Author: TrueFacet

TrueFacet is an online marketplace for pre-owned fine jewelry and watches. Every item sold is verified by our in-house team of gemologists and watch experts to ensure its authenticity.

Which Rolex Should You Buy? [QUIZ]

Virtually every Rolex model is a desirable purchase, especially since they are produced by what is arguably the best-known watch brand in the world. However, picking which model to invest in right now can feel like a daunting choice.

So to help first-time buyers uncover their inaugural Rolex and to guide seasoned collectors to choose the next Rolex model to add to their collection, we developed this fun quiz! Simply tap your answers and we’ll point you towards the perfect Rolex watch for you.


And if you’re not interested in taking the full quiz, here are the short-cut answers:

FIRST-TIME ROLEX SHOPPERS
First-time Rolex buyers who are just dipping their toe into watch collecting should pick up a Rolex Air-King, the perfect introductory model that boasts that immediately recognizable Rolex look.

 


New Rolex buyers ready to make an investment in building a respectable watch collection should buy the Sea-Dweller. Introduced in 1978 and discontinued in 2008, the Rolex Sea-Dweller is a rare and collectible model, making it a smart investment for any new or seasoned watch collector.

 


Looking for a Rolex to commemorate a significant event—maybe getting the corner office or celebrating an anniversary? Try the Rolex Day-Date. Also known as the Presidential, the standout Day-Date design is renowned for its distinguished air and elegant simplicity. It is the perfect choice to mark life’s biggest moments.

 


For new collectors looking for a Rolex that is distinctively “Rolex” but has sportier and rugged undertones, opt for the Explorer. So named in honor of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay’s first summit of Mount Everest, the no-frills Rolex Explorer is an important part of Rolex’s history and any watch collection.

 


SEASONED ROLEX SHOPPERS
If you already have a few Rolexes in your collection and are after something that feels uniquely “you,” the Rolex Datejust is an ideal choice. The stately design is available in an expansive variety of dials and bezels so you can perfectly tailor your Rolex Datejust to suit your personal taste.

 


As a perennial favorite, the Rolex Submariner is a must-have for any watch collector, but it is most appealing to longtime collectors who want an unstuffy Rolex to wear every day. Even if you already own a Submariner with a black dial, consider branching out into one of the more collectible versions with a colorful dial and bezel like the Rolex-green “Hulk” model.


Veteran collectors who prefer newer over vintage models should add a Rolex Daytona to their watch wardrobe. Since the Daytona became the watch of choice by actor and accomplished racecar driver Paul Newman in the 1960s, the Daytona has been a hotly coveted model. Even though Daytonas are still in production today, they retain their value incredibly well and are a savvy investment if you’re in the market for a new Rolex.

 


Rolex devotees who gravitate towards vintage models should consider a GMT-Master I. The GMT-Master I was an immediate sensation when it was released 1954. Although they were briefly in concurrent production, the GMT-Master I was ultimately usurped by the updated GMT-Master II in the 1980s. The discontinuation of the GMT-Master I makes it a collector’s item and a desirable addition to any vintage watch collection.

5 Trending Watches to Trade Up Now

If you’re getting serious about building a respectable watch collection, you probably started with a sporty diver watch. (Good choice, by the way.) But, when it comes to what to buy as your second or third watch, our experts recommend upgrading to a dressy evening watch.

Here are their five favorite watches to buy as your second or third watch. Or, if you’re paring down your watch collection, trade-in your tired models for these fashionable and coveted upgrades.

IWC Portofino
Our first recommendation is an IWC Portofino on a leather strap. You cannot go wrong with this elegant and minimalist design by the highly respected watchmaker. The crisp look of the Portofino makes it the perfect option for a dress watch and, as a part of your collection, is a slick counterpart to your sportier first watch.

