Tips for Maintaining the Value of Your Precious Jewellery

Your jewellery represents more than precious metals and gemstones — it holds memories, meaning, and often significant financial value. Whether you’re caring for an engagement ring, inherited heirlooms, or a growing personal collection, proper care is essential to ensure your pieces last for generations and retain their value.

Here are five practical and effective ways to maintain the value of your precious jewellery:

1. Store and Clean Your Jewellery Properly

Jewellery can easily be scratched, tarnished, or damaged if not stored correctly. To protect each piece:

•Store items separately in soft-lined boxes or pouches to prevent scratching.

•Avoid leaving jewellery on countertops or ledges where it can be knocked off and damaged.

•Remove jewellery before swimming, showering, exercising, gardening, or applying lotions and perfume.

•Clean pieces regularly using appropriate techniques:

•Warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush for most jewellery

•Professional cleaning for antique or fragile items

Proper care maintains shine, prevents wear, and keeps gemstones secure in their settings — all of which help preserve long-term value.

2. Keep Your Appraisals Up to Date

Jewellery values can change dramatically due to fluctuations in the market, changing styles, or discovery of gem treatments. For insurance and resale purposes, a current appraisal is crucial.

It’s recommended to:

•Update appraisals every 3–5 years, or sooner for high-value items

•Have new purchases appraised right away

•Reappraise inherited pieces

•Confirm that reports include photographs and full descriptions

An up-to-date appraisal ensures correct replacement value, avoids coverage gaps, and provides peace of mind.

3. Avoid Damage or Loss With Smart Habits

Many losses are preventable. The biggest risks to jewellery are everyday wear and accidental damage. A few small habits can make a big difference:

•Remove rings when washing dishes or cleaning

•Have settings checked regularly to ensure stones are secure

•Avoid harsh chemicals that can weaken metal or loosen gemstones

•Never store diamonds near softer stones — diamonds can scratch almost anything

Simple prevention steps not only preserve beauty but protect value for years to come.

4. Follow Insurance Best Practices

Insurance is one of the most important (and often overlooked) aspects of jewellery stewardship. Consider:

•Scheduling individual items on your homeowner’s or tenant’s policy

•Asking your broker about full replacement vs. actual cash value

•Understanding coverage limits for theft or mysterious disappearance

•Confirming that your insurance company accepts professional appraisal documents

When something goes wrong — and in jewellery, it sometimes does — proper insurance ensures you’re financially protected.

5. Document Your Collection

Proper documentation protects value and simplifies insurance claims or estate planning. Build a clear record of your jewellery by:

•Keeping purchase receipts

•Saving diamond or gemstone grading reports

•Photographing each item clearly

•Storing appraisal documents safely (digital copies recommended)

For inherited or antique jewellery, notes about provenance — such as family history or original ownership — can add sentimental and even monetary value.

Final Thoughts

Jewellery is meant to be enjoyed. With thoughtful care and professional support, you can preserve its beauty, value, and meaning for years to come.

CTA: Book your professional jewellery appraisal today , with a certified Proffesional Appraiser, to ensure your treasured pieces are correctly valued and protected.