Most law firms accept credit cards as a form of payment. Some do not. Alot depends upon the size of the firm. He definitely has not right legally to keep your jewelery from you. You should be able to access that for sure. It would probably get pretty ugly from here on out if he did not turn the jewelery over, because you would be forced to involve law enforcement officer and then it will most likely go down hill from there.
If he is in fact trying to beat you to the punch, he probably will regret doing so in some time. I only wish that my W was showing the patience and dedication to our M the way that you have been. He does not know how fortunate he is that you are not already gone.
http://www.divorcebusting.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1162413&page=2#Post1162413 M-28 W-28 Together 10 years Married 2 years No children Things started taking a turn in 01/07