We just wanted to write a quick note about security for your jewelry, and how you can better protect your cherished pieces. We probably don't need to point out that home burglaries have been on the rise. This is likely due in part to the drug epidemic that is running rampant in our communities...thieves are gaining access to your home, either by breaking and entering while you're away, or conning you in some way to allow them in, so that they may grab medications, cash, jewelry, other other small items of value. Unfortunately, some of these thieves may turn out to be a friend or a family member. Whoever it is that decides to target you, there are several things you can do to minimize your loss.
Though jewelry boxes are great for keeping things organized and protected from damage or scratches, they are easy targets for crooks. The jewelry box on your dresser or in your closet is a one-stop-shop for a thief. It is a much better practice to distribute your jewelry throughout your room or home. This can include stashing pieces in rolled-up socks, multiple shoe boxes (most women have plenty! - you can wrap the jewelry in a soft cloth or tissue and stick it at the toe-end of the shoe), between plates in the unused stack you likely have in your kitchen cabinet (great for gold chains and bracelets), in random coffee cups, at the bottom of a cereal box, behind picture frames, or any other spot that's not obvious. The point is not to have all of your prized possessions in one spot...most home burglaries are short in duration, and typically thieves aren't going to spend a lot of time rummaging around.
Perhaps the safest place to store your jewelry is a safety deposit box. Most banks provide these to their customers for a nominal fee. This is a good option for jewelry that you don't wear often, but want to keep because of sentimental reasons, or for gold/silver coins.
Being in Kentucky, many of you may have a gun safe in your home. This is also a good place you can secure some of your less frequently worn pieces. While any safe is a good option, it’s always best that it's secured to the floor or wall, or is too heavy to be removed easily from the home, for obvious reasons.
Be aware of who is in your home and why, and don't reveal your stash-spots to anyone other than your spouse. People can experience desperation in their lives, and will sometimes do things that they would otherwise not normally do. This is especially true of addicts, where the compulsion to use can override moral and ethical thought. Also be aware of the "nice young couple" that has broken down and needs to use your bathroom, or anyone wanting access to your home. We want to be neighborly and help out those in need, but you have to be intelligent and protect yourself and your belongings when you choose to do so.
Being in the jewelry business for over 30 years, we have seen the heartbreak involved when peoples' valuables are taken. This is especially true of jewelry, as it often has family history and deep sentimental value. Once gone, these items can never truly be replaced, and we think that by following a few or all of the above recommendations, you will be able to greatly reduce your loss if you are ever the victim of theft. It's also a good idea to have your expensive jewelry items appraised, and then insured through your homeowner's policy. We offer appraisals as one of our services and they cost $100.00 dollars per item. You'll get a full write-up on the item including size, weight of the piece and approximate stone(s) weight, grading of diamonds (if any), full description, and current retail value. We always recommend keeping your appraisals in a safe place like a fire safe or safety deposit box. Of course, if you have any questions regarding security, appraisals, or anything else jewelry or precious metals related, please call or stop by anytime!