Shop All IWC Portofino >


Rolex Datejust II
At first blush, the Rolex Datejust may look identical to the Rolex Datejust II. But, now that you’re turning into a real watch aficionado, you know that the differences between the former and later Datejust models are subtle but significant; the Datejust II’s larger size, wider bezel, and thicker lugs make it slightly more modern than its predecessor. And, as a budding collector, you’ll appreciate more the imperceptible updates to the caliber housed inside the Datejust II that makes it a fascinating piece to learn from and own.

Shop All Rolex Datejust II >


Panerai Radiomir
If you do not want as traditionally dressy a watch as the Datejust, consider the Panerai Radiomir. The Radiomir toes the line between sporty-and-spiffy, with a utilitarian look and feel and a minimalist design (complete with a leather strap, of course) that is usually reserved for special occasion watches. As a second watch, the Panerai Radiomir will fill out your collection nicely, both aesthetically and in terms of collection cred.

Shop All Panerai Radiomir


Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Collection
Like the IWC Portofino, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Collection includes handsome, classic timepieces that channel the brand’s vintage aesthetic without feeling tired or dated. We like this collection because there is the just right amount of flourish to make each of these timepieces unique without sacrificing the striking simplicity signature to Jaeger-LeCoultre. Unsurprisingly, this remarkable collection is a favorite among watch collectors and connoisseurs.

Shop All Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Calendar >


Hublot Big Bang
The Hublot Big Bang is a bold departure from the other customary dress watches on the list. But hear us out. We love the Hublot Big Bang as a second watch because it played a crucial role in the greater luxury watch industry. When the (very appropriately named) Big Bang debuted in 2005, it essentially sky-rocketed Hublot from a quiet but respectable small watch brand into a disruptive game changer in the space when this upstart brand used “non-luxury” materials to outfit its high-end collection. This set off a radically new approach to fine watch design as brands tried to compete with Hublot’s signature and standout Big Bang model.

Shop All Hublot Big Bang >


Double-check that your watch collection’s bases are covered and review our post The 5 Watches Every Beginning Collector Must Own here.

 

 

Main image courtesy of Ryan Styles NYC.

Quiz: What’s Your Springtime Style?

Answer these five questions and we’ll tell you what your springtime style will be, complete with which watch or piece of jewelry you need to perfect your warm weather look!

1. What cool drink do you sip on come springtime?
a. A tall glass of homemade iced tea with a lemon
b. A ginger-infused lemonade, refreshing and reinvigorating
c. Iced coffee—but you drink that year round anyway.
d. Iced water. You’re constantly refilling your S’Well water bottle.
e. Coconut LaCroix seltzer water with a straw.

2. Time to store your winter clothes for the season. What’s getting pushed to the back of the closet for now?
a. Your navy pea coat and brown riding boots.
b. Your oversized slouchy turtleneck sweater that you loved to pair with leggings.
c. Your tall moto boots. Thankfully you have some booties to sub-in!
d. All your beanie hats and puffer vests.
e. Nothing. You rarely carry pieces over to the next season—it’s so fun to try out the next it-trend!

3. Spring break! Where are you headed to?
a. The Cape for a pre-season visit to the shore before the crowds come in.
b. Tulum, Mexico for a yoga retreat. Namaste!
c. Portland, Oregon. The coffee culture has already endeared you to the city.
d. L.A. to run the city marathon. 2018 is the year you PR!
e. A girls trip to Miami for a carefree weekend of sun and sipping cocktails oceanside.

4. After a busy week, you’re relaxing at home. How do you unwind?
a. Preparing a simple but comforting dinner and sipping some white wine.
b. Making and applying different DIY face masks.
c. Passively watching Netflix but really scrolling through Instagram feeling a touch of FOMO.
d. Stretching and foam rolling all those stiff muscles.
e. Soaking in a luxurious bubble bath, complete with candles, of course.

5. What is your favorite dessert?
a. Pistachio macarons.
b. A scoop of ice cream in a waffle cone.
c. A shot of espresso with an orange twist.
d. Flourless chocolate brownies.
e. Champagne and strawberries.

