‘What if’ is a catalyst for both dreams, extra care and fear. It is the power of ‘what if’ that drives the way we live, expecting the unexpected and  organizing life in such a way that we’re ready when both the unpredictable and unimaginable strike. Most people wouldn’t dream of leaving themselves open to chance; health, car, travel and home insurance are all signs of the unexpected life. A person who crashes their new car and does not have insurance is regarded as careless, and at the mercy of floods, fire and burglars, it’s only foolish to live in an uninsured house.

While some of the things life throws at us are less than pleasant there are those things that surprise us with a whirlwind of excitement and joy, like when your partner bends down on one knee and asks for your hand in marriage.

So what if you get engaged?

This is an exciting ‘if’ and a cause for celebration! Proposals come about in many different ways. Some couples discuss the topic at length, including timing and ring design. In other cases, the proposal comes after several well placed hints, and still for others the question of ‘will you marry me?’ comes as a complete surprise. A proposal brings a flurry of wedding planning, events and of course a ring! But what if the proposal is followed by another ‘if’? What if your sparkling new engagement ring is lost, damaged or stolen?

You may think that this is a very big ‘if’ and it probably won’t happen to you, but fact is you’re actually more likely to lose your engagement ring in the first year than at any other time. Getting used to something so precious on your finger takes time. The probability that you take it off and leave it somewhere or accidentally knock it against something is far greater in that first year. A hen’s party and/or honeymoon abroad in areas where there is greater chance of theft may also increase the risk in that first year. Amidst the excitement of a wedding, if something happens to your beautiful engagement ring it can be truly heartbreaking, not to mention expensive.

If you have insured your engagement ring then the loss, damage or theft is no less heart breaking, but there is comfort knowing you won’t be completely out of pocket. You may even be able to replace your ring with an exact replica.

Question is, what happens if you’re not insured?

There is little to no recourse for an uninsured ring. If you fail to insure your ring, then you can expect that you will have to purchase a brand new engagement ring or pay the full cost of any repairs should something happen to it. When you consider how much time is spent finding the perfect ring, the emotion attached to such a purchase and the significant financial cost, it is crazy not to insure such a special item. If something were to happen to your engagement ring it could cost far more than a crashed car and you wouldn’t dream of not having car insurance would you?

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.