What are the Family Heirloom Treasures of the Future?

Pursuing genealogy for over ten years has awakened a deep appreciation for artifacts from the past and family heirlooms.

After my own father’s (Papa’s) passing, each of his children and grandchildren received a gift from among his personal belongings. My daughter Erin received an attractive, very old metal trinket box and Stuart received Papa’s watch.

Sometimes they can’t help it, they roll their eyes when I talk about my genealogy trials and discoveries, but when they received their mementos of ‘Papa’, there was no hiding the appreciation on their faces.

In my own case, on my 16th birthday, my mother gave me her gold plated Swiss watch that was a gift from my father on their wedding day, and I’ve treasured it ever since.

I worry about a lack of historical treasures in the future, considering our highly disposable, virtual culture. Items that were routinely treasured in the past are no longer used to the same degree, items such as watches and photos.

Seeing the look on Stuart’s face when he received Papa’s watch highlighted how important these artifacts are in a family.

I now see personal items like watches as an investment in the future – part of the legacy to be passed on to our children and grandchildren.

With these thoughts in mind, I browsed the bluedial.com site, where one can find numerous makes and beautiful styles, including Michael Kors Watches.

Today, we look for watches that make a statement, are pieces of jewelry, and are not just functional accessories. After all, we are surrounded by time keeping devices – stoves, microwaves, televisions, computers and cell phones.

One day, Erin will receive the watch I received from my mother and Stuart will receive the watch I bought as a gift for my husband, Mark, and hopefully eventually pass them on to their own children.