set . . . then buy with a clear mind, and when you have bought, insure.
There
is a right and a wrong way of looking after jewellery. All pieces of
jewellery, for instance, ought to be kept in a case by themselves in
such a way that there is no chance of the stones rubbing against each
other. Layers of cotton-wool, placed at the bottom and between the
various articles, will achieve this. Periodically make sure that the
stones have not worked loose in their settings. This can be done by
gently pressing a matchstick against the table of each stone. If the
stone has become loose it will wobble, if ever so slightly, and it may
be that a mere tightening up of one of the claws needs to be done to
avoid a serious loss. Then again fine atmospheric dust, or soapsuds, or
perspiration, or all together, may dim the lustre of gems in their
settings after a little while. Do not attempt to get rid of the
accumulation by means of a toothpick or a pin. There is a far better
and safer way. Cover the bottom of a wineglass with a little industrial
alcohol (unless you think the use of brandy or whisky no waste in such
circumstances!), slide your set jewellery gently into the glass and
leave it there for five or ten minutes. When you take them out, don't
wipe them with a cloth, but just waft them about until they are dry.
All the dirt will have dissolved and your stones will shine as brightly
as they did the day you bought them.
Oh,
before I close, there's one point about heirloom jewellery. There is no
reason why heirlooms should not be remodelled and brought up to date. In fact, quite the contrary. The precious metal is there and so are the gems,
