If you're like most people, you probably have a few pieces of jewelry that are very important to you. You may keep them safe at home or wear them on vacation whilst shopping in Vienna. Whether it's an engagement ring, a family heirloom, or simply a cherished piece that you wear every day, you'll want to do everything possible to protect it from loss, theft, or damage. In this article, we'll discuss some tips on how to keep your jewelry safe and secure.
Let a professional regularly see it
When you are not wearing your jewelry, it is important to have a professional inspect it at least once a year. A jeweler will be able to check for any damage or wear and tear that may have occurred. They can also tighten any loose stones or links and make sure your piece is still in good condition. They may also be able to offer advice on how to protect your jewelry against future damage.
Besides inspecting and cleaning your beloved items, a jeweler can also tell you how much they are worth. This is especially important in relation to taking out insurance (which we will discuss shortly). A qualified professional can supply a jewelry appraisal, whether it's an item passed down from your grandmother or a 25th-anniversary gift. You can often contact these professionals online to request an appraisal or to receive their newsletters or to receive help with things like ring sizing, engraving and watch repairs.
Get it insured
Most insurance policies will cover you for up to a certain amount, so be sure to read the fine print before purchasing. The appraisal value you received from your jeweler will help you to obtain the correct cover. If you don't currently have insurance, now might be a good time to look into it - it could save you a lot of money in the long run if something happens to your jewelry.
There are several different places you can go to get your jewelry insured. Your home insurance company will be able to offer you a policy, or you could take out a contract with a specialist insurance company. You could also speak to your local jeweler about getting insurance through them. It may be that they have an arrangement with an insurance company that offers preferential rates for their customers.
Be careful where you wear it
Don't wear jewelry if you are going to be doing something active that could damage or lose it. For example, don't go running with your diamond necklace on. The jostling and movement could easily cause the necklace to come loose from your neck and be lost forever. If you are swimming, take your items off and put them in a safe place. The chlorine and other chemicals in the pool can be really damaging to jewelry. If you are getting changed, make sure that your rings and necklaces are put away safely before you start undressing.
If you are going out for a night on the town or for a day in a busy city, make sure that you leave your more expensive pieces at home. There is a higher risk of theft when there is a lot of people around and it will be harder to keep an eye on your precious possessions. On those days, opt for pieces that are less flashy and easier to keep track of. Be sure to take your jewelry off before you go to bed. This will help protect it from getting damaged if you happen to roll over on it in your sleep.
Take photos of your jewelry and make a list
Regularly take photos of your precious possessions, as this will help you prove ownership in the event that something happens to them. Always capture photos of all sides of each piece of jewelry, as well as any gemstones or diamonds. You should also include pictures of the item's location - for example, if it's stored in a safe deposit box or at home. If you ever have to make an insurance claim, these photos will be invaluable in getting your jewelry replaced.
Another important thing to do is to make a list of every piece you own and where it is located. This will serve a similar purpose to the photos and help speed up any insurance claim.
Take precautions when traveling
If you don't take your precious items with you, they won't get damaged or go missing on vacation. If you are traveling with expensive pieces, it may be a good idea to bring them with you on the plane rather than checking them in baggage. Stay conscious of your surroundings and keep a watchful eye on your belongings at all times.
If you are going out for the evening, leave your jewelry at the hotel. Ask them to put the items in their safe, but if they don't have one you'll need to keep it in a locked suitcase or bag. Whilst a burglar could easily carry these away, it's still better than leaving them exposed where cleaners or other hotel staff could be tempted.
Keep it in a safe place
When you aren't wearing your jewelry, be sure to keep it somewhere secure. This could be in a locked drawer or cabinet or inside of a safe. If you have any expensive pieces, it might be worth investing in a home safe specifically for it. That way, you know that it will be well protected from theft, fire, water or other damage. Many banks offer safe-deposit boxes where you can store your belongings securely. This is a great option if you want to keep your jewelry protected (especially if it is highly valuable) but don't have the space to store it yourself.
As you can see, there are many things you can do to steward your items of jewelry. By being wise at all times, it can remain in good condition and receive maximum protection. In turn, it will continue to delight others when you wear it, and may increase in value over time.
Fraquoh and Franchomme
Further reading:
For the Ladies: How to Build Up Your Jewelry Collection Everyday Jewelry vs. Special Occasion Diamond Jewelry for Men: Styling Tips You Can ApplyP.S. How do you protect your jewelry? Do you have pieces that are insured? Do you have a list of your items? Share your feedback, questions or thoughts in the comments below! For more articles on style, fashion tips and cultural insights, you can subscribe to Attire Club via e-mail or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!
