Brooke Shields Reveals Why Just One Daughter Will Inherit Her Jewelry
Jewelry as a Symbol of Empowerment and Legacy
When it comes to family heirlooms, many parents want to pass down their most precious possessions to their children. However, deciding who gets what isn’t always simple. Actress Brooke Shields recently opened up about why she has chosen to leave her jewelry collection to just one of her daughters rather than splitting it between both.
Her explanation is honest and surprisingly relatable. Brooke Shields, a familiar face in Hollywood for decades, doesn’t sugarcoat her reasons.
She states that her youngest daughter, 19-year-old Grier Henchy, will be the one to inherit her jewelry when she’s gone, not her older daughter, 22-year-old Rowan Henchy. The reason? Brooke isn’t convinced that Rowan would take good care of the pieces.
In a recent chat with Only Natural Diamonds, Brooke didn’t hold back. She joked that she “literally cannot do it again” when it comes to giving jewelry to Rowan because Rowan has lost every single piece she’s ever been given.
Meanwhile, Grier has shown a clear appreciation for the collection and understands its true value.
“It’s not about the gold or diamonds alone,” Brooke said. “She sees the history, the workmanship, the story behind the institution of these houses.”
For Brooke, it’s not just about handing down expensive items; it’s about passing down something meaningful, something that connects to a legacy.
Brooke Shields shared why she chose to leave her jewelry to just one daughter.
This perspective might resonate with anyone who has ever hesitated to lend something valuable to a family member who isn’t careful. If a parent worries that a child won’t take care of an item, they’re likely to say no. Brooke’s choice isn’t about favoritism; it’s about trust and respect for the pieces.
Brooke also shared how deeply attached she is to jewelry and diamonds, a feeling closely tied to her mother, who passed away in 2012. She recalled her mother’s advice, which has stuck with her over the years: “Buy yourself your diamond; don’t wait to be given one from a man.”
Her mother had given her a stunning emerald-cut diamond, which Brooke had set into a Verdura cuff. That gift wasn’t just about beauty or wealth; it was about independence and empowerment.
Getty ImagesShields also shared the source of her passion for jewelry.
Her memories with her mother went beyond just the pieces themselves. She recounted how, as a child, every trip they took involved stopping at jewelry stores.
Whether in Asia, where they looked for pearls, or in other places known for diamonds and brooches, these visits were special. Brooke believes this attachment might also stem from her mother’s background.
Growing up in Newark during the Depression, her mother experienced poverty firsthand. For her, jewelry symbolized something she hoped for: a life of beauty and success beyond hardship.
Getty Images
For Brooke, her jewelry isn’t just a collection of shiny pieces; it holds history, meaning, and emotional value. That’s why she wants it to go to the daughter who truly appreciates it.
In the end, Brooke Shields’ decision is understandable. It’s not about splitting things evenly, but about passing on something that will be cherished and respected. Heirlooms aren’t just objects—they carry stories and values that live on.
Understanding Heirloom Dynamics
Deciding who inherits family heirlooms can be fraught with emotional complexities. Dr. Laura Berman, a renowned sex and relationship therapist, highlights that such decisions often reflect deeper family dynamics and emotional bonds.
She notes that the choice of a single heir to receive jewelry, as Brooke Shields has indicated, can symbolize trust and the unique relationship shared between the parent and that child.
Dr. Berman suggests that open discussions among siblings about inheritance can alleviate resentment and promote understanding, emphasizing the importance of communication in familial relationships.
From a financial perspective, the decision to pass jewelry to one daughter may also reflect considerations of value and sentiment. Financial expert Liz Weston points out that jewelry often carries both monetary and emotional significance, making it essential to plan inheritances carefully.
Weston advocates for creating a clear, documented plan for asset distribution to ensure that all family members feel included and valued, reducing potential conflicts.
She also recommends discussing the reasons behind specific choices openly with family members to enhance transparency and understanding.
Practical Steps for Healing
In navigating the complexities of inheritance, it's clear that emotional ties and financial considerations play significant roles. Experts like Dr. Laura Berman and Liz Weston emphasize the need for open communication and clear planning.
By discussing feelings and intentions behind inheritance choices, families can foster stronger bonds and minimize misunderstandings. Ultimately, creating a legacy that resonates with personal values often requires intentional dialogue and thoughtful planning, ensuring that each family member feels respected and acknowledged in the process.
