Now that my three great-nieces are growing up, it’s time for me to pick over my jewellery for pieces that would suit them. In particular, I’m thinking of two gold pendants on very fine chains. Due to peripheral nerve damage, the thumb and first two fingers of my right hand can’t manage the clasps any more, so I haven’t worn them in years.

Brooches are currently unfashionable, according to the doyennes of the internet, so items that belonged to my mother, grandmother and great-grandmother can sit and marinate for a decade or two until the pendulum swings back.