Ask the Expert 2025

Leah Goss,

Susan Rabinovitz
Little Relics

Susan Rabinovitz is the CEO, Designer and Lead Bench Jeweler for Little Relics, Inc. Susan earned her Graduate Jeweler degree at the internationally esteemed Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts in San Francisco. She logged over 1,000 hours working with jewelry masters from around the world, learning different skill sets to become one of the best repair jewelers in the Sacramento region. As such, she is recommended by the Jewelers of America for insurance repairs. Susan only has two classes left to earn her Graduate Gemologist degree for appraiser certification from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), where she has already received her Graduate Pearls and Diamond Grading certifications.

What should I do with inherited jewelry?

First, organize the jewelry into bags. Second, create an appointment. Visit our website to schedule. Little Relics will test the metal and stones for clarification of type. If some of the pieces are too small, broken or missing stones, we can also resize, restore and replace stones to bring your lovelies back to life.

How can I clean precious legacy jewelry?

In a bowl or mug, add hot water. Not boiling, but steeping tea temperature. Add Dawn dishwashing soap (it is safe for the birds and your jewelry), add your jewelry and leave for about 15 minutes. Then use a baby toothbrush—not a hard or adult toothbrush, which can scratch your metal—or a wooden toothpick to get the “life adventure” from the nooks and crannies.

What can I do with inherited jewelry that’s not my style?

Little Relics has repurposed and redesigned many pieces of legacy jewelry. For one recent engagement ring project, we removed the center diamond, lowered the setting and added an emerald cut moss agate for a contemporary look. Another project took a ruby anniversary ring and an aquamarine solitaire and added the two, with the original prongs, to a modern “woven” ring for a senior graduate. Check Instagram @LittleRelics for pictures.

1111 24th St. Sacramento. 916-346-4615. littlerelics.com