Appraisals, Insurance, & Jewelry Care

Fine jewelry is meant to be worn and loved- and properly protected. Here’s what you need to know.

Jewelry Care

Fine jewelry is designed to be worn and enjoyed for years to come. Because precious metals and gemstones naturally experience wear over time, a little routine care goes a long way toward keeping your jewelry beautiful and secure. Precious metals are naturally malleable and wear and change shape over time, while diamonds and other gemstones are not indestructible and can scratch and chip. 

We recommend removing your jewelry for sleeping, exercising, swimming, household cleaning, heavy lifting, and other activities that may expose it to impact, pressure, chemicals, or unnecessary wear. Avoid chlorine and harsh chemicals, which can damage precious metals, alloys, and gemstones.

For at-home cleaning, a professional-quality jewelry cleaner appropriate for your specific gemstones and a soft toothbrush can help keep your jewelry sparkling. We've had good experiences with Connoisseurs jewelry cleaning products, though there are many other reputable products. Always follow the cleaner’s instructions, as not every gemstone or metal should be cleaned the same way.

Most importantly, have frequently worn jewelry professionally inspected at least twice a year. Regular inspections can identify worn or loose prongs and other maintenance needs before they become larger problems, and they’re also a great opportunity for a professional cleaning.

If you’d like Avow to coordinate an inspection of your jewelry, please contact us before sending your piece. We’ll provide instructions for securely shipping your jewelry and can coordinate inspection, professional cleaning, and any recommended maintenance with one of our trusted jewelry professionals.

Think of it as routine maintenance for something you hope to wear for a lifetime.

Independent Appraisals

An independent professional appraisal is included with jewelry purchases of $5,000 or more.

For purchases under $5,000, an independent appraisal can be added for $195.

Your appraisal documents your finished jewelry and its value, making it easier to obtain appropriate jewelry insurance.

Insure Your Jewelry

We strongly recommend insuring valuable fine jewelry as soon as you receive it.

Jewelry insurance can protect you against things like loss, theft, accidental damage, and lost or damaged stones, depending on your policy.

Avow recommends exploring specialized jewelry insurance providers such as Jewelers Mutual. Some clients also choose to insure their jewelry through a homeowners or renters insurance policy. Whichever option you choose, be sure to review the specific coverage, limits, deductibles, and exclusions of your policy.

Does your jewelry need attention? Contact Avow.

Fine jewelry needs care over its lifetime. Prongs wear, rings can bend, chains can break, and accidents happen.

If your Avow jewelry ever needs attention, start with us. We can evaluate the piece and help coordinate appropriate maintenance or repair with one of our trusted jewelry professionals.

Repair and maintenance costs are handled on a case-by-case basis. If we believe there may be an issue with the original craftsmanship of your Avow piece, we’ll evaluate that individually.

At this time, Avow’s repair and maintenance services are reserved for jewelry purchased from Avow Designs.

Sending Jewelry Back to Avow

Please contact us before shipping any jewelry for inspection or service. We’ll provide instructions for securely and appropriately shipping your piece.

Questions?
ashlen@avowdesigns.com

Looking for more information?
Read our Detailed Jewelry Care Guidelines & Care and Service Terms →