentially more valuable than it has been in decades.  

That means your old gold bands, silver bracelets, and even scrap metal jewelry could be worth far more today than when you first set them aside. You might be wondering what do I do with it now, or you might be willing to let go of the pieces but concerned about preserving the memory.  

If you find yourself in this camp, Artifct the pieces you plan to sell. Photograph each piece and enter the details about where it came from, who owned it, and any events or moments connected to it. Consider adding a photo of you back in the day wearing the piece. Was the piece a gift from a loved one? Include a photo of them too, as part of your story. This way, the story lives on with Artifcts, even if the items themselves don’t stay in your hands. 

Looking for Ways to Sell Old Jewelry? 

Here are common places people sell their jewelry — each with pros and cons: 

• Local Jewelers or Dealers: Professional buyers may offer competitive prices for gold and quality gemstones based on current metal prices. 
• Pawn Shops: Quick and easy, but often lower payouts. 
• Online Marketplaces: Platforms like eBay, Etsy, or dedicated resale sites such as Worthy can expand your buyer pool and potentially get higher prices — especially for vintage or branded pieces. 
• Consignment: Let a jeweler or boutique sell for you — you may earn more, though it can take time. One of our business partners, National Rarities, may be able to help, especially with gold or silver pieces.  

Pro tip: Before selling, get multiple quotes, check reviews, and always know that a lot of jewelry gets melted down — its resale value is usually tied to metal content, not necessarily emotional or design value.  

Keeping and Passing Jewelry Down  

For many families, jewelry is much more than metal and stones — it’s a legacy. Perhaps it was your grandmother’s engagement ring, your aunt’s vintage brooch, or a locket your parents gave you on graduation. These pieces carry stories that transcend material value. 

Even if you don’t wear or display every piece, you can honor its meaning: 

• Document Stories: Use Artifcts to upload photos and narratives — who gave it to whom, the occasion, what it symbolizes, and even how it was worn.
• Add Context: Include letters or cards, old photos of the piece being worn, or transcripts of conversations about it.
• Connect Generations: Invite family members to collaborate on the same Artifct so everyone contributes their memories or interpretations. 

Documenting, preserving, and sharing the stories behind the pieces through Artifcts keeps not only the jewelry itself, but the stories behind it in your family history, not just stored in a drawer. 

You'd never know the story behind this necklace just by looking at it! 

If you do plan for pieces to stay in the family: 

• Make It Meaningful: Writing down why you’re choosing a particular heirloom for a specific family member adds intentionality and sentimental depth. We wrote extensively about this in Gift Your Loved Ones a Why.
• Use Artifcts as a Legacy Tool: Artifcts can serve as a digital keepsake your next generation can revisit long after the physical piece changes hands — or even if it gets lost. Bonus! You can’t split a diamond ring in thirds, but with Artifcts, one member can inherit the ring, and all can inherit the Artifct of the ring. 
• Fill Out the 'In the Future' Field: Don’t leave it to guesswork. If you know who you want to inherit the piece, use our In the Future Field to document your wishes, and then share with your attorney or estate planner. 

Our 'In the Future' field makes it easy to pass down jewelry and other keepsakes. 

Whatever You Decide — Keep the Story 

Whether selling pieces for their intrinsic value or keeping jewels close for future generations, Artifcting their stories ensures memories aren’t lost. Jewelry often carries layered personal meaning and Artifcts helps you capture that meaning forever, no matter what happens to the physical objects. 

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You might also enjoy reading these related ARTIcles:

Your Future Family Heirlooms

Everything You Wanted to Know About Appraisals But Were Afraid to Ask

How to Artifct That Heirloom

© 2026 Artifcts, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

In a world where messages often zip by in seconds and memories can slip through the cracks of daily life, Artifcts offers something beautiful: a way to say “you matter” that’s tangible, personal, and lasting.  

An Artifct isn’t just a photo, a story, or a digital file — it’s a love note stitched together with meaning. It’s a moment preserved in time, carefully captured and shared with intention. It becomes a topic of conversation, a happy memory shared, a new story discovered. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, reconnecting across time and distance, or simply saying “I love you,” Artifcts transforms everyday objects and memories into meaningful expressions of affection. 

How Artifcts Becomes a Love Language 

At its heart, Artifcts is about connection: between family, across generations, and even between friends. When we slow down to document why something matters — not just what it is — we invite others into our world, our stories, and our hearts.  

Objects gain power when their stories are told. A simple recipe card becomes a warm memory of Sunday dinners. A well-worn baseball glove becomes proof of childhood dedication. These are the stories that make the Artifcts priceless. 

When you share an Artifct, you’re doing more than sending a file — you’re offering understanding, appreciation, and connection. 

A special Valentine's Day gift from mother to daughter. Sorry, this Artifct is private! 

Artifcts: Love Across Time and Distance 

One of the most magical aspects of Artifcts is that it lets you share love no matter where you are. Whether family members are across town or across the globe, an Artifct carries emotions and memories in a way that text messages and social feeds simply can’t.  

