Life happens. No matter how hard we try, we cannot plan for the unexpected.

That’s why you get home, auto, life, and, of course, jewelry insurance. It’s your safety net so that if something happens, you can be made whole again.

What to do if you should happen to damage, accidentally misplace, or lose your insured jewelry, is what often confuses people. Rest assured, you can learn how to file a jewelry insurance claim with the four simple steps below.

Filing a Jewelry Insurance Claim

Foremost, if your jewelry has been stolen, report the incident to police. Then begin the jewelry insurance claim process:

  1. Call your insurance provider. They will walk you through the claims process and collect the necessary information regarding your lost, stolen, or damaged item.As soon as the claims examiner reviews your claim, they should ask you to provide the name of your preferred jeweler. If you don’t have a preference, select the jeweler who sold the item. After all, they know it best!

    If you choose to work with a jeweler that is not able to invoice and bill your insurance company directly, the claim process will be slightly different. You might be required to pay for repair or replacement up front and then submit the receipt to your insurance company for reimbursement.

  2. Head to your jeweler.The claims representative will notify you when it’s time to make an appointment with your selected jeweler to have your item repaired or replaced.If the exact match for replacement is not available,  have the jeweler find a piece and/or stone that is the same kind and quality to what you originally had.

    To ensure your satisfaction, you must approve all repairs or replacements prior to the jeweler completing the work.

    Some insurance companies might require multiple estimates from various jewelers before covering a repair or replacement cost. It’s always a good idea to ask if this is their policy.

Did You Know? You Can Upgrade

Something shinier catch your eye at the jeweler? You have the ability to upgrade your insured jewelry item.

For example, you lose your 1 carat diamond and, instead of replacing with the exact kind, you want to upgrade to a 1.5 carat. No problem.

The jeweler will invoice us the cost to replace what you had as described on your policy, and you pay the difference directly to the jeweler.

Be sure to send us an updated description or appraisal so your new, shinier bling is fully covered.
  1. Pay your jeweler … if you have to.Once you are satisfied with your repair or replaced item, you pay your deductible amount to the jeweler and the jeweler bills us for the remaining balance.If you have a $0 deductible, you pay nothing. Zilch. Zip. Nada.
  2. Wear without worry … again!Feel comfortable to wear your repaired or replaced jewelry no matter where your travels take you. Be sure to submit a new appraisal or description of your repaired or replaced item so that you are fully covered for its new value.

A good rule of thumb in choosing a diamond jewelry appraiser is if you don’t know where to go to get jewelry appraised…read your local jewelry appraiser reviews. If you only choose one item, a diamond ring appraisal would probably be your best choice.  Also, if your purpose is to sell diamond jewelry, a current jewelry appraisal will help you decide a better selling price.

If you’re looking for a Denver jewelry appraisal for your engagement ring for insurance, contact Colorado Gem Labs.  I specialize in diamond jewelry, ring appraisal, estate appraisal, and am an independent jewelry appraiser.  I am a graduate gemologist trained at GIA and can appraise your rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and watches for replacement value.