Jewellery is an expensive purchase.
Family heirlooms passed down through generations are windows into the lives of ancestors. Imagine the world they experienced whilst wearing the same piece as you now are!
So here are some tips for caring for your prized pieces:
Chemicals found in beauty products such as make up, soap, hairspray and moisturiser can cause dullness and decolourisation so be sure to remove earrings when having your hair styled and remove rings and bracelets for a manicure.
Naturally occurring oils from your skin can react with precious metals so remove pieces before going to the gym and avoid over handling.
Even contact with water can tarnish some pieces (particularly antiques) so never wear jewellery whilst showering or swimming.
If a piece has come into contact with a chemical, oil or water use a soft, dry towel to gently pat dry (depending on its fragility. Seek professional advice if in doubt). You may then wish to clean it.
We recommend to have your jewellery cleaned professionally once a year.
If self-cleaning, be sure to follow your jeweller’s advice and be cautious. Wash your hands first and use soft, gentle movements. If using a product such as silver-dip always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Jewellery can snag easily resulting in the loosening of catches which leads to the loss of stones. Be sure to dress fully before putting on jewellery.
If partaking in manual work (including housework) be sure to remove jewellery as knocks can chip stones, claps may get caught and the chemicals found in cleaning products can cause decolourisation.
It is important to ensure that your jewellery is insured for its full value.
At Ascend, we offer extended replacement cover which can insure you for more than your jewellery’s declared value. However, as this is designed for sudden and unexpected increases in value, it has to be pre-agreed and is usually subject to receipt of a valuation which is less than 3 years old.
Be sure to have a professional valuation regularly.
It is good practice to keep certificates, valuations and receipts stored in a safe place as these may be helpful in the event of a claim. It is also a good idea to keep a photograph of you wearing the jewellery as this may also be requested.
It is important to store jewellery appropriately. It may be a requirement of your insurance policy to keep jewellery in a safe whilst not being worn which is beneficial in two ways. Not only does it ensure the security of your items but it is a good environment for storing them in.
Jewellery should be kept out of direct sunlight and at a stable temperature out of the heat or cold. To absorb moisture from the air you can place silica gel sachets in the safe (not touching the jewellery).
It is best to keep pieces with their catches closed and in separate compartments lined with soft material to avoid tangling and scratching and to cover them to prevent the build up of dust.
If you have the original boxes and packaging you can use these for storage.
You may even wish to store jewellery in air-tight bags to stop oxidisation.
