In the wake of a fire, homeowners often face the daunting task of sifting through what remains of their personal belongings. For many, finding damaged or charred jewelry can be both an emotional and financial challenge. With recent devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, CA, and across California, many families are confronting this difficult situation. If you've discovered jewelry in your home after a fire, here’s what you need to know about assessing, restoring, and potentially selling your pieces.

Step 1: Assess the Condition of the Jewelry

Fire can have varying effects on different types of metals and gemstones. Here’s what to look for:

• Gold and Silver Jewelry – Precious metals can melt or warp under extreme heat, but in many cases, they can be refined and restored.

• Diamonds and Gemstones – Some stones, including diamonds, can survive fires but may have suffered fractures or a change in clarity due to heat exposure.

• Pearls and Opals – These organic and delicate stones are more susceptible to fire damage and may not be salvageable.

• Watches and Heirlooms – The internal mechanisms of watches may be compromised, but gold and platinum components might be recoverable.

If your jewelry is covered in soot, avoid cleaning it yourself, as the chemicals and heat exposure may have altered its integrity.

Step 2: Consult a Professional for Evaluation

Before assuming your jewelry is beyond repair, take it to a professional jeweler for an evaluation. Olde Towne Jewelers in Santa Rosa, CA, specializes in jewelry assessment, restoration, and purchasing. Our experts can determine whether your pieces can be cleaned, repaired, or repurposed.

Step 3: Restoration and Cleaning

If your jewelry holds sentimental or financial value, restoration may be an option. Here’s what professionals can do:

• Polishing & Refinishing – Removing soot and reshaping warped metal.

• Stone Replacement – If a gemstone has been damaged, it may be possible to replace it with a matching one.

• Deep Cleaning – Using ultrasonic or professional chemical cleaning to remove debris safely.

Step 4: Consider Selling or Repurposing

For jewelry that cannot be restored to its original state, selling or repurposing might be the best solution. Olde Towne Jewelers offers competitive prices for scrap gold, silver, and platinum, allowing you to recover some value from damaged pieces. You may also choose to repurpose the metal or stones into new custom jewelry.

Step 5: Document for Insurance Claims

If you had insurance coverage for your jewelry, be sure to:

• Take photos of the damaged items.

• Gather receipts or previous appraisals.

• Obtain a professional appraisal for any remaining value.

• Contact your insurance provider to initiate a claim.

We Can Help

At Olde Towne Jewelers in Santa Rosa, we understand the emotional and financial toll of losing valuable jewelry to a fire. Whether you're looking to restore, sell, or repurpose your jewelry, our team is here to guide you through the process. If you have jewelry affected by fire, bring it in for a free consultation.

Visit Us and Start Your Journey

• Historic Railroad Square: 125 4th St., Santa Rosa, CA 95401

• St. Francis Shopping Center: 110 Calistoga Rd., Santa Rosa, CA 95409

📞 Call us: 707-577-8813
📧 Email: info@oldetownejewelers.com

Let us help you create a ring that is more than just a symbol—it’s a legacy of love that will stand the test of time.