The Jewelry Box Blog

Buying jewelry at a pawn shop can be a scavenger hunt. Just like shopping at any secondhand or thrift-type store, the inventory is ever-changing and you never know what you might find.

That's the double-edged sword of jewelry shopping at estate sales, pawn shops, and the like. If you have a Pinterest board full of dream rings and a style already in mind, rummaging through secondhand stores with limited inventory isn't your best bet.

As wearable technology evolves, more tech companies are collaborating with jewelry manufacturers and designers to keep smart jewelry on the forefront of fashion.

And it’s not only with smart watches. We’re starting to see wearable tech that isn’t even recognizable as such at first glance – it’s just as beautiful as high-end fine jewelry.

So you wear a watch. A watch you care enough about to clean - and actually look up how to clean properly.

I bet that watch is more to you than just an accessory that tells time. I bet you don't need these 16 things explained to you either.

But, what you do need explained is how to clean a watch, safely.

Maybe you don't need to know that the gemstone set in the crown of your watch is a cabochon, but perhaps you should know what the crown is.

Take a look in your closet.

What do you see?

There are most likely 5-6 pieces that you absolutely love: a perfect little black dress, a worn pair of jeans, the best fitting t-shirt you’ve ever owned, etc.

Now take a look at your jewelry box.

You’ve likely been building up your capsule jewelry wardrobe without even knowing it.

Technology is fickle. The newest, best gadget becomes obsolete faster than you can master its function. Sometimes it's hard to rationalize buying the newest phone, computer or smart watch, much less find a good reason to invest in protecting it.

Think about all the jewelry you own. Maybe you only have one high-value piece you consider worth insuring, like an engagement ring. The rest might be worth less than $500 apiece. No big deal, right?

We don’t claim to be math experts, but that charm bracelet you’ve been adding to over the years? That baby could be worth a couple grand by the time you complete it.

So, while it may be obvious to protect your diamond earrings or your wedding band, you should consider the worth of your entire jewelry box when deciding what to protect ... and what to gamble on.

First there was the Apple Watch.

Well, actually, the first smartwatch (as we know them) was really the Sony SmartWatch, which debuted a full two years before Apple’s version. Then we had Pebble ... and Samsung Galaxy Gear ... and Moto 360 ... and Samsung Gear S ... and THEN we had the Apple Watch.

Buying jewelry isn’t the same as buying a new outfit. We’re willing to bet you buy a new piece of clothing at least every other month, so you’re kind of a pro.

How often do you buy jewelry, though? Probably not nearly as often. (We’re talking more Tiffany & Co.^® than Forever 21 here.)

Not only do you go through the process less often, it’s also a bit more complex than choosing the most flattering sweater. There’s cut, color, clarity, carat – enough to make your head spin.

Scroll through your Facebook or Instagram feed and you won’t get far without seeing something about wearable technology.

According to Gartner Inc., an information technology and research advisory firm, wearable purchases are set to increase 16% in 2016, with smartwatches specifically predicted to increase a whopping 66%.