Annual Jewelry Checkup – What to Inspect and Why It Matters
Jan 21, 2026
by Melissa Mayntz • 5 min read
THE BASICS --
Regular inspections are essential to keep your jewelry, no matter its age, always looking spectacular, but annual jewelry checkups are about much more than simple appearances. Understanding what to inspect on every piece and why diligent annual checkups matter can help protect your jewelry investments for many years.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW--
In this guide, we will explain the following:
- Why Jewelry Needs Regular Inspections
- What to Inspect on Antique and Vintage Jewelry
- What to Do With Annual Inspections
- One More Thing to Check
Why Jewelry Needs Regular Inspections
All jewelry will suffer wear and tear, even if it is worn sparingly. In fact, simply storing jewelry can still lead to the accumulation of dust and dirt, scratches or scuffs from rubbing on other jewelry or surfaces, or increased tarnish that may dull a ring, brooch, pendant, or other type of jewelry.
The more a piece is worn, the more damage it may be susceptible to from inadvertent bumps and scrapes, eventually leading to loose or missing stones, cracked shanks, bent prongs, broken clasps, and general loss of fine detail that makes jewelry so stunning. Frequent wear will also cause faster accumulation of oil, dust, dirt, and other debris that will block light and reduce diamond and gemstone sparkle.
Thorough annual inspections can spot problems while they are still minor inconveniences, ensuring damage does not accelerate or become irreparable. On pieces that are worn more frequently, even daily such as wedding rings, inspections might even be every six months to ensure there are no problems.
What to Inspect on Antique and Vintage Jewelry
An annual inspection for any type of jewelry should be thorough and detailed, but there are special considerations when doing a checkup on antique and vintage pieces. Because they often have finer details and may be more delicate than modern pieces, it is essential that they be inspected by a jeweler with extensive experience handling antique and vintage pieces. The inspection ought to include the following:
- All settings, prongs, and mountings examined to note spacing, strength, and stability. Stones should be held firmly without any wiggling or rotation. Prongs should not be bent or twisted outside of design intention.
- Individual stones checked for chips, cracks, or scratches that ought to be noted. If necessary, settings should be adjusted to ensure a secure hold despite such damage or wear.
- Shank (for rings) should be solid and of the appropriate shape. Check for warping or twisting that can impact the overall fit and comfort. Note any cracks, scratches, nicks, or scuffs.
- Alignment of stones should be precise and fit the design of the piece and surrounding details. Check for tilting or twisting that could indicate a misalignment or loosening of stones.
- Size should be appropriate for a comfortable, pleasing fit, whether for a ring, bracelet, necklace length, or other sizing. Too tight could create damage, while too loose risks loss.
- Hallmarks should be visible so they can be easily verified for authenticity. Any hidden engravings should likewise be visible to be enjoyed as part of the piece’s individual history and distinction.
- Reviewing all associated paperwork to ensure the provenance of the piece is as complete as possible. This includes sales receipts, previous inspection reports, repair or resizing annotations, and any instructions for the disposition of jewelry in an estate or inheritance situation.
- Any clasps or closures should be inspected for operation and firmness, as well as solid attachment to the jewelry. Clasps should both open and close completely without struggle.
Specialized jewelry may require additional inspection steps based on the needs of an individual piece, but the more thorough an annual checkup, the better for spotting any immediate needs or concerns before they become more troublesome.
What to Do With Annual Inspections
A thorough annual inspection can generate a very detailed report about the condition and quality of a piece of jewelry. Depending on the jeweler, they may offer recommendations for repairs or adjustments as needed to ensure the integrity of the piece for years to come.
If the essential repairs are extensive, it may be necessary to plan just how they can be approached to preserve the jewelry with as little stress as possible. Adjustments to the care of the jewelry might also be necessary to minimize further damage or future risks.
For more expensive or sentimentally priceless pieces, it may also be wise to adjust any insurance coverage as necessary, particularly if a policy includes repairs in case of damage.
One More Thing to Check
There is one more inspection savvy jewelry owners ought to complete. While it doesn’t necessarily need to be done annually, a fresh appraisal every few years can offer peace of mind about the jewelry’s value and whether or not it is insured adequately.
Antique and vintage pieces can dramatically change value as modern trends change, making it challenging to recover from loss, theft, or damage if the jewelry is not properly appraised and insured. Keeping up with annual checkups and inspections will make an appraisal much smoother and more accurate, adding to the proper record-keeping for the piece.
Whether you do annual jewelry check ups at the first of the year, near a significant anniversary, or on any other date, don’t miss these regular inspections to keep all your pieces looking and feeling their very best!
Suzanne Sachs
Suzanne has been in the jewelry industry for over 35 years, working with vintage jewelers, diamond dealers, diamond cutters, and gemologists. Suzanne started Artdecodiamonds in 2000 and understood the demand for vintage rings throughout the world. She ultimately started VintageDiamondRing.com in 2014, and understands each vintage ring is a reflection of you — your history, your relationships, your style, your elegance and is honored to have the opportunity to help you showcase your flair in a unique and exquisite way.
Contact Suzanne
If you love vintage jewelry please feel free to contact Suzanne or browse our collection.
