Our Security Partners Share Critical Information for Jewelry Protection
and Suggest "Layers of Security" as Best Practice
Independent Jewelers are a Valuable Resource for Consumers
Your local independent jeweler can be your first line of defense in the area of jewelry security. They understand how valuable and sentimental your jewelry is to you and can help you in numerous ways to protect it. First and foremost, you need to establish a routine of inspections for the jewelry that you wear every day. The #1 cause of jewelry loss is due to accessive wear on your jewelry resulting in lost stones, broken chains, damaged clasps, etc.
This is a very preventable situation once you establish a routine of inspections for your jewelry. All jewelry that you wear daily needs regular maintenance. This would include; repairing broken prongs and tightening loose stones, fixing broken clasps, mending stretched or broken chains and bracelets and tightening or replacing earring backs. Your jeweler can provide you with a written record for your inspections that will remind you when you are due to have your jewelry checked again.
Another essential component of protecting your jewelry is establishing an inventory of the jewelry that you own. An inventory would include descriptions and photographs for all of your pieces, and appraisals on the more valuable items. Many jewelers provide this service and can help you identify which pieces should be considered for insurance coverage. Ask your jeweler about products specifically designed to inventory and secure all of your jewelry information.
This is a very preventable situation once you establish a routine of inspections for your jewelry. All jewelry that you wear daily needs regular maintenance. This would include; repairing broken prongs and tightening loose stones, fixing broken clasps, mending stretched or broken chains and bracelets and tightening or replacing earring backs. Your jeweler can provide you with a written record for your inspections that will remind you when you are due to have your jewelry checked again.
Another essential component of protecting your jewelry is establishing an inventory of the jewelry that you own. An inventory would include descriptions and photographs for all of your pieces, and appraisals on the more valuable items. Many jewelers provide this service and can help you identify which pieces should be considered for insurance coverage. Ask your jeweler about products specifically designed to inventory and secure all of your jewelry information.
Your Local Insurance Agent will help you Determine what Protection you Need
It is a vital first step to have an inventory listing of the jewelry items that you own. This documentation will help you to determine the need you have for insurance, based on the total and individual value of the items that you own.
The best way to secure insurance for your jewelry is through your homeowner's or renter's policy. You may also purchase coverage through an independent insurer that specializes in jewelry. There will be papework required to secure insurance on your items. Formal appraisals that have descriptive details and photographs are your best protection in case of a loss. Annual jewelry losses are in the hundreds of millions of dollars per year. You must establish a record of what you have to prove ownership of your pieces - which will be invaluable in the case of a loss.
You local agent will help you determine the type of coverage that you need and will take in to account any other security measures that you are taking such as an alarm system or jewelry safe in your home.
The best way to secure insurance for your jewelry is through your homeowner's or renter's policy. You may also purchase coverage through an independent insurer that specializes in jewelry. There will be papework required to secure insurance on your items. Formal appraisals that have descriptive details and photographs are your best protection in case of a loss. Annual jewelry losses are in the hundreds of millions of dollars per year. You must establish a record of what you have to prove ownership of your pieces - which will be invaluable in the case of a loss.
You local agent will help you determine the type of coverage that you need and will take in to account any other security measures that you are taking such as an alarm system or jewelry safe in your home.
Security Advice for your Home
The best way to protect your jewelry is to have "layers of security" in place. This would include the above mentioned inspections and insurance coverage. Also, a vital part of this protection is how you secure your home and the valuables inside.
In the home, place your jewelry in a safe, if possible. If you own pieces that you only wear occasionally, an in-home safe or safely deposit box is best. An in-home safe can be a huge deterent in a burglary if used correctly. There are standards for quality of safe's and installation proceedures that should be followed for maximum benefit. We don't recommend that you store your jewelry in a jewelry box that is placed in plain site. Cash and jewelry are the first two things stolen in a home burglary - so you don't want to make it easy for the thieves.
A home security alarm system will provide an added layer of protection if used consistently. Even then, burglars are becoming very bold, breaking in with alarms blaring and going right for the jewelry that is in plain sight. Again, having an inventory and photos of your jewelry would be invaluable in this unfortunate sitation. Often, having immediate information for the authorities will allow recovery of your items.
In the home, place your jewelry in a safe, if possible. If you own pieces that you only wear occasionally, an in-home safe or safely deposit box is best. An in-home safe can be a huge deterent in a burglary if used correctly. There are standards for