Family Heirlooms

**MilkOnTap** · 10-01-2006 20:48

Now, before I begin lets not confuse the Family Heirlooms to the Family Jewels (in which case I'm sure our DH's can clarify for us...) but I have been chatting to some girls at work lately about odd family heirlooms that are passed down from generation to generation.

I have two that I can think of, both of which I received when I got married. The first was a gold ring with a tiny porcelain dove on it that was placed on my wedding cake - it was on my mothers side and has been passed down through 5 generations, with my wedding being the 6th cake it was placed on.

On my fathers side, I received a cross which has a little lock at the bottom. You can open the cross up, and there are relics of Saint Agnes and Saint Theresia with little scrolls of parchment. I have NO idea how long this has been in the family for, but has so far been traced back to 1687.

A girlfriend has told me of a glass bowl that looks like an ugly fishbowl that has been passed down in her family for 4 generations so far.

Have you got any odd heirlooms? Share your tale!

**jasminesmum** · 10-01-2006 20:52

My nana gave me her gold bracelet that was given to her by her nana.

I used to teeth on it when i was a baby and it still has my teeth marks on it.

I also have a brooch that used to be my great nanas.It has real butterfly wings in it.They make up a picture of a house and trees.

**MilkOnTap** · 10-01-2006 20:56

Originally Posted by jasminesmum

I also have a brooch that used to be my great nanas.It has real butterfly wings in it.They make up a picture of a house and trees.

Ohh - how pretty! Almost as pretty as my tiara! Hehehe - just kidding

**jasminesmum** · 10-01-2006 21:09

Youre tiara is prettier.

Actually when i was little I used to think the brooch was a bit scarey.All those dead butterflies.

**Seekrit** · 10-01-2006 21:09

When my mum had each of us kids, she and dad bought a ring which she wore on her right, middle finger (3 of them piled on there)
When she died, one of the first things dad did, while we gathered around her hospice bed, was take the rings off her fingers and give each to their owner.
Mine's beautiful, it's just a band with 3 sapphires in it in some pattern that nearly looks like eyes (hard to explain)
I'll pass that down to Nugget. I think at least.. I MAY wait 'til I have a girl before I set that in stone. If I don't have a girl I may buy a male's ring. (like my brother's) (sometimes I hope Nugget's a girl so I don't have to worry about finding and buying a ring.) lol

I don't have anything from Dad's side. I got some things when Grandad died, but nothing really heirloomy, yanno. More my own memories.

Chris was given a silver egg cup and spoon for his Christening when he was a wee one, he has asked me if we can pass that to Nugget as well

You know what, mum was a midwife and SOMEWHERE in my house of junk, I have her graduation present, which was an olden days heartbeat jigga.. (made of wood) I wonder if it actually works. Now I have to find it!

**razzle** · 10-01-2006 21:56

I have my great great grandmother's ruby and diamond engagement ring. It was given to me on my wedding day by my mum as the "something old" bit. It dates back to the 1800's.

The only other things I've got that have been passed down the generations are recipes!!

**Mamaduke** · 10-01-2006 21:58

We don't really have any heirlooms. My mum's family came from Poland after WWII and left with what the Germans hadn't stolen from them...which wasn't much! My grandparents weren't even allowed to keep their wedding rings.
My great aunt (who recently passed away) made my christening gown and each of my boys has worn that so I guess this will be our family heirloom for generations to come.

**giggles** · 10-01-2006 21:59

mmmmm....Mum wears a fob chain that belonged to my dad great grandfather......

And she began her own tradition when I got married. When I was born Dad bought her a sapphire and diamond ring which she gave me as my something old and blue on my wedding day and told me it is to go to my DD when she marries......was a very teary moment I can tell you.

**Jaileth** · 10-01-2006 22:00

Mum has some things that she's kept for me and my sister from our dad's mum and dad's grandma. (so we'll be the fourth gen to hold them) I think it's mostly jewlery and stuff - nothing of value, just little bits to remember them by.

I think family heirlooms are a great idea. I love the idea your parents had Seekrit - something really special. Have to see if we can do something like that for our kid/s.

**reAllytee** · 11-01-2006 00:44

I have a box that converts to an old style writing desk is gorgeous & even comes with secret compartments ehehehe.
This was given to me by my dad around the time we found out about him dying of cancer it was my great great great grandfathers & was given to him as some sort of thankyou or the likes when he was a mason back in scotland. It even has the metal plate inscribed.
I love it, now i just to have it restored as its looking a little sad on the inside with the leather wearing down etc.
My dad & i were never close so i think this was his way of making a connection with me before he passed away so this will get passed onto bubs so he learns about his grandda & family.
There isnt really anything else but i do know my mum has one little hall table & another little side table that came from my great grandma & my great aunty they both are beautiful in that they have intricately carved turned wooden legs etcc so im sure these will go to one of us girls.