Jewelry means more than just something shiny we wear. It could be your wedding ring, a gift from someone special, or a piece you saved up for. These things are valuable not just because of their price, but because of the memories attached to them.
That’s why it’s important to take care of your jewelry, and one of the best ways to do that is by getting it inspected by a professional jeweler from time to time.
But how often should you do that? And why is it needed if the piece still looks fine? Let’s talk about it in simple terms.
Why Should You Get Jewelry Checked?
Jewelry can get damaged without you noticing. Tiny things like:
- Stones getting loose
- Prongs bending
- Clasps getting weak
- Chains wearing out
You might not see these problems right away, but they can lead to bigger issues — like a diamond falling out or a chain breaking while you’re wearing it.
A professional jeweler knows what to look for and can fix small things before they become costly repairs.
How Often Should You Go?
In general, it’s a good idea to get your jewelry checked once or twice a year
But how often depends on a few things:
- If you wear it daily, like a wedding ring – check it every 6 months.
- If you wear it only on special occasions – once a year should be fine.
- If you do a lot of hands-on work or physical activities – more frequent checks are better.
Think of it like a car service. Even if it’s running fine, you still take it in for a regular check to avoid bigger problems later.
What Happens During a Jewelry Inspection?
When you bring your jewelry in for a check-up, the jeweler will:
- Clean the piece gently
- Look for loose stones
- Check if the prongs (that hold the stones) are strong
- Make sure the clasp and links are not worn out
It usually takes just a few minutes, and many shops do it for free or for a small fee.
A Quick Example from My Shop in Tracy
At my shop in Tracy, California, people often bring in rings for cleaning, and we spot things like loose diamonds or damaged settings. Most of the time, they had no idea anything was wrong — the piece looked perfectly fine from the outside.
That’s why I always tell people: Don’t wait until you see a problem. Catching it early means you can fix it quickly and avoid spending more later.
If you’re around Tracy, you can always walk into a local jewelry shop (like mine) and ask for a quick check-up. It’s a simple way to keep your jewelry safe.
Can You Check It Yourself?
You can do a basic check at home:
- Gently clean your piece with warm water and a soft brush
- Look closely for any bent parts or stones that seem loose
- Listen for any rattling when you shake the piece lightly
But keep in mind — some problems are really hard to see without special tools. That’s where a professional can help.
If you want to learn how to clean jewelry at home safely, this guide from Jewelers of America is really helpful.
When Should You Get It Checked Immediately?
Besides regular checks, here are signs that you should take your jewelry in right away:
- A stone looks loose or wobbly
- You feel the chain getting thinner or weak
- The clasp doesn’t close properly
- You accidentally dropped or hit the piece
Don’t wait in these cases. A quick fix can save your jewelry from getting damaged further.
Final Thoughts
Jewelry inspections might sound like a small thing, but they make a big difference. Just like you go to the doctor for check-ups, your jewelry needs care too.
Try to get your important pieces checked every 6 to 12 months. It’s quick, affordable, and can help keep your jewelry in great shape for years to come.
And if you’re ever in the California and want your jewelry looked at, feel free to stop by a local shop that offers on-site inspections and jewelry repair in Turlock — it could save your favorite ring or necklace from unexpected damage.
Want more info on jewelry care? This GIA guide is easy to understand and covers the basics well.