 

 

MOSTLY As
The Nantucket Prepster

You always invest in impeccably tailored and high-quality classics. Your always-pulled-together springtime style has an Americana bent and centers on crisp white button ups, smart cropped pants and beachy espadrilles. Complete your Jackie-O.-at-Hyannis-Port look with a classic Cartier watch.


MOSTLY Bs
The Bohemian Californian

You revel in the warmer weather and are so eager for the temps to rise even higher because the summertime is your season! Shed your dreary winter garb in favor of breezy liberty-print tunics, cropped brown suede moto jackets and a Coachella-ready floppy hat. To complement your closet full of sweeping maxi dresses and denim cut-offs, pile on the bangles. We love this multi-banded Cable Cuff by David Yurman that does the stacking for you!


MOSTLY Cs
The Springtime City-Slicker

You thrive in the concrete jungle and feel empowered with a little edge just by being in and about the city. But, even with the longer and sunnier days, there’s little you change about your winter-to-spring look: oversized sunglasses, kicky booties and black leather moto-jackets (now expertly draped over your shoulders). Round out your downtown look with an edgy Hermès Collier de Chien cuff.


MOSTLY Ds
The Outdoor Athlete

Come springtime, you can usually be found jogging around the park, hiking a new trail or enjoying a long walk in the fresh to your yoga class. And your sporty hobbies have a direct influence on your personal style: leather baseball caps, Nike trainers and colorful track jackets populate your spring closet. Add a little punch to your athletic wardrobe with a two-tone Rolex Datejust.


MOSTLY Es
The Spring Cover Model

You are a veritable trendsetter and are usually the first one to boldly rock the season’s it-trend. And, for spring 2018, you’re all about the splashy, bold and brilliant colors that walked down the New York Fashion Week runways: magenta, tangerine and lemon everything. And, when it comes to your jewelry: go big or go home and layer on the colorful gemstone baubles to really wow, like this Bulgari Tubogas ring.

10 Things To Know About TAG Heuer

Established in 1860, TAG Heuer (TAG is an abbreviation for Techniques d’Avant Garde) is a Swiss luxury watch brand and manufacturing company known for its roots in automobile racing, innovative thinking in the evolution of the chronograph, and their remarkable innovations in the watchmaking industry. Even if you’re already a TAG Heuer devotee, here are 10 odd facts you should know about TAG Heuer.

1. TAG Heuer was the Official Timekeeper of three Olympic Games.

With their inimitable expertise in precision timekeeping and modular technical innovations, TAG Heuer has become an unparalleled specialist in the world of timing sporting events. TAG Heuer watches were used in the 1920 Antwerp, 1924 Paris, and 1928 Amsterdam Olympics.

 

2. TAG Heuer has been perfecting their stopwatch for 136 years.

In 1882, Edouard Heuer launched his first chronograph. Later, in 1887, he registered the patent for the oscillating pinion, which, without getting too technical, simplified the chronograph movement. From then on, TAG Heuer became synonymous with the the development of the chronograph and the invaluable timekeeping gear that powers it.

 

3. The TAG Heuer Mikrograph served as the first stopwatch in the 1920 Olympic Games.

In 1916, Charles-Auguste Heuer introduced the original Mikrograph, the first stopwatch with the capacity to measure 1/100th of a second, offering incredible readability and unprecedented precision. The Mikrograph served as the first stopwatch in the 1920 Olympic Games and has been revolutionizing sports timekeeping since.

 

4. Astronaut John Glenn wore a Heuer 2915A stopwatch strapped to his wrist when he orbited the Earth.

In 1962, astronaut John Glenn manned the first American space flight on the Mercury “Friendship 7” mission, orbiting Earth three times in six hours. On his wrist was a Heuer 2915A stopwatch that served as a mission back-up timer and the first Swiss watch in space.