You can preserve: 

• Family traditions and heirlooms
• Stories and mementos from loved ones who’ve passed on
• Milestones and awards big and small
• Meaningful moments and photos you never want to forget 

This shared remnant of life becomes a bridge between your world and someone else’s, a shared narrative that deepens relationships and invites ongoing conversation. 

Tips for Creating Truly Heartfelt Artifcts 

Ready to make Artifcts that resonate deeply with those you love? Here are thoughtful tips and tricks to ensure your Artifcts are full of heart value: 

🧡 1. Start With Why 

Every meaningful Artifct begins with a why — a reason that goes beyond the object itself. Ask yourself: 

• Why does this keepsake matter to me?
• What memory does this memento spark?
• Why have I kept this item all these years? 

Share those answers as part of the Artifct’s description. 

📸 2. Combine Media for Richer Stories 

Blend photos, videos, and voice recordings to tell a fuller story. Hearing someone’s voice or seeing a moment in motion adds emotional depth that text alone can’t match. Whether it’s the history behind a treasured heirloom or the tale of a favorite trip, capturing details while they’re still fresh and in your loved ones own words adds richness that’s irreplaceable.

🗣️ 3. Include Personal Reflections 

A heartfelt Artifct isn’t just about facts, it’s about feelings too. Take a moment to reflect on: 

• What this object means to you
• How it connects to someone else
• Why you’re sharing it now 

These reflections will help make your Artifcts feel personal and intimate. 

🎁 4. Share with Intent 

When you share an Artifct, think of it as a digital gift: add a message that tells the recipient why you chose to Artifct and share this item with them. Just like thoughtful gifts in real life, these intentional Artifcts become keepsakes of the heart. 

The Art of Saying “I Love You” with Artifcts

In a culture filled with fleeting interactions, Artifcts invites us to pause, reflect, and communicate what matters most. It’s more than documentation, it’s devotion. It’s a love language for our digital age. So whether you’re commemorating a birthday, sharing a treasured family memory, or simply telling someone you’re thinking of them, let Artifcts help you speak from the heart.  

This Valentine's Day as you pause for a moment to absorb all the positive in life, surprise someone—friend, sister, neighbor, professor, parent, son—with an Artifct!

Happy Artifcting! 

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© 2026 Artifcts, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

We get questions every day from people wondering what they should Artifct first. There’s no right answer, because the things you collect, accumulate, and inherit are as diverse as is the content of the world’s most amazing estate sale or flea market (or Grandmas' closet).

Of course, we try to help inspire you along the way. We have more than two dozen free downloadable inspiration checklists to help you get started. And we often write about different approaches to get started Artifcting or for those who think, “But I’m not sentimental.”

Today we’re sharing fun and thoughtful starter prompts in a series of lists to help anyone create their first Artifct or their 100th Artifct—whether it's sentimental, quirky, or just a favorite item with a cool backstory. Because the fact is the stuff we keep, and the mere act of taking seconds to Artifct that, can tell others more about us than the most formal or thoughtful of interviews or workbooks.

🧠 Memory-Based Prompts

• • • What’s the oldest thing you own—and why do you still have it? 
    • Tell the story of a gift you’ll never forget (yes, even if you accidentally lost the item). 
    • What item reminds you most of someone you’ve loved and lost? 
    • What’s something you’d want your great-grandchildren to know you owned?

😂 Light & Fun Prompts 

• • • What’s the weirdest item in your junk drawer, and why is it still there? No cheating. Go open it and Artifct that!
    • What’s your favorite T-shirt or mug—and what’s the story behind it? 
    • What’s something that you brought home from a vacation that still makes you smile? 
    • What's the silliest photo you've taken this year? Artifct the photo and the story behind it.  

🎶 Music, Pop Culture, and Hobbies 

• • • What’s the first concert or event you ever went to? Do you still have the ticket or merch? 
    • Share an item related to your favorite movie, book, or band. 
    • What hobby item (camera, sewing machine, old bike) has the most history for you? 
    • What game, toy, or gadget meant the world to you growing up?

🏠 Everyday Meaning 

• • • What’s one recipe card or cookbook you couldn’t live without? 
    • Is there a piece of furniture in your home with a backstory? 
    • What’s an item in your garage, attic, or basement you keep moving but can’t throw away?

💼 Work & Milestones

• • • What item represents a proud work moment or accomplishment? 
    • Choose something from a graduation, award, or “big day.” 
    • What’s the story behind your first paycheck or ID badge?

These prompts aren’t just about choosing what to Artifct first—they’re invitations. Invitations to ask better questions, to listen a little longer, and to discover the stories that often surface only when we slow down together. Whether you’re sitting around the table at a family reunion, visiting grandparents, or catching up with loved ones you don’t see often enough, these moments can turn everyday conversations into lasting connections.

This year, let curiosity lead the way. Use these prompts to spark meaningful exchanges, uncover memories you’ve never heard before, and preserve the stories that matter most—while the people who lived them can still tell them in their own words. One Artifct at a time, you’re not just capturing objects or memories, you’re deepening relationships and building a shared history your family can return to again and again.

Happy Artifcting!

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© 2026 Artifcts, Inc. All Rights Reserved.