January 26, 2011
Giving is Good
Princess Di with sapphire necklace and earrings
Prince William and Kate are considering whether to keep their lavish wedding gifts, or to ask people to make a donation instead. His father and mother reportedly received some beautiful and valuable jewels for their wedding. There have even been reports lately about jewels the Obama’s have received from other countries.
What happens when jewelry is donated? Does the recipient “cause” liquidate for money? Does the donator get a tax write-off? If so, can you claim full replacement value?
If you are considering a donation of either jewelry or gemstones, you should consult a credentialed gemologist/appraiser who knows the laws and guidelines concerning how to value the donation and what tax consequences you may have.
If you’re just giving your jewelry to your son or daughter, you may not need to file any official papers. Giving family heirloom jewelry has long been a wonderful way to keep memories alive and pass on the joy of a treasured piece of jewelry. Giving is a good feeling. …Dii
January 21, 2011
Losers Weepers
$700,000 in jewelry stolen from a home!
According to the report, the jewelry was taken from a closet while the owner was away on vacation. It was also thought that the items were insured, which is good news for the owner… sort of.
What can you do to protect yourself from a loss of your treasured jewelry? After all, insurance can’t replace the memory or history of the piece – it can only be duplicated. Is the closet a safe place to hide your jewelry? Not really.
Where would you tend to hide something? That’s where the thief will look first and the bedroom is a great starting point. Under clothing in a drawer – on a shelf in the closet – even under the sink! The safest place is in a vault – and most of us don’t have those! A small safe can be carried away, so it’s really not effective.There are safes that can be installed into your floor, but again, most of us probably wouldn’t pay to have that done.
If you’re going on a trip, it may be best to rent a lock box from your bank. If you do keep it at home, find a truly unique hiding place. Then, all you have to do is remember where it’s at when you get home!! Have a great weekend. …Dii
January 18, 2011
Tips for Red Carpet Safety
The Golden Globes brought out the bling – and the importance of securing your jewelry. Christina Hendricks, of Mad Men fame, temporarily lost a diamond bracelet on the red carpet. Luckily, the $850K bracelet was found and returned to her. (Of course, it was only borrowed, which could make a loss even worse!)
How can you avoid losing your jewelry? Have your favorite pieces checked periodically by your favorite jeweler to make sure gemstones – and clasps – are secure.
For gemstones, prongs can weaken from wear or damage, causing the loss of the gemstone. Clasps on bracelets can weaken with repeated use. Consider a clasp with an extra safety catch. Bracelets can catch on clothing or purses and just a simple tug can unlatch the clasp. Wah-lah – the bracelet comes off.
For a necklace, be sure the clasp is secure. Either obtain some help, or fasten it in the front, moving the clasp to the back of your neck. Collars can work a simple clasp open.
I know it’s best to wash your hands in the ladies room – and soap can dull a brilliant gem. It’s tempting to take the ring off while washing – and its common to forget to pick it back up! Since we like to go to the ladies room in pairs – to talk about anything – you might not like this, but hold the ring in your mouth. You definitely won’t forget it!! …Dii
January 11, 2011
One of a Kind
Indianapolis is well known as the home of the Indy 500. However, this month, it’s the home of a very interesting exhibit at the Museum of Arts and Design, Read My Pins: The Madeleine Albright Collection. This exhibit highlights over 200 pins from the unique collection of the former Secretary of State.
Pins and brooches don’t always make the runway show of celebrities – earrings seem to be the highlight lately. But, for a business suit, a large interesting brooch can define your style. It doesn’t have to have rubies, sapphires, emeralds, or diamonds. As in this collection – it’s about making a statement.
If you’re lucky enough to be in Indianapolis in January, don’t miss this one-of-a-kind experience. …Dii
January 7, 2011
Taste and Talent
It can begin with Grandma’s old ring or an idea in your head – maybe you’ve seen something you liked only wished it were just a bit different. Maybe you’d prefer something that is unique to only you! You can have it with a custom designed and manufactured piece that reflects your taste and the jeweler’s talent.
Designer jewelry may be an entire line of jewelry which is created by one artist and marketed to the public. Custom designed jewelry is that one-of-a-kind piece just for you, which cannot be duplicated for anyone else. Not every jeweler has the ability to create individual designs – or a craftsman who can manufacture a custom piece. Some can produce a hand rendering of the design in full color – others use technology to produce a 3-dimensional design on a computer. But, speaking with a jeweler who has a custom design service is the best place to get started. What’s in your future? …Dii
January 4, 2011
Lost and Found
Whether you feel you’ve lost a year – or look forward to gaining another, it’s not good to lose anything.
What about a 12-carat diamond ring? Recently, while traveling, a woman lost her ring in the airport. Seems as though she took it off to apply lotion and then didn’t think about it again until she got home. (Personally, I might miss my 12-carat diamond a bit sooner).
However, the story ends on a good note – with a good Samaritan who found the ring and contacted the airport’s Lost and Found department. The ring and the woman were reunited; the good Samaritan was rewarded with a vacation. He didn’t want a reward at first; he just knew how difficult it is to lose anything- since he recently lost his job!
What would you do? Finder’s keepers? …Dii
