The 21st of June is just a week away, and with temperatures soaring, summer is close enough to touch! Here at NYC Wholesale Diamonds our president Keith Saxe has been helping clients deal with issues that arise from not being prepared to care for their treasured jewelry for over a quarter century. Here is some extremely useful information that will help prevent any issues before they occur.
Weekend getaways, jaunts to the beach, and full-fledged vacations are perks that pretty much come with the territory during the summer months, so it’s no wonder that summer fashion tips such as what to wear, what to pack, what to buy—are at the forefront of our minds right now.
One thing, though, that’s not quite as readily on our radar is the idea of jewelry, and how the summer months might affect our pieces. Namely, how we can protect our beloved rings, jewelry, necklaces, and earrings from the season’s elements, and how we can keep them secure while jetting off somewhere sun-filled.
Our jewelry can take a serious bruising when exposed to summer activities such as lounging in the sand, applying suntan lotion, and traveling. Whether your summer plans include a weekend trip or a week abroad. Here are some helpful hints to keep in mind while you enjoy the beauty of summer:
1. Sunbathe without your Gems
Sunscreen can coat gemstones, which reduces refractive and reflective light. Essentially, this means your stones won’t be as brilliant or bling-y. To avoid this, leave your fine pieces at home if you’re heading to the beach or the pool for the day, and be sure clean them regularly all summer. Check NYC Diamond Blog’s post for tips on regular Diamond Jewelry maintenance.
2. Organization is key when traveling.
When jumbled together, your jewelry doesn’t always get along. For example, a diamond can scratch a pearl, and a bracelet can get caught on a necklace, so always pack pieces in individual soft cloth pouches or lined jewelry boxes to prevent scratching, dulling, and the dreaded tangling of chains.
3. Keep it safe.
When selecting a hotel, be sure that safe deposit boxes are available. Never leave fine jewelry unattended in a hotel room, a rental car, or on a lounge chair—even if you’re just popping over to the bar for a mojito.
4. Shopping for something new? Do your research.
Oftentimes, vacation destinations are also prime shopping destinations, so if you get the urge to commemorate your trip with a new fine jewelry purchase make sure you’re buying from a jeweler that’s been in business for several years. When in doubt, check a retailer’s reputation and rating with the Better Business Bureau and ask for an appraisal. The appraisal should always have the store’s letterhead, and a clear signature of a member of store management.
5. Before you go away, be sure your jewelry is adequately insured.
If you decide to bring an especially valuable piece on vacation—perhaps your engagement ring, a pricey watch, or a family heirloom—always be sure it is fully insured. Always obtain insurance through your homeowners or renters policy, it is safe and more affordable than you would imagine.
A unique, personal jeweler who works nationwide, Keith Saxe is GIA and FIT trained and has been a trusted high end diamond jewelry specialist for 29 years. He is the founder and president of NYC Wholesale Diamonds located at 47 West 47th Street, Suite 3A, in the New York City Diamond District. His website is www.NYCWD.com and he authors a blog at www.NYCDiamondBlog.com. Keith has recently been named to The Diamond Council of America, is a member of the Jewelers Board of Trade, and Jewelers of America. He offers GIA Certified Ideal Cut Diamonds, and state of the art fine jewelry designs at low wholesale prices. Keith has been named the N.Y. Diamond District’s Favorite Jeweler by the N.Y. Post’s Savvy Shopper column, had his diamond education articles published, been recommended in the New York Times, national gift reporter Robyn Spizman’s ‘Perfect Present Guide’ and ‘The GIFTionary’, as well as having his Diamond Halo Engagement Ring design featured on ‘The Knot.’’