I think that's why I like leaving family heirlooms to people in the family when I can. It feels like I am playing my role in the family's history.

My mother gave a very expensive diamond ring to my cousin rather than to me, even though she willed me all her jewelry. It was an annoyance, but I'd rather she did that than to sell it and give me the money. She had good reasons--the cousin was the namesake of the original owner who left it to her, so it made good sense to her and to the bigger picture. So yeah, it's definitely not always about money.

But yeah, wouldn't it be nice to own that big giant 1920's old European cut diamond, exactly what I'd look for if I could find one. Of course, then I'd have the problem of who to leave it to since I don't have daughters, only sons, and I have three granddaughters. So in a way, I'm spared a headache!