Your jewelry deserves thoughtful care to preserve its beauty and ensure it lasts for generations. Following these simple guidelines will help you enjoy your precious pieces for years to come.

Protecting your jewelry starts with knowing when to take it off. The most common situations that can damage or destroy your pieces include:

1. Before swimming: Cold water causes fingers to shrink (making rings slip off), while chlorine eats away at precious metals and can crack prongs
2. During house cleaning: Bleach and household chemicals cause discoloration and structural damage to metals and gemstones
3. At the gym: Weights and equipment can scratch rings, while changing circulation makes them fit poorly
4. For home improvement projects: Tools, paint, and building materials can damage settings and be difficult to remove
5. When caring for small children: Little hands love to grab sparkly, dangling pieces
6. During sleep: High-set rings and delicate chains can catch on bedding

For a complete guide on protecting your jewelry from these common hazards, read our detailed article on when to remove your jewelry.

How you store your jewelry significantly impacts its condition:

1. Separate storage: Keep pieces in individual pouches or compartments to prevent harder gemstones (like diamonds) from scratching softer metals or stones
2. Silver-specific care: Store sterling silver jewelry in airtight containers or ziplock bags to slow tarnish development
3. Travel protection: When traveling or on-the-go, use a secure jewelry pouch like our Logo Double Pocket Jewelry Pouch to keep pieces safe and organized

For comprehensive guidance on jewelry storage solutions and techniques, read our detailed article on how to store your jewelry.

Regular maintenance keeps your jewelry looking its best and helps prevent costly repairs:

1. Annual professional cleaning: Have your pieces professionally cleaned once a year to maintain their brilliance
2. Regular inspections: Check your jewelry frequently for loose stones, worn prongs, or other signs of wear
3. Professional repairs: Always consult a qualified jeweler for repairs, refinishing, or resizing to avoid damage
4. Insurance protection: Protect your investment by adding jewelry coverage to your insurance policy. For detailed guidance on insuring your fine jewelry, including coverage options and valuation tips, read our comprehensive guide to jewelry insurance

Gold, Palladium, and Platinum Jewelry

For routine cleaning of precious metal jewelry:

1. Prepare cleaning solution: Mix warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap (Dawn or Joy work well), or use our specially formulated Foaming Jewelry Cleaner for optimal results
2. Gentle cleaning: Use a soft-bristled brush (like a clean toothbrush) to gently clean around stones and detailed areas
3. Rinse thoroughly: Use clean, warm water to remove all soap residue
4. Dry completely: Pat dry with a soft cloth and allow to air dry completely before storing

Important reminders:

1. Never soak jewelry for extended periods
2. Avoid harsh detergents, chemicals, or abrasive cleaners
3. Take extra care around gemstones, which may have different cleaning requirements

Sterling Silver Jewelry

Basic cleaning: Follow the same gentle cleaning method described above for precious metals.

Tarnish removal: The approach depends on your piece's finish and any gemstones it contains. For detailed instructions and video demonstrations on safely removing tarnish at home, see our guide on how to remove tarnish from sterling silver jewelry.

Polishing: Use our Silver Cleaning Cloth for gentle polishing, but avoid using polishing cloths on textured or oxidized surfaces as they can remove intentional finishes.

Important: Never use chemical tarnish removers on jewelry containing gemstones, as they can damage stones.

For pieces that need deeper cleaning, tarnish removal, or refinishing (such as restoring polished, oxidized, or matte finishes), we offer professional restoration services for jewelry we have created for a $10 fee plus applicable shipping costs.

To use our cleaning services:

1. Contact us for a repair authorization number
2. We'll provide detailed shipping instructions
3. Your Corey Egan jewelry will be professionally restored and returned to you

Please note: We only provide professional cleaning services for jewelry pieces we have created.

Why Insurance Matters

Fine jewelry represents a significant investment, both financially and emotionally. Insurance protects you from loss, theft, or damage, giving you peace of mind to wear and enjoy your pieces every day without worry.

Understanding Your Coverage

Here's something important to know: Most standard homeowners and renters insurance policies have coverage limits for jewelry that may be lower than you expect—often capping at $1,000–$2,500 total, with per-item limits that can be even lower.

If your piece is worth more than these typical limits, you'll likely need additional coverage to fully protect your investment.

How to Properly Insure Your Jewelry

The solution is "scheduling" your jewelry: This means listing valuable pieces individually on your policy so they're insured for their actual value, not just the standard coverage limit.

Two common options:

1. Jewelers Mutual: A company specializing in jewelry insurance
2. Personal Property Endorsement: Add a "floater" or endorsement to your existing homeowners or renters policy

Contact your insurance agent to discuss which option works best for your situation and what types of coverage are available (theft, loss, damage, etc.).

What We Provide to Help

Your invoice includes complete documentation: Every purchase comes with detailed information about your piece—metal type, gemstone specifications, and purchase price—which is typically all your insurance company needs to get started.

Professional photography: High-resolution images of your piece are available upon request for your insurance records.

Appraisal facilitation: Some insurance companies require a formal third-party appraisal for high-value items. If you need one, I'm happy to connect you with trusted, certified gemologists in the Bay Area.

Taking Action

I recommend contacting your insurance provider within the first week of receiving your piece. Ask specifically about "scheduling" your jewelry and what documentation they need. The process is typically straightforward, and coverage is often more affordable than you'd expect.

Keep a copy of your updated policy documentation in a safe place, and let me know if you need any additional information from me to complete the process.

Our Commitment to You

I stand behind every piece I create. Your jewelry was made with my own hands in my Berkeley studio, and I'm here to support you throughout its lifetime.

Complimentary Repairs (First Year)

Within the first year of purchase, I'll repair normal wear and tear at no charge. This includes:

• Tightening loose stones
• Repairing worn prongs
• Fixing clasps or closures
• Addressing any manufacturing defects

After the first year, small repair fees may apply, assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Ring Resizing

One complimentary resizing included: Every ring purchase includes one free resizing within 3 months of purchase. You cover shipping costs both ways.

Important exceptions: Eternity bands and diamond bands cannot be resized due to their construction. Please ensure correct sizing before ordering these styles.

How sizing works:

• Bay Area clients: Schedule an appointment at our Berkeley studio for professional sizing
• All others: Visit a local jeweler for sizing, or contact us to order a complimentary ring sizer

How to Request Service

Contact us with details about your piece and the service needed. We'll provide:

• A quote for any applicable fees
• A repair authorization number
• Detailed shipping instructions
• Timeline for completion

All work is done personally in our Berkeley studio with the same care and attention as when your piece was first created.

We love to share what we know about jewelry care! You'll find more helpful articles and videos on our jewelry care blog, covering everything from specific cleaning techniques to storage solutions.

Your treasured pieces are meant to be worn and enjoyed—proper care simply ensures they'll continue bringing you joy for many years to come.

I made your piece with my own hands, and I'm here to support you. Whether you have questions about care, insurance, repairs, or anything else—reach out anytime.

Corey Egan

shop@coreyegan.com

415-894-2832