Protecting and Caring for Your Wedding and Engagement Rings Getting to Know Your Jeweler
For centuries, special occasions have been marked with the gift of jewelry. Keepsake pieces like engagement and wedding rings, strings of pearls, and diamond earrings are distinctive items in a woman’s collection that tell the stories of love, friendship, and life’s precious celebrations. Because jewelry is such a personal item, it is important to establish a solid relationship with your jeweler.
Shop only in stores where the staff makes you feel welcome and comfortable. Jewelry is an important purchase. Buy from jewelers that truly appreciate your business and offer sound guidance will help you find that perfect piece.
Ask questions. Knowledgeable jewelers will be happy and able to explain the myriad of differences in gemstones, precious metals, and the intricacies of quality jewelry. Be sure that your jeweler asks you questions to assist you in making the right choices.
A trusted jeweler will be glad to work within your budget parameters, while offering you top quality within your price range. A jeweler that knows you will understand what sparks your interest, and he or she can then make suitable suggestions based on the occasion for which or for whom you are shopping. Your jeweler will know the history of your jewelry if repairs or replacement become necessary or should you wish to add to a matching set such as earrings, a necklace, or a bracelet.
Caring for Your Wedding Ring
Engagement and wedding rings are more than a piece of jewelry. They are symbols of love and commitment. With proper care and attention, your rings will stand the test of time.
Store your engagement and wedding rings apart from other jewelry. Diamonds can scratch precious metals and soft gemstones like emeralds, rubies, and sapphires.
Although diamonds are the earth’s toughest mineral, they are also susceptible to damage. When playing sports, using hand tools, or in situations where you might hit your rings against rough exteriors, be aware of your rings. On a regular basis, clean your jewelry using a soft brush, mild liquid detergent and warm water. Lotion, soap, and oils quickly coat gemstones producing a dull appearance. Use a special polishing cloth for cleaning hi-karat gold and sterling silver. Paper towels or tissues can scratch the metal. Ultrasonic cleaners work well on those rings without gemstones.
Many jewelers offer free cleaning services and will at the same time check your ring’s setting to ensure that gemstones and prongs are secure.
Insuring Your Wedding Ring
Engagement and wedding rings are often the most priceless and expensive pieces of jewelry in a person’s collection. Protect these assets by insuring them in the unfortunate event of loss, theft, or damage. Even though some compensation may be provided under your renter’s or homeowner’s insurance policy, your ring’s full value may indeed exceed the policy’s limit. Follow these guidelines to ensure that your most precious pieces of jewelry are protected.
Have your rings appraised by an independent certified appraiser. The American Gem Society, for example, provides referrals for “certified gemologist appraisers” who are credentialed in advanced studies in appraisal methodologies. Consider having your appraisal updated every few years.
In researching insurance policies, find out if the policy has a deductible and if your rings are covered no matter where the loss or damage occurs. Some policies may only cover claims for incidents in the United States. Ask your insurance agent if the policy is “all risk” meaning, will it cover loss, theft, or damage and will it cover repairs to damaged gemstones?
Find out if and how the policy covers irreplaceable jewelry such as family heirloom rings or custom-designed wedding bands.
Photograph your rings. Such documentation and the testimony of your jeweler will be helpful in prove what your rings looked like and their worth.
