About NJSA
The National Jewelry Security Association was founded in 2009 by Cynthia A. Ritzi, owner of Ritzi Jewelers. As a 5th generation retail jeweler, Cynthia was always devoted to her jewelry clients and the protection of their valuable and sentimental items. After many years of experiencing the heartbreak of jewelry loss and damage with her clients, she decided that providing consumer education and products to address this ongoing concern would enable the jewelry consumer to understand their responsibility in safeguarding their most treasured pieces. Along with a trusted retail jeweler, these clients can dramatically improve the odds of not experiencing a costly and hurtful jewelry loss.
Established in 1881, Ritzi Jewelers has an impressive 143 year history of dedication to their beloved industry, including serving on industry boards and inventing equipment and devices to enable jewelers to operate better in their businesses. Fourth generation jewelers, Thomas and David Ritzi both invented patented products for jewelers, including the ColorMaster and MeleeMeeter MicroGuages. The entire Ritzi family has always dedicated themselves to providing the expertise and trust required to ensure that every client has a positive experience.
The NJSA is an extension of this multi-generational dedication to consumer awareness, honesty in business and client satisfaction, representing what every retail jeweler should strive to accomplish.
Cynthia Ritzi is a fifth generation jeweler and current owner of Ritzi & Co. Jewelers. She has dedicated many years to developing trademarked products for the jewelry industry and consumer protection use. She founded the NJSA, in 2009, an organization designed to offer protections for the jewelry consumer and the jeweler alike. The NJSA (National Jewelry Security Association) has produced numerous products surrounding jewelry security, jewelry inventorying and consumer education. The KeepSafe Jewelry Portfolio and Keepsafe Jewelry Inventory are trademarked products that help to catalog and safeguard fine jewelry. Cynthia was also the co-host of the PBS TV program, Antiques and Collectibles that featured a live studio audience and weekly experts in all categories of collectibles, including jewelry.
NJSA Consumer Education Campaign
Know your jewelry...
Secure your jewelry...
Enjoy your jewelry...
Jewelry Security involves safeguarding the jewelry that you already own and love - and making an informed decision regarding all jewelry matters through investigation and evaluation of your personal jewelry situation. The NJSA has launched a consumer education campaign that promotes jewelry security and advocates seeking the advice of professional advisors to help you evaluate your jewelry security needs.
The NJSA has an informative educational campaign titled,
The 4-I's of Jewelry Security
Inspect Inventory Insure Investigate
Inspect
David W. Ritzi
The #1 cause of jewelry loss is due to lack of routine inspections. This is a very simple safeguard that can prevent a heartbreaking loss and is provided as a valuable free service through most quality jewelry stores. The recommended inspection period for jewelry that is worn daily is every 6 months. When you have your jewelry inspected, the jeweler will advise you as to whether you are in need of repairs or regular maintenance to secure your jewelry. Please take these warnings seriously. A record of your inspections should be maintained to insure that you are following this most important preventative strategy. Be sure to download your FREE Inspection and Maintenance Record Below
Inventory
It is imperative to create an inventory of your jewelry, so that you have a record and proof of what you own. When a loss occurs, such as a burglary, these records will be invaluable at a time of stress and decision making. Having some form of documentation for the jewelry that you own, including photographs, will enable you to act in a quick and decisive manner, no matter what situation you are facing.
Insure
Once you have an inventory of your jewelry, you will need to make a decision as to whether you will carry insurance to protect your pieces. Often the decision is made based on the value of the individual items, your wearing habits and other security measures that you take. Usually, a written appraisal or evaluation of your jewelry is required to obtain insurance. Your jeweler and insurance agent can advise you as to your insurance needs and how to best protect your valuables.
Investigate
Before making any decisions regarding jewelry, you need accurate information. Whether it is the purchase of a new item, the security of sentimental pieces or the disposal of something that you own, please take the time to investigate the best options for your given situation. Many problems or mistakes could be avoided by doing a little homework. Having an established relationship with a quality jeweler will be a great resource that you can count on over the years.
The NJSA has consumer information to help you make an educated decision regarding the security of your fine jewelry. The NJSA Handbook is a 10 Page guide detailing areas of concern for jewelry owners. Topics include: How Loss Happens, Jewelry Security Basics, Personal Security, Alerts and Warnings and General Jewelry Care. There is also a Protection Checklist that will help you quickly determine if you have areas of concern. This booklet and the other Jewelry Security materials are available through the NJSA and our Jewelry Partners.
Download Your Free Inspection and Maintenance Record Here
