diff --git a/localized_fields/models.py b/localized_fields/models.py
index 5ab1b1b..1d94196 100644
--- a/localized_fields/models.py
+++ b/localized_fields/models.py
@@ -23,7 +23,11 @@ class LocalizedModel(models.Model):
                 continue
 
             value = getattr(self, field.name, None)
+
             if not isinstance(value, LocalizedValue):
-                value = LocalizedValue()
+                if isinstance(value, dict):
+                    value = LocalizedValue(value)
+                else:
+                    value = LocalizedValue()
 
             setattr(self, field.name, value)