 

5. TAG Heuer’s signature model, the Carrera, was inspired by the most dangerous car race in the history of sport.

The Carrera Panamericana auto race is a 2,096-mile-long border-to-border race across Mexico and it has one of the highest sports-related mortality rates in the world after 27 drivers died attempting to finish this treacherous race course. Jack Heuer was fascinated by this deadly race and chose to name TAG Heuer’s first chronograph specifically designed for professional drivers after the infamous Carrera race. To learn more about the Carrera race and watch, read our post “The Dark History of the TAG Heuer Carrera” here.

 

6. Actor and style icon Steve McQueen popularized the TAG Heuer Monaco.

In the famous 1970s film “Le Mans,” Steve McQueen wore a timepiece that is closely identified with automobile racing, the Heuer Monaco. With a “Chronograph Heuer” crest on his racing suit and the square-dial Heuer Monaco on his wrist, the watch was propelled into immortality and forever coined as the “McQueen Monaco.”

McQueen’s Monaco may have shaken Swiss watchmakers to their core with its rule-breaking square design in 1971, but years of research and makeovers produced the unveiling of the groundbreaking Monaco V4 at Baselworld in 2004. The new Monaco is TAG Heuer’s latest technological coup and the wearable manifestation of the brand’s avant garde design, passion for racing, and innovative spirit.

 

7. The 2017 Revolution Watchmaker of the year hailed from TAG Heuer but is, in fact, not a watchmaker.  

TAG Heuer’s general director, Guy Sémon, is credited as the driving force behind many of the brand’s technical achievements— so much so that he was awarded the prestigious honor of Watchmaker of the Year in 2017. However, Sémon is actually not a watchmaker. He’s a trained jet pilot for the French Navy. With a primary interest in science, he left the Navy to work as a lecturer for the French Ministry of Research. As fate would have it, in January 2004, a friend of his asked if he could do him the favor of replacing a sick pilot and transporting a passenger who worked in the watchmaking industry. At TAG Heuer, to be specific. Ten days later, Sémon had produced the first belts for the progress of the movement of the TAG Heuer V4.

 

8. TAG Heuer’s master watchmakers developed a chronograph so precise, its accuracy can be read all the way down to the 1/2,000th of a second.

Over the years, Guy Sémon has predominantly addressed improvements to TAG Heuer’s existing challenges, one of which being the production of TAG Heuer’s Monaco V4 belt-driven movement. The belt is thinner than a single human hair, operating so quickly and smoothly that the watch’s timekeeping capabilities will never be compromised.

 

9. TAG Heuer released the first ever water-resistant automatic chronograph.

At Basel, on March 3rd, 1969, TAG Heuer released what was then the first ever water-resistant automatic chronograph powered by the Chronomatic Caliber 11. The Calibre 11 movement took roughly four years to develop. Jack Heuer, then-TAG Heuer CEO, explained what made this such a monumental release: “Chronographs, when they took water, it was a terrible drama because everything rusted and it cost a fortune to get clean. Once they had invented the water resistant push-buttons, we never made any non-watertight chronographs anymore.” The Calibre 11 was included in the newest Monaco design and elevated it to a new level of exclusivity.

 

10. TAG Heuer has been in the Heuer family for four generations.

Jack Heuer, great-grandson of the brand’s original founder Edouard Heuer, retired from TAG Heuer the day before his 81st birthday, on November 18, 2013 and inaugurated Jean-Claude Biver as the head of the TAG Heuer team. Jack Heuer has established some of the most significant visions and timepieces into the world. With inexorable enthusiasm, he is an icon in the industry he’s helped build.

Trade-In vs. Consignment: Which is Smarter and Better for You?

Seasoned watch and jewelry collectors are familiar with the practice of trading-in (or trading-up) their pieces for a new addition to their collection. However, some are still unfamiliar with how the trade-in process works—and whether or not it’s the “right” option for them. We explain the differences between trading-in and consigning so you can earn the most bang for your buck—or, in this case, bangle, ring or watch—with TrueFacet.

