Jewellery Insurance: What to Know and Why It Matters

Jewellery is more than an accessory. It’s emotional, often irreplaceable, and always personal. Whether it’s a bespoke engagement ring, an heirloom passed through generations or a piece chosen to celebrate a milestone, the true value of jewellery goes far beyond its price tag. That’s why protecting your most treasured pieces is something every collector should consider.

Jewellery insurance might not be the most glamorous topic, but it can be one of the most important. From loss and theft to damage or mysterious disappearance, having the right cover in place offers confidence that your jewellery is properly safeguarded.

Why Jewellery Insurance Matters

No matter how careful you are, life happens. Rings can slip off fingers, necklaces can be left behind while travelling, and watches can be damaged in the everyday. Standard home insurance policies often place strict limits on valuable items, meaning your jewellery may not be fully covered, particularly when worn outside the home.

Specialist jewellery insurance gives you cover that’s designed for the way fine jewellery is worn and enjoyed. It can include protection against accidental damage, loss while travelling, or theft from your person, all with terms that reflect the true value of the piece.

How to Insure Your Jewellery

The first step is to have your jewellery professionally valued. At Walter Bull & Son, we offer independent valuations for insurance purposes, carried out by qualified experts who understand the current market and take into account both intrinsic and historical value. This written valuation serves as your official proof of worth and is what your insurer will rely on should you ever need to make a claim.

Once valued, you can explore specialist jewellery insurance providers or contact your current insurer to see if your policy can be extended to include your most precious pieces. Be sure to ask about worldwide cover, how claims are handled, and whether you’d be able to replace your item at the original jeweller or through a similar quality source.

When to Update Your Valuation

We recommend updating your jewellery valuations every three to five years. Gold and gemstone prices change, and so does the replacement value of fine jewellery. Keeping your valuation up to date means your insurance always reflects the real worth of your pieces.

If your jewellery has been reworked, resized or restored, it’s also wise to have a fresh valuation carried out. Even sentimental or inherited pieces that you wouldn’t replace in the same way can benefit from being properly documented, for both insurance and future legacy planning.

Peace of Mind in Every Piece

Jewellery brings joy, marks moments, and becomes part of your story. Having it insured allows you to wear it without worry. Whether you’re proposing, travelling, passing something down, or simply going about your day, knowing your jewellery is protected makes all the difference.