A short jewellery inspection before wear

Take a moment to look at a piece before putting it on, especially if it has been stored, knocked or repaired. The purpose is to notice a change and decide whether to seek help. A home check cannot certify that every hidden part is sound.

CHANEL's guidance checks closing systems, stones and pearl thread before wear. It recommends professional examination when there is doubt. CHANEL care and inspection

Use normal handling and a clear view

Place the piece on a protected surface in good light. Compare it with a photograph you already have if that helps you describe a change. Handle it gently and use only the fastening's normal opening and closing action. Avoid tugging, bending or trying to provoke movement.

Start with the parts that hold the piece on you. Does the clasp close as expected? Does an earring back stay in its normal position during ordinary handling? Are there visibly open joins, separated links or a bent pin? If a fastening does not operate normally, leave the piece off and ask for inspection.

If a replacement is proposed, the clasp-choice guide helps you compare how the finished fastening will operate.

Tiffany notes that worn prongs and clasps can lead to loss of a stone or the entire item, and advises checking settings, clasps and joins regularly. These small parts deserve attention even when the centre stone looks unchanged. Tiffany care guidance

Notice a change around the stones

Look for a changed support, newly raised edge or stone sitting differently. Stop wearing a piece if its stone moves. CHANEL directs owners to have moving stones adjusted professionally. CHANEL care and inspection

Do not push a stone, shake the item near your ear or pull fabric across its surface to test it. A new snag that happened during wear is information to report, not an inspection method to repeat. A moving gemstone explains how to set the piece aside safely. The prong-setting details guide helps you describe a visible support.

For strung pearls, seek advice about loose thread. CHANEL includes this in its checks and identifies professional restringing as the appropriate service. CHANEL care and inspection

Keep observation separate from repair and cleaning

Write down what changed and when. Mention any recent impact, snag, repair or resizing. Bring the material description and past repair information to the jeweller. Ask whether the piece should stay out of use, what further examination is needed and what work is proposed.

Jewelers of America recommends professional examination for loose prongs, worn mountings and general wear. Discuss a suitable interval for your particular piece and habits, while arranging help promptly for a new concern. Jewelers of America repair and care

After inspection, ask for confirmation that the item is ready to wear. If cleaning is also needed, use the cleaning plan to gather instructions for all materials and treatments. Unknown stones, adhesives, closed-back construction or finish condition need assessment before choosing a method.

A useful check ends with a clear decision: wear it as advised, or keep it safely aside for professional attention. Leave tightening, reshaping and re-setting to the jeweller.