What Exactly Is a “Trade-In?”
trade-in gives you a shopping credit for your fine jewelry or watches to apply towards your next TrueFacet purchase. Alternatively, consigning means you are putting your item up for sale on TrueFacet and you’ll earn a percentage of the final sale price. So, with a trade-in, you’ll earn a higher commission rate in TrueFacet store credit. But, in consigning, you’ll earn your commission in cash as soon as your item sells.

Your third option is to sell your item outright to another collector, a jeweler or watchmaker. However, this may not be open to you if you do not know another collector interested in your particular item. And, even if you do have an interested buyer, jewelers typically only offer the “scrap cost” for your item (how much the metal, if melted down, or precious stones alone are worth).

Image via Next Luxury

How Trading In Watches and Jewelry Works
While trading in watches is fairly commonplace, TrueFacet is one of the few places that will accept both watches and jewelry. To trade in your watch or fine jewelry, simply complete an online form with a few details about your item. Our team will then email you a prepaid insured shipping label so you can safely and securely send out your item. Once your watch or fine jewelry arrives at our office, our team of appraisers will set about valuating and assessing the piece.

Our in-house authenticators will then offer you the fair market value for your item, which you can accept or decline. If you accept, you’ll immediately receive shopping credit to apply to your next purchase. If you decline, no problem: we’ll securely ship your item back to you.

Why You Should Trade In
The most common scenarios in which you’ll want to trade-in your jewelry and watches are:

– You have a handful of items to unload. To help your old styles earn you more, you can bundle their value in store credit together and apply it towards a higher ticket item.
– You already have your sights set on the next purchase. If you’re eager to buy that Rolex you’ve been eyeing for weeks, opt for a trade-in which will earn you credit faster than waiting for a buyer.
– You know you’re going to want to make another TrueFacet purchase. Even if you are on the fence about what the next addition to your collection will be but know that you want something, pick a trade-in over consignment. You don’t need to purchase something right away—your trade-in credit won’t expire—but you’ll earn more in store credit than if you sold an old piece and put those dollars towards your next purchase.

Why You Should Consign
Ultimately collectors choose consignment over trade-in because they prefer to have cash in-hand over store credit. The catch is that you do have to wait for a buyer in order to earn your consignment commission—it’s not a deal breaker for everyone, but worth pointing out so you’re not prematurely counting your extra dollars.

Whether you choose to trade-in or consign ultimately boils down to your personal preference and, if you have more specific questions about trading in your item, our team of concierge associates are available to discuss it with you here.

Now that you know the ropes of consigning and trading in your old styles, be sure to read our post on when to sell and how to tell if the market is hot for your jewelry or watch here.

5 Things You Didn’t Know About Fine Jewelry Auctions

Jewelry auctions—with their staggering price tags, hot bidding wars and impressive bejeweled lots from royalty like Wallis Simpson and big-name celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor—seem very private and removed from the average person.

However, we’re also fascinated and curious to know what exactly goes on at one of these dazzling jewelry auctions. Here we share five surprising things you may not know about fine jewelry auctions.

1. Anyone can attend an auction. For free.
Surprisingly, auctions—even auctions at ritzy auction houses like Christie’s, Sotheby’s and Phillips—are entirely open to the public and free. However, there are certain high-profile and evening auctions that do require a paid ticket.

If you plan on bidding at the auction, you will need to register, sometimes a day or two in advance of the auction. Registration fees and proof of ID vary from auction house to auction house with some requiring a financial reference or a deposit as a condition of allowing you to bid.

Sotheby’s Auctioneer (Image courtesy of Sotheby’s)

2. It’s really hard to become an auctioneer.
Being a live auctioneer is stressful and demanding work, and, because of the job’s intensity, the pool of working auctioneers is rather small.

