When it comes to protecting and preserving your jewelry, a little preventive maintenance provided by the careful hands of a professional jeweler can go a long way. Think of a jewelry inspection like a routine teeth cleaning or an oil change for your vehicle. It’s an appointment that focuses on assessing the overall condition of your jewelry and giving it a “spruce up” if needed to help protect you from potential damage or loss.
If the concept of jewelry inspections is new to you – you’re not alone. In fact, a recent survey conducted by Jewelers Mutual found that 39% of self-purchasers have never gotten their jewelry professionally inspected. Unfortunately, skipping inspections can result in future losses or damage to your jewelry that could have been prevented. Let’s take a closer look at what a jewelry inspection entails and why it should be added to your jewelry care routine.
What is a jewelry inspection?
A jewelry inspection is a top-to-bottom visual examination of jewelry typically performed by an experienced jeweler. During an inspection, a jewelry expert will use high-tech magnification tools such as a loupe or microscope to examine your piece in detail. Here are just some of the things they may check for:
- Uneven wear patterns
- Loose, cracked or chipped stones
- Loose or cracked settings or mountings
- Bent, broken or worn-out prongs
- Scratches, cracks, chips, stressed or weak spots on the metal
- Weakened or broken clasps
- Thinning or cracked ring shanks
- Broken or bent chain links
- Kinked or knotted chains
- Broken earring backs or posts
- Discoloration and tarnishing
- Broken or stretched pearl strands
Once the inspection is complete, the jeweler will provide you with a summary of their findings along with any repair or restoration estimates. The cost and turnaround time for jewelry repairs depends on the nature of the damage and the jewelry store’s in-house capabilities. Certain complex repairs may require your piece to be sent out to a third-party or off-site repair shop.
A few notes on repair coverage:
- A manufacturer’s warranty typically covers the cost of repairing or replacing a piece of jewelry if it becomes damaged because of a manufacturing defect. It typically does not cover damage resulting from normal wear and tear (the natural and gradual deterioration of your jewelry over time due to everyday wear). Extended warranties, however, may offer more coverage.
- Homeowners insurance typically only covers damaged jewelry due to a covered peril, such as theft or fire, and only up to a certain amount.
- A standalone insurance policy, like one from Jewelers Mutual, provides repair or replacement coverage for accidental damage (i.e., you hit your ring on a countertop, and it cracks), theft, loss and disappearance.
If no issues are detected and your piece passes its jewelry inspection, it will then be cleaned. Your jeweler will choose a cleaning method that is safe and effective for your piece, considering its types of metal, stones and design. A gold, silver or platinum piece for example, may be cleaned using a professional-grade ultrasonic cleaner. If this sounds like some type of superhero cleaning machine, you’re not far off. It works by creating high-frequency, high-intensity sound waves in a liquid cleaning solution that lifts dirt, oil and grime off your jewelry. This is usually followed by a steam cleaning and buffing/polishing. Talk about a VIP spa treatment! You’ll be amazed at the glow-up on your jewelry after this kind of cleaning.
How often should you get your jewelry inspected?
Jewelers Mutual recommends professional inspections and cleanings twice a year for optimal care and maintenance. For high-end pieces worn regularly, such as an engagement ring, you may want to consider more frequent inspections, perhaps every three to four months. In between professional inspections and cleanings, keep your jewelry clean with our at-home cleaning and care tips (this guide is for engagement rings but can be used for all types of jewelry).
If you just bought your piece, make sure to check your warranty or service plan. Some jewelry stores require you to bring it in a certain number of times to keep the warranty up to date.
Four reasons to get your jewelry inspected
Whether it’s an engagement ring you wear every day or a statement or heirloom piece you break out for special occasions, it’s inevitable that your jewelry will exhibit some wear and tear, and even take a few knocks and dings throughout its lifetime. Professional inspections and cleanings can help to:
- Preserve its aesthetic beauty. Over time, jewelry can collect oils, dirt and environmental pollutants, diminishing its shine. Gemstones may lose their luster, metals can become scratched or tarnished, and the piece’s overall appearance can deteriorate. A jeweler’s trained eye (and state-of-the-art equipment!) can help you guard your jewelry against corrosion and tarnish, allowing for your jewelry to maintain its visual appeal and first-day sparkle.
- Detect early signs of damage. Issues like loose stones, weakened settings and worn-out components can be hard to detect on your own. A professional jeweler has the expertise and specialized equipment to identify potential problems and make prompt repairs, minimizing the risk of future damage or loss. Back to the oil change analogy; it’s much easier to replace oil every 5,000 miles than it is to replace the entire engine when it fails because you didn’t schedule the oil changes. This kind of proactive approach to jewelry care can help prolong the life of your most prized possessions – saving you money and heartbreak!
- Safeguard its value. Your jewelry is an asset that holds sentimental and monetary value. Professional inspections can authenticate gemstones, verify metal purity and make sure the piece is in good condition. In addition to getting inspections twice a year, we also strongly recommend getting an updated appraisal every two years.
- Give you peace of mind. While there are plenty of things you can do at home to maintain and clean your jewelry (check out the cleaning section of our blog for tips), there’s no substitute for periodic check-ups with a professional jeweler. Whether your jewelry is being inspected, cleaned or repaired, you can rest easy knowing your most-loved pieces are in expert hands. Besides, jewelers are a great resource for jewelry care tips and maintenance advice. Take advantage of their expertise to find out what kind of TLC your piece needs.
Now that you understand the importance of professional jewelry inspections, there’s just one more thing left to do – schedule your appointment for one! Your jewelry will thank you for it. And for extra assurance, consider getting your beloved pieces insured with a reputable jewelry insurer like Jewelers Mutual. It’s an affordable option that covers damage, loss, theft, and disappearance. As a repair or replacement policy, Jewelers Mutual works with your preferred jeweler to make sure your piece is repaired or replaced with a piece that’s of the same kind and quality as the original. Check your rate using the button below!
