Tips

Protect yourself and your jewelry any place you go to.

In Hotels

Place all valuables in a hotel safe, while in the room. If you leave, you must secure valuables in the hotel’s vault.
Keep your room neat so you will be able to tell if there has been a disturbance.

While Out

When going somewhere alone or with someone new, let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back.
Stick to walking in well lit and populated areas.
Always walk with confidence, and scan your environment.
If you see someone acting suspiciously, look at them, and make eye contact so they know that you have seen them and can give a description if necessary.
When wearing headphones, or bluetooth, keep the volume low enough so you can hear outside noises.
When walking to your car, have your keys in your hand. If someone does approach you, press the panic button.
Look for suspicious behavior:
- Anyone running away from something.
- Someone going door-to-door.
- Anyone forcibly entering any locked vehicle or room.
- Any business transactions at a vehicle.
- Any unusual mental or physical symptoms someone displays.

At Home

Make sure all of your windows and doors have reliable locks on them and keep them locked when you are not at home.
Get to know your neighbors and keep their numbers handy in case of an emergency.
Consider a timer for your lights so it appears you are home.
Do not hide an extra set of keys outside of your house. Instead, leave a set with a trusted neighbor or friend.

The representations made here are for illustrative purposes only. Each situation is unique and should be evaluated on its own merit. You should contact a security professional for assistance in establishing procedures appropriate for your particular circumstances.

Storage

*The following storage tips are recommendations. Please check your personal insurance policy for proper storage instruction.

1. Choose a Jewelry Box With Sturdy Exterior and Soft Interior

The jewelry box should be able to defend against external pressure to prevent damage by the surrounding elements. The soft interior will prevent the item from being damaged and help it maintain its original luster. A soft fabric pouch may be used for travel if there is not enough space to pack a box with a hard exterior.

2. Use Zip-Lock Bags for Storage

Perfect for traveling with jewelry. Zip-lock bags are useful for storing jewelry and keeping jewelry from damage. Zip-lock bags fold easily and can be placed easily between clothing items to provide the softness necessary to keep necklaces from developing kinks and rings from being chipped.

3. Clean Jewelry After Each Use

Wipe jewelry with a soft cloth to remove dirt and sweat. Then, store the jewelry in a storage container of choice. Every four to six months, sterling silver jewelry should be cleaned with a silver glaze, but be careful to avoid getting this substance on the gemstones or pearls. Jeweler’s rouge should be used to clean gold jewelry.

4. Store Each Jewelry Type Individually

Storing all types of jewelry in one compartment increases the chance of entanglement, damage and scratches. When each type of jewelry has its own storage bag or compartment, the longevity of the fine jewelry increases, and jewelry maintains its original luster.

5. Take Extra Care When Storing Pearls

Pearls are fragile and soft. Nicks and scratches are common if the jewelry is not stored properly. The storage units must be extra soft on the interior to prevent damage to pearls.

6. Give Silver Jewelry Extra Care

Silver jewelry often develops a tarnished appearance and may require frequent cleaning. Jewelry can be stored in a tarnish-resistant cloth to protect the appearance and shine.

7. Store Jewelry in a Dry Place

Humidity can damage jewelry. Fine jewelry should be stored in a dry place at all times.

8. Store Necklaces Hanging

Hanging necklaces prevents kinking. In a drawer, necklaces have a tendency to get tangled and lose luster. A jewelry box or a hook in a secure location may be recommended for storing fine jewelry.

9. Keep Jewelry From Excessive Heat

In general, jewelry should be stored at room temperature placed away from direct sunlight during storage. Sunlight will increase the temperature of the jewelry and cause damage over time. Some metals and gemstones may even change colors or become lighter as a result of excessive heat.

10. Store Jewelry Securely During Travel

Jewelry should be stored in a safe or secure place during travel. Do not allow jewelry to remain in the luggage. If jewelry is left in a car or hotel during travel, it is more likely to be stolen. If there is no secure place to store jewelry, it should be worn. Lock up jewels in a safe in the room or at the front desk of the hotel. Check your policy for coverage.

11. Lay Beaded Jewels Flat

Beaded jewels should be stored flat. This is especially important for any necklaces and bracelets with silk, nylon, and cotton strings holding the beads together. Soft pouches are recommended for this.

12. Do Not Store Different Kinds or Jewelry Together

Silver, gold, diamond, and pearl jewelry should not be stored in the same compartment. Storing different types of jewelry together increases the chances of damage occurring from rubbing against one another or being tarnished from silver. Instead, store jewelry in separate containers such as drawer organizers or Zip-lock bags. Individual jewelry holders are also recommended for keeping jewelry separated. These holders keep necklaces from tangling.

13. Use Anti-Tarnish Strips

Anti-tarnish strips should be used in all jewelry storage.

14. Never store a pearl necklace in a plastic bag; the silk thread and pearls need air. On the other hand, storing sterling silver in an airtight Ziploc bag will prevent it from tarnishing.

15. If jewelry is to be kept in an in-home safe, be sure to keep the safe in a basement, if available. If burglars cannot throw a safe out of a window, they are less likely to take it with them.

Conditions to Be Cautious of

Chemical Products: Avoid direct contact with chlorine, solvents, detergents, perfumes, cosmetic products, etc., as they may slowly damage many gemstones and metals.
Temperatures and/or Direct Sunlight: Avoid extreme temperatures or direct sunlight. Either of which will cause gemstones to fade.
Salt Water: Just like it is a good idea to rinse the body off after swimming in the ocean, jewelry should be rinsed after use as well.
Household Chores: Always remove rings before washing dishes, bathing, cleaning the house or gardening. Not only will the chemicals harm the rings, if a gemstone is lost in a drain or garden soil, it may never be recovered.

Cleaning and Care

Use a soft cloth to wipe off the dust, fingerprints, etc. to keep jewelry clean and dust free. For tarnish or to brighten up gold and other fine metals, use a Jeweler's polishing cloth to restore the original luster.