To get your foot in the door, there are local auctioneering schools. But big auction houses like Christie’s offer an exclusive auctioneering school that invites only 41 potential auctioneers every two years to join their program. Ultimately only two to three students graduate from the rigorous program.

At auctioneering schools, students are groomed to be compelling masters of ceremonies and perfect their bid-calling, which is their keen ability to get bids rolling in, get the crowd involved, and speak clearly while keeping up the high energy of a live auction.

Most auctioneers are paid on commission based upon how much a collection brings in. However, other auctioneers charge a flat-rate for their services. The National Auctioneers Association (NAA) estimates the average part-time auctioneer makes $46,000 a year.

Christie’s senior jewelery specialist Daphne Lingon inspects a Harry Winston necklace. (Image courtesy of Christie’s)

3. Each lot sells in 2-3 minutes on average.
Given how much money bidders are about to drop on a piece of jewelry, you would think the lot would spend a bit more time gradually working up to that final winning bid. But, surprisingly enough, each lot is on the auction block for 2-3 minutes before it’s sold or bought in. (Thanks in large part to the speed-talking auctioneers who rapid-fire repeat bids to keep the event lively and engaging.)

In fact, the longest bidding war in auction history lasted a mere 16 minutes. Two bidders fought over Andy Warhol’s Self-Portrait painting at a 2011 Christie’s auction, which was ultimately sold to a European caller who bought the piece for a cool $38 million.

4. Bids usually increase in 10% increments.
Although it’s up to the auctioneer’s discretion, most auctions prompt bids in 10% increments. It’s crucial for a good auctioneer to quickly calculate those percentages and increases in bids while keeping up the energy and urgency.

Sotheby’s Auction (Imager courtesy of Sotheby’s)

5. If you win, you’ll pay more than the “hammer price.”
We’re all usually left reeling thinking about the Cartier Tutti Frutti bracelet that sold for $2.1 million dollars (double its high estimate) or the rare Oppenheimer Blue Diamond that went for a staggering $57.5 million.

That is a big chunk of change—but that’s not all the winner will have to spend.

Atop the “hammer price,” auction winners will have to pay a hefty “buyer’s premium,” a commission paid to the auction house. Commission rates are calculated per lot, but average to 20-25% of the “hammer price,” with a sliding scale for lower commission rates for lots that sell for $100,000 or more. Oh, and let’s not forget about local sales tax, too. In total, winners will shell out even more than the impressive dollar amounts published in the headlines.

Learn more about some of the most expensive diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires to go up on the auction block in our post here.

19 Gifts to Me, All Under $1,000

As winter seems to be dragging on, we’re all feeling a little restless. So, to brighten up your spirits—and your jewelry or watch collection—treat yourself to one of these fantastic finds under $1,000 from TrueFacet Brand Boutique.

Dana Rebecca Designs Lauren Joy Rings, $495
The “everyday diamonds” trend is on the rise, taking the stuffiness and preciousness out of fine jewelry so you can enjoy your glittering gemstone jewelry with even a t-shirt and jeans. Get ahead of the trend with these fashion-forward rings by Dana Rebecca Designs.


Frederique Constant Classics Quartz Watch, $650-$750
Frederique Constant has been steadily pushing against the luxury watch industry norms, namely that you need to spend thousands for Swiss-made quality watches. We love their Classics Quartz watches that are impeccably crafted with a distinctly modern, minimalist design, all at an affordable price.


Misahara Unity Eternal Ring, $550
Misahara’s textural and geometric Unity Eternal ring is a fresh update to the classic metal band. Wear this style solo or stacked up with other rings and bands to further personalize your look.


NANIS Dancing in the Rain Ring, $840-$880
NANIS incorporates unique stones (like these Dancing in the Rain rings that feature center stones made of moonstone and yellow rutilated quartz) and a centuries-old goldsmithing technique that heightens the personal feeling of each piece.


