Take Care of It!

I’ll admit it, these past eight months took the starch outta me. It began the day after Halloween for my staff and me. We rode the crazy train through the holidays and even after January 1st, I felt like I was in the batting cage from Hades and the fast balls were coming all at once from every direction. (All you longtime residents…remember when January was a “Quiet Month”?) Call it wishful thinking, I figured the crazy train would finally make a stop in the month of May but no it raced right past… “Next stop Paradise Station, Marco Island.”

Okay, I get it - no rest for the weary, they say, but not this old dog. Stick a fork in me - I’m done on this side and I’m taking a break. In fact, maybe a few breaks come what may…in May.

That said, spring has already sprung and Memorial Day will be here shortly. Besides cleaning up around the house and property, remember not to neglect your fine jewelry. It’s a good time to get things cleaned and checked, especially prongs for wear and tear to ensure the overall security of valuable diamonds or gems. A simple 30 second examination is all it takes to identify and catch any issues before it becomes a serious one or worse, an expensive replacement of an important piece of cherished jewelry.

A simple cleaning brings that ring or earrings back to life and the sparkle even returns. A complete professional refinishing involves a boil out, buffing out scratches with a complete polishing of your jewelry item(s), a final ultrasonic cleaning resulting in the pieces looking like they just came out of the showcase. (I do charge a fee for this professional service and it takes 24 hours.) A simple cleaning and check is complimentary. And please, don’t bring your entire jewelry collection at one time; a few pieces per trip would be appreciated.)

Also, summer is a good time to bring in anything requiring repair including pearl or bead restringing.

That includes alterations such as having rings that are too tight or too loose re-sized to fit correctly. One thing that has become popular at the shop are chain extenders or to make them shorter. I add a piece chain to your existing chain to make it convert to several sizes up or down, much less expensive than buying an additional longer or shorter gold chain.

It might also be a good idea to check the security of your diamond stud earrings; I always suggest either screw backs or the new “Guardian squeeze back system” for security and peace of mind. It was too late for many ladies during the Covid-19 pandemic, it was also responsible for numerous stud earring losses caused by poor quality earring backs that became dislodged during the constant wearing and removal of masks. 

Men should also be aware of wear and tear of neck chains, its clasp and most importantly, what you are wearing on the chain…loops and bails (the piece that holds the charm or medal on your chain). These can wear out and cause loss of a beloved pendant piece.

Also clasps on heavy link bracelets should close tightly and snap. If they don’t it could just be a simple adjustment to prevent loss. Heavy gold jewelry today costs an arm and a leg; it would be a shame and a costly experience to replace anything because you neglected to have them checked.

It’s a free inspection…get it done folks!

Richard Alan is a Designer/ Goldsmith and owner of the Harbor Goldsmith, celebrating his 25+ years being Marco’s go-to jeweler. He thanks his customers and friends for their patronage and loyalty all these years! Living the dream! Visit his website @ www.harborgoldsmith.com.