SUBJECT: Millions of Dollars in Gems, Jewelry at Risk This Winter; Basic Steps Can Save Your Bling

SCARSDALE, N.Y. - Dec. 3, 2014 - PRLog -- DETAILS: Untold millions of dollars in beautiful gems will vanish this winter because of poorly maintained jewelry. This isn't the owners' fault; most people don't think of jewelry as something that suffers wear and needs to be cleaned and maintained, like fine clothing. D'Errico will be providing both food and education at its two holiday parties and stores this year. The company's Scarsdale party will be taking place 6 pm to 12 midnight on Dec. 4 at its 509 Central Park Avenue location. The party at D'Errico's Mount Kisco store will happen 6pm to 12 Midnight Weds. Dec. 10.

"No woman I know would wear the same blouse for 20, 30, or 40 years. But people wear jewelry for years, not realizing the tremendous risks they may be taking," says Richard D'Errico, co-founder of D'Errico Jewelry and master diamond setter. During winter, rings, bracelets, pendants and necklaces can get caught in sweater sleeves, tangled in gloves and smacked against car doors. Some basic steps can protect items, he says:

Do the wiggle test and check your prongs. If there is any movement between a gem and its setting, head for a trusted jeweler immediately. "Prongs" are the small stems that hold gemstones onto a piece of jewelry. They wear down over time
Be careful putting on and taking off clothing and jewelry. Pieces can get tangled, and broken, without you noticing.
Get a loupe -- a small magnifying glass -- and check out your pieces for wear, tear and cracks.
Make sure your appraisals and insurance are up to date. Most insurance agencies want an updated appraisal every 5 years.  Appraisals can help avoid family disputes and protect your investments.
Visit your trusted jeweler. D'Errico Jewelry will provide free checkups and cleanings at their holiday parties. D'Errico will also teach the basic checkup steps as well.

"A few small steps can provide a big assist," D'Errico says. "You can save yourself a lot of trouble by taking these precautions." Images of jewelry being repaired and diagrams of worn jewelry can be found at: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/u52dqnz98whdd9w/AADywO85vZK2pWlWhCbTjHdKa?dl=0.

For more information, contact Richie D'Errico at 917-805-4184.

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