Phillips House hero Leverback Earrings, $550
Shake up your jewelry collection with this octagonal riff on the quintessential gold hoop earrings. Plus, because they’re from Phillips House, which is renowned for its functional fit, you know these earrings are going to be ultra-lightweight and super comfortable.


Raymond Weil Toccata Watch, $895
The family-owned Swiss watch brand Raymond Weil has a reputation for designing luxuriously pared down watches. Their signature Toccata watch is perfect if you want a reliable and ageless watch design that always looks on point.


Traser Outdoor Pioneer Watch, $225-$250
Traser is known for their durable and robust watches, specially built for the outdoor adventurer. If you’re a globetrotting thrill-seeker, treat yourself to one of these hardy watches.


Van der Bauwede Geneve Soho Watch, $310
The vintage-inspired tonneau (or barrel shaped) watch case makes this classically-styled Van der Bauwede timepiece an interesting conversation piece. Elevate your office attire with one of these elegant watches.


The Absolute Worst Ways to Store Your Jewelry

With so much information available on the internet, it’s sometimes hard to distinguish what’s true, what’s false, what’s right, and what’s wrong, and trying to figure out the proper way to clean your jewelry is no exception. There is a plethora of websites that will tell you what to do and what not to do, but in reality, the rules are pretty simple and don’t require a whole lot more than some good, old-fashioned common sense. However, there are some things that you should really never do when it comes to cleaning and storing your prized possessions. We rounded up all the practices you should avoid in order to keep your jewelry in top shape.

Ditch the Abrasives
Harsh cleaning agents that come in powder or paste form might be great for materials like porcelain, but when it comes to precious metals, they’re not the best option. Substances like a standard toothpaste or even Comet cleanser can dry and cake inside of the undercarriages or prongs of your jewelry, specifically if the pieces contain diamonds or other gemstones. That not only looks bad, but it also dulls what should be a bright and shiny look.

Soaking most jewelry in warm water for a few hours with a mild, grease-cutting soap or glass cleaner and then using a soft-bristle toothbrush to clean the piece is a smart way to go.

Avoid the Dish
Many people will take off their jewelry at night and place their rings, earrings, necklaces, etc. on what some refer to as a “ring dish.” And while, in theory, this seems like it would be a good idea, the reality is that you could be scratching up your jewelry by doing so.

Keeping your jewelry separated – even at night as you sleep – is the best thing for its longevity. Whether the metal is high-polished or satin-finished, chances are, it could scratch from constantly being placed on top of other metals or gemstones, so use separate dishes for your items or even portable jewelry boxes by your bedside if possible. (Or you can check out our roundup of our favorite jewelry organizers to elevate your jewelry storage! Read the post here.)

Don’t Procrastinate
Paying a visit to your local jewelry store to have your jewelry professionally cleaned, checked, and even polished is pretty essential for both the life of your jewels as well as your insurance policy, so whatever you do, don’t put it off for too long. Items you wear every day, like an engagement ring or diamond earrings, need a good soaking in an ultrasonic machine and a solid steam cleaning in order to get them looking new again, so don’t avoid the trip, no matter how painful you feel it may be.

Never Store Chains Together
Unless you have a great pair of pliers handy and a good hour to spare trying to separate them, you should never store two or more chains together in one bag. This is an absolute no-no for any jewelry lover and most have learned this lesson the hard way. (If you’ve already made that mistake, we have a guide to untangling your necklaces and chains for you here!)

Most jewelry cases – either standard or travel size – have loops that you can separate your chains with. If you need to travel and don’t own a case, you can always wrap the chain, stretched out, in tissue paper, then store each one in their own small-sized sandwich baggie to keep them from tangling. Just make sure you keep all baggies together so that you don’t lose the chains you’re bringing with you on your journey. For more tips on how to pack jewelry for travel, visit our post about it here.