What a waste. Why weren't those jewels given to the estate? What did her family and friends think she was, an Egyptian pharoh?
We buried my father with absolutely no jewelry. The funeral home removed the jewelry and gave it to my mother after a private viewing. If my father had had his way, the gold in his molars from dental work would have been removed. All we buried with him was a pecan wood cofin, a suit, and a pair of shoes.
The only jewelry that I have requested is my wedding band (it is thin and I figure the kids would eventually want their own). Any other jewelry will go to my girls (and hopefully granddaughters one day). I would rather it be passed on (and maybe they will think of me when they wear it) than to be trapped in a coffin. IMHO.