How to Insure Your Jewelry Collection

If you are the proud owner of a significant jewelry collection, it may be a wise idea to insure your valuables. Like any other item within your household, it is important that your jewelry be covered in the case of theft, loss or other misfortune. Although no amount of money can replace your prized collection, it can help you to rebuild it.

First and foremost, insuring your jewelry collection involves talking to the provider of your home's insurance policy. In most cases, this would be your local insurance agent. It's important to find out whether or not jewelry is covered under your current policy and, if it isn't, how to best go about getting the proper coverage for your collection. In some cases, you may be required to purchase a rider policy especially for your jewelry.

As you already know, having an established value is important when it comes to purchasing insurance coverage. When it comes to jewelry, you may wish to consult with a professional jewelry appraiser, especially if your collection is of significant value. With a written appraisal, you will be able to prove the worth of your valuables. In addition, you may need to photograph and/or video your entire collection. If possible, make sure that the date stamp is imprinted on the photo(s) or displayed on the video. This will help to prove the authenticity of the images if necessary in the future. As a final step to documenting your collection, you can take a written inventory of each piece, including a detailed description and value.

Once you have all of the necessary paperwork and information gathered, it's important to store the appraisal, your insurance policy and any written, photographed or video documentation relating to your collection, in a safe place. Every individual family has a preference when it comes to where to store their important paperwork. Whether it be inside of your home in a lockbox or in a safety deposit box at your local bank, it's wise to keep this information in a place that you know it will be safe and easily accessible by you or your family.

In case you are wondering why this type of coverage is important, it's worth nothing that the price of precious metal is significantly on the rise and has been so for some time now. With no immediate turn in sight, experts predict that the value of precious metal will continue to grow. Many of us hear that gold is rising in price, but you may not realize that sterling silver is also increasing in value.

While this may seem like a lot of work now, it will prove to be worthwhile in the event of an unforeseen occurrence that may result in the loss of your collection. Just as you would insure anything of value, it's important to make sure that your jewelry is covered. Instead of assuming that your collection is protected under your current policy, it's important to confirm this by either reviewing a copy of your policy or by speaking with your local insurance agent. While hopefully you will never need to enforce the coverage, it will provide you with great peace of mind just in knowing that it is there.

Source: http://www.classicarticles.com/Article/How-to-Insure-Your-Jewelry-Collection/46309
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How to Build a Beautiful Jewelry Collection on a Budget

If you love jewelry but often find that the increasing price is just too much for your wallet to handle, you may feel as though a glamorous collection is out of reach. Luckily, sterling silver is one precious metal that remains affordable and accessible for many jewelry lovers. When combined with the beauty of cubic zirconia, the world of jewelry looks a lot 'brighter' for many who desire the elegance and sophistication that few other accessories could offer.

Before you make a purchase, shop around and compare prices. You will likely find a significant difference in the prices offered by your local jeweler versus an online retailer. Why? Due to the volume of business that an online retailer can achieve, they are often able to offer competitive prices and a wider selection than some jewelers.

Once you've chosen a jewelry retailer to shop with, check out their clearance or sale items and always use any available coupons to help with the total cost of your purchase. Believe it or not, many retailers offer discounts to first-time customers simply to allow buyers to try their products at a discounted price. Depending on the business, shoppers may be given a coupon simply for signing up with the company's newsletter or as a welcome after they register as a new customer. Either way, coupons are a great way to save some additional money and still get a fabulous look.

Speaking of saving money, you can actually earn money if you make a purchase with a credit card that offers a cashback bonus and/or reward program. Many, if not most, online retailers accept all major credit cards, which makes shopping online a fun and easy way to get a great deal and also earn a few 'rewards' in the process.

In addition to finding a terrific deal by shopping for items on sale and saving a little money by using coupons, some retailers offer shipping discounts on multiple purchases. This method can save you considerably, especially if you can buy all of your jewelry favorites at one time in order to get the absolute best deal on shipping and handling charges. For more information, check out the online retailer's policy on shipping fees.

As mentioned earlier, sterling silver and cubic zirconia have proven to be a winning combination for those who desire the look of a rich jewelry collection but may not have either the budget or the desire to spend a fortune on accessories. Because cubic zirconia can be clear or treated to mimic nearly every color of the rainbow, you can find a variety of colors that's sure to coordinate with all of your clothing separates. With such a large selection of designs at affordable prices, it's not difficult to see why cubic zirconia jewelry continues to grow in popularity.

In conclusion, it's easy to build a beautiful jewelry collection without spending a fortune. When you shop smart, you are sure to find a 'bright' pick in sterling silver and cubic zirconia jewelry. From earrings to rings and necklaces to bracelets, there are designs to suit every style and wallet.

Source: http://www.classicarticles.com/Article/How-to-Build-a-Beautiful-Jewelry-Collection-on-a-Budget/42841
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Tips to Caring for Your Sterling Silver & Cubic Zirconia Jewelry

As women, we love our jewelry. We admire it. We wear it, and we always want it to look as terrific as the day we first bought it. Every type of jewelry, including gold and gemstones, needs to be cared for properly if it is to last a lifetime and sterling silver is no different. Also a precious metal, sterling silver is both durable and strong. When combined with the strength of cubic zirconia, jewelry lovers have one sparkling duo that is sure to last for years to come.

Tip # 1: Always put your jewelry on last.

When you're getting ready for work, school or just running daily errands, it's a good idea to put your jewelry on last. Why? Products such as perfume, hand lotion and even hair spray can cause residue to build up on your jewelry, especially rings, and can make it more challenging to clean. In addition, hand lotion can cause your gemstones to look cloudy, so make sure that it's dry before handling your jewelry and/or putting on your rings.

Tip # 2: Store your jewelry in small bags with a zip closure.

Sterling silver, over time, will tarnish. However, it's worth noting that gold can also become dull and require a quick polish, so the fact that sterling silver too will need polishing is no reason to shy away from it. One way to preserve the beauty of your sterling silver jewelry is by polishing it after each wear and placing it in a zip-loc jewelry bag. These small bags are available in all sizes, and can be found in 1" x 1" measurements and larger depending on your needs. When you're ready to enjoy your jewelry again, simply remove it from the bag and it's ready to wear.

Tip # 3: Keep your sterling silver and cubic zirconia jewelry out of direct light.

If possible, store your jewelry in the gift box that accompanied your purchase. You may be able to slow the tarnishing process by keeping your jewelry out of direct natural and/or indoor light.

Tip # 4: Separate your jewelry to prevent scratching.

If you own jewelry that features high polishing and/or bold designs with surfaces that would show scratches easily, store them separate from other pieces. For instance, earring posts and ring settings could create a problem for neighboring jewelry pieces if they were to be stored loosely in a jewelry box. Instead, store your jewelry in a zip-loc bag and in its original gift box as noted above. Not only is this method of storage ideal for preventing tarnish, but it will also help to prevent contact and unnecessary scratching from other pieces.

Tip # 5: Clean your jewelry with care.

When choosing a cleaner for your jewelry, make sure that it's specifically made for your type of metal and/or gemstones. For instance, some cleaners and polishing cloths are created for sterling silver and others for gold. In addition, some cleaners are not recommended for certain gemstones, so always make sure to read the directions completely before using any product on your jewelry. If in doubt, use only a combination of mild soap and water to keep your jewelry sparkling.

The information contained in this article is designed to be used for reference purposes only. It should not be used as, in place of or in conjunction with professional advice on cleaning and/or caring for your jewelry.

Source: http://www.classicarticles.com/Article/Tips-to-Caring-for-Your-Sterling-Silver---Cubic-Zirconia-Jewelry/42842
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