Insurance for your Fine Jewelry is one of the best ways to help protect your fine jewelry in the event of a loss, but there are several preventative and maintenance steps you can take to properly care for your collection:
- Keep jewelry collections out of direct sunlight. Ultraviolet light will cause severe and often irreversible damage to jewelry. Shut all lights when the room is not being used and keep curtains or shades drawn. In rooms containing many fine jewelry items, consider installing UV filtering film on windows.
- Never hang jewelry over a fireplace. Heat, smoke and ash can easily ruin jewelrywork.
- Install smoke detectors, not heat detectors, in rooms with precious objects. A heat detector will provide little protection against soot or smoke damage. Install smoke detectors within 100 feet of the objects you wish to protect.
- Do not store fine jewelry or carpets in basements or attics. These parts of the home are susceptible to dramatic temperature changes, flooding and leaks. If possible, create an “jewelry closet,” with horizontal racks and a locked door. Wrap all fine items in archival materials in a vertical position.
- Hire a professional and recommended jewelry hanger. Objects must be hung correctly to ensure support and reduce the chance of falling. A professional jewelry hanger is more likely to use the proper hardware and structural supports than a general contractor.
- Keep your home at a constant temperature of approximately 75oF and 55% relative humidity. Since home thermostats are imprecise, install a compact digital thermohygrometer to monitor humidity and temperature.
- Install water alert sensors in areas of your home susceptible to water damage. These areas include above ceiling trays, underneath washers and dryers and radiators.
This information is advisory in nature. No liability is assumed by reason of the information in this document.