Jewelry passed down through generations, engagement and wedding rings, birthday presents, and personal purchases hold a place in our hearts and financial portfolios. In a high-end market like Scottsdale, where luxury jewelry is in high demand, maintaining your fine jewelry can maximize its value for future returns or as collateral for lending.
Scottsdale’s thriving luxury market and reputation as a hub for high-end jewelry transactions make it an ideal location if you’re looking to sell or secure loans against your jewelry. However, getting the best return requires effort. Proper care, professional maintenance, and diligent record-keeping can prevent undervalued transactions. In this guide, we’ll share practical tips and expert insights to help you preserve your jewelry for long-term value, whether you plan to keep it as a cherished possession or use it for financial leverage in Scottsdale’s exclusive market.
How to Prepare Your Fine Jewelry for Resale or Non-Bank Loans
Keeping your jewelry in pristine condition ensures its value remains intact. Follow these tips to maintain your pieces for future financial opportunities.
Must-Know Care and Maintenance Tips
Fine jewelry is an investment. Its longevity depends on how well you care for it in your daily (yes, daily) routine. Proper maintenance safeguards its appearance and value for potential resale or lending purposes. Ask yourself these three questions and compare your answers to experts’ advice to find out whether you’re preserving your jewelry or risking damage:
1. Where and how should I store my jewelry?
Keeping each piece of fine jewelry in its own compartment or soft pouch prevents scratches and tangling. Diamonds, for example, with their perfect 10 on the Mohs hardness scale can scratch other stones and metals if stored together. For sterling silver, consider anti-tarnish strips or cloth to minimize oxidation.
If you prefer to keep your jewelry in one place, invest in a high-quality jewelry box with velvet lining and individual compartments. Store it in a dry, cool place, as excess moisture can weaken clasps and settings, as well as cause lower-karat jewelry to tarnish.
2. How often should I clean my jewelry at home?
This part is a bit more complex. Some types of jewelry need more frequent cleaning than others, and some are more sensitive to certain cleaning materials. Here’s what you need to know:
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- Diamonds and gemstones: Soak them in a mixture of warm water and a few drops of dish soap for 15 minutes, then gently scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a lint-free cloth.
- Gold and platinum: Use a soft cloth to wipe away any traces of dirt or residue. The same mixture above can also help remove any grime or buildup from hard-to-reach areas in intricate settings. Avoid abrasive cleaning solutions and fabrics.
- Pearls and porous gemstones: Wipe these pieces with an ultrasoft, slightly damp cloth after each use. Avoid submerging pearls in water, as it can weaken the string or damage the nacre.
- Pavé settings or pieces with multiple gemstones: These stunning yet delicate creations may require gentler cleaning methods. For all the tips you need, check out our Guide to Pavé Jewelry Maintenance.
Professional cleanings (every six months or as advised) will also keep your jewelry in excellent condition and ready for resale or lending opportunities.
In general, the best way to maintain your jewelry is to wipe it with a non-abrasive polishing cloth after each wear, or every few days if you wear the piece daily. Doing so will remove any residue collected during the day and will prevent a dulling layer of film from developing. You should also check for loose stones, worn prongs, or weak clasps after each wear. Addressing these issues as soon as possible can prevent further damage or loss.
3. Can I wear my jewelry every day, 24/7?
Daily wear exposes jewelry to sweat, moisture, and chemicals that can tarnish even high-karat precious metals, dull gemstones, or weaken settings. Activities like swimming, exercising, doing chores, or even sleeping can cause more damage, especially to delicate designs or softer stones like pearls and opals. Even durable pieces like gold or diamonds can scratch or lose their luster over time without proper care.
To maintain longevity and value, remove your jewelry during high-risk activities and periodically inspect it for signs of wear. When getting ready, remember to apply lotions, perfumes, hairspray, and makeup before wearing your jewelry. Cosmetic products can leave a residue or cause discoloration.
Documentation and Provenance
For pieces from world-renowned jewelry houses like Harry Winston, Cartier, and Tiffany & Co., proper documentation helps preserve or even boost our jewelry’s resale and collateral value. In fact, in Phoenix’s competitive luxury market, well-documented pieces consistently fetch higher prices and better loan terms. Here’s what you need to know:
- Keep original receipts and certificates: Counterfeiters are getting better at replicating designer pieces by the day. Retaining purchase receipts and certificates of authenticity proves your piece’s origin, materials, and brand—all key factors in determining its value.
- Update appraisals regularly: Appraisals should reflect current market conditions and be updated every 3 to 5 years or after significant repairs. For accurate evaluations, visit a GIA-certified appraiser in Scottsdale, including Biltmore Loan and Jewelry.
- Maintain a record of repairs and maintenance: Keep a log of professional cleanings or repairs. This transparency assures buyers or lenders of the piece’s condition and quality.
- Securely store all documentation: Use fireproof safes or digital backups to safeguard paperwork. Losing these records can significantly reduce your jewelry’s value.
Preserving documentation prepares you for future transactions while maximizing your jewelry’s monetary return.
How to Find the Best Jewelry Buyer or Lender in Phoenix
Getting the highest offer starts with choosing the right high-end lender or buyer. Here’s how to make the right choice:
1. Prioritize Expertise and Certification
Work with lenders or buyers who have certified experts in appraising high-value items. For example, here at Biltmore Loan and Jewelry (BLJ), we have over three decades of combined experience in appraising luxury items, including, but not limited, to earth-mined versus lab-grown diamonds, antique and estate jewelry, and even designer watches.
2. Seek Exceptional Customer Service
Look for businesses that prioritize customer satisfaction. BLJ offers an upscale, personalized experience, so every client feels valued and stays informed throughout the process.
3. Don’t Settle for Less Than Competitive Offers
Entrust your valuables to a buyer willing to pay top dollar or a lender providing favorable loan terms. High-end items like jewelry, diamonds, and designer pieces deserve valuations based on their market worth. BLJ stands out in Scottsdale’s luxury market because we consistently offer the highest payouts for these assets.
4. Transparency and Trustworthiness
An honest lender or buyer will clearly explain their process and value your time. BLJ builds trust by doing everything possible to earn your business with integrity and professionalism.
5. Convenience and Confidentiality
Choose a lender or buyer who values discretion and convenience. BLJ goes above and beyond to offer a personalized, upscale experience that prioritizes your comfort and satisfaction. With a focus on professionalism and client care, we ensure every step of the process is efficient, from evaluation to on-the-spot payment.
Our commitment to tailored service makes us a trusted choice for luxury lending and selling in Scottsdale and the Phoenix metropolitan area. Request an online appraisal now or visit us for the best possible financial outcome and a luxurious, stress-free transaction.