Newtown Seniors Get Some Expert Advice On Protecting Their Heirloom Jewelry

By Nancy K. Crevier

Joe Brandt of J.L. Brandt Company jewelry advisory services was at the Newtown Senior Center on Thursday, June 22, to tell an audience of two dozen center members just how they can protect and care for their fine and heirloom gems, as well as offer advice on the selling and buying of jewelry.

A second-generation jewelry appraiser, Mr Brandt has been in the business since the 1960s. He has seen the mistakes that people make when it comes to owning precious stones.

“Most people don’t think about in-home security,” he said. You think you have it ‘hidden’ in a jewelry box or under that shirt in the top drawer. You couldn’t be more wrong.”

Most break-ins in the United States take on average three minutes, he told the crowd. “Thieves make a beeline for that jewelry box. It’s easy to carry, easy to fence. Then they take the drawer out, dump out everything onto your bed, strip the pillowcase off your pillow — it makes a nice carrying bag — put everything in it and they are gone,” said Mr Brandt. The chances of recovering stolen jewelry, according to Mr Brandt, are about one in 100.

“Hide your jewelry,” he advised. Good places to keep valuables include the medicine cabinet, an old suitcase in the closet, a built-in safe, or a hardcover book hollowed out to hold items. The hiding place must be easily accessible, though, he said, or the jewelry will never be worn.

“Make it hard for thieves to find things,” he urged the seniors.  Too good a hiding place can be a problem if no one else knows where it is, though, so Mr Brandt reminded the audience to disclose the hiding place to a trusted person, in case of emergency.

Even though a person may own only one piece of truly valuable jewelry, Mr Brandt noted that most people own enough jewelry of some worth that, when lost or stolen, can add up to a substantial sum. “Jewelry of value should be insured,” he said. The best and most economical method of insuring jewelry is through a rider linked to a homeowner or renters insurance policy.

Knowledge is power when it comes to insuring jewelry. Appraisals, which should be redone every few years, and bills of sale are important evidence of jewelry ownership, said Mr Brandt. The insurance company should have a copy of each of these items and pieces of substantial value should be listed as a line item in the insurance policy.

“The insurance company is not your friend,” he stressed. “If they can get out of paying you, believe me, they will.” Knowing if the insurance policy covers for partial or full loss is critical to know. For example, he explained, a diamond that falls out of its setting will not be replaced by an insurance policy that covers only complete loss.

As an appraiser and jeweler, Mr Brandt said he has seen many instances of family rifts over jewelry inheritances. “You never think about what happens to the jewelry when you die. Make your wishes known now, write it down. Learn if anyone in the family favors a particular piece,” he suggested, in order to preempt any posthumous disgruntlement. Better yet, asked Mr Brandt, why not distribute some of the jewelry now? “Do it without strings, and you can enjoy it now, even if you are not the one wearing it,” he said.

When finances get tight or a piece of jewelry is not worn because it does not fit or the style is no longer appealing, there is a temptation to sell pieces of jewelry. That is rarely a good idea, according to Mr Brandt. “You’re going to take a financial hit. Think about making something else out of the piece, or give it to family.”

If selling is a must, he advised caution when selling to someone unknown. “Don’t put your land phone number in the paper, and don’t have someone come to the house. Meet in a bank or somewhere with cameras,” said Mr Brandt. An auction house is an excellent choice for high-end pieces and many jewelry stores will buy jewelry. Again, he stressed, knowing the value of a piece is crucial to getting a fair price.

Buying an expensive piece of jewelry should also not be a rushed process, Mr Brandt told the crowd. “Know who you are buying from, and check them out with the Connecticut Better Business Bureau. Buying from an established jewelry store with knowledgeable staff is best, he said, and it is important to understand the exchange and return policies, as well as any guarantees.

Mr Brandt also offered tips on caring for jewelry at his afternoon talk. Jewelry must be cared for properly in order to retain its beauty and value, he said. While diamonds are thought of as the workhorses of the jewelry world, even they can be damaged if tossed in a box with other diamonds that can scratch and scar each other. When storing pieces of jewelry, make sure they are cushioned. Fine jewelry should be removed when doing “rough stuff” around the house and in the garden, and when applying lotion, rings should be removed. “Hand lotion on stones is like a dirt magnet,” he reminded the group.

Regular gentle cleaning of stones with mild soap, water, and an old toothbrush will keep stones sparkling and offers the opportunity to make sure that settings are secure. A solution of half sudsy ammonia and half water is fine for most gems, too, but bleach should never be used to clean any jewelry.

Mr Brandt offered special advice for caring for pearls. “Pearls are very soft and susceptible to perfumes and lotions,” he said. “Put pearls on last, and take them off first when wearing them.” He also recommended having pearls restrung every two years, to avoid a disastrous string break that can send the pearls hither and yon. “Wipe pearls clean with a soft, clean cloth after each use,” said Mr Brandt, and do not put pearls, opals, or emeralds into the ultrasonic cleaners for at-home use.

In closing, Mr Brandt recommended having jewelry and timepieces serviced at regular intervals. And whether concerned with protecting the family jewels from theft, damage, or loss, the seniors found Mr Brandt’s talk to be a real gem.