1 What is the best way to find a competent jeweler?

2 Is my jewelry automatically insured while being repaired or appraised?

3 How often should my jewelry be cleaned, and by what method?

4 How often should I have the prongs on my engagement ring checked?

5 How often should pearls and beads be re-strung?

6 How is a ring sized?

7 Can a ring be stretched or shrunk?

8 Is costume jewelry repairable?

9 What is laser welding?

10 How often should my watch be cleaned?

11 Who is the best person to repair my watch?

12 What does "water resistance" mean?

13 How do I get my watch to be water-resistant?

14 What is the difference between water resistant and waterproof?

Appraisals and Gemology

16 How can I be sure I am receiving a proper appraisal?

17 How is the appraised value determined?

18 How can I find out the value of my jewelry without getting an appraisal?

19 How do I know if my gemstones are genuine?

20 How do I know if my pearls are cultured, natural, or simulated?

21 How do I know if my item of "antique" jewelry is authentic or a reproduction?

22 What is the nature of the new diamond simulant, synthetic moissanite, and how does it differ from cubic zirconia?

23 What does "fracture filled" mean and does it affect the value of my gemstone?

24 What does a jeweler have to disclose about merchandise offered for sale?
 
 

Part of the answer to this question is highly personal, while in some cases the maintenance of your watch is dictated by the timepiece itself. If you own a brand new watch, it is best to refer to your owner's manual or call the manufacturer for recommended service intervals. Some watch brands recommend specific levels of service at different times in the watch's life, just as your automobile dealer would send reminders that certain maintenance should be performed at various mileage levels.

Vintage watches are less predictable due of course to their age, but also because the watch cases are less likely to be sealed, making them more susceptible to the damages caused by moisture, dust, and other intrusions into the mechanics of the watch. For these reasons it is advisable to have your vintage watch checked by your jeweler periodically, perhaps annually, or certainly any time you feel that the timepiece's accuracy has diminished, is not winding smoothly, or demonstrates any other sign of deterioration.

As with your automobile, stereo, VCR, or other technology-based property, you should only trust a technician who is thoroughly trained in the required area. Rolex, for example, certifies watch technicians to work on its watches. As with any repair profession, you will find varying levels of expertise, and also individuals who are more qualified in one area than another.

For example, a highly skilled Rolex technician might very well be lost when dealing with a 1930's Gruen Curvex watch. An expert "watchmaker" who is capable even of making parts for some vintage watches, may not have any experience with the intricacies of the modern Rolex or other luxury, high end timepieces.

You may be fortunate enough to find a watch repair technician who is well versed and qualified in a number of areas. Such individuals do exist, even in this age of specialization.

Water resistance refers to a watch's ability to seal out moisture. Water resistance is generally rated in terms of feet or meters of depth in water. At the specified depth in water, the watch should be able to withstand the pressure and remain dry inside.
 
 

Water resistant watches are sealed with gaskets, tiny rubber band-like devices that spread out when the watch case is tightened into place, thereby sealing any air space that would otherwise allow water to enter the watch case. There is no way to make a watch water-resistant long-term unless it is designed to be water-resistant to begin with.

At one time the term "waterproof" was used commonly to indicate that a watch had a certain amount of resistance to external moisture. Because the term was used so loosely and not properly defined, it is now illegal to use it, and "water resistant" has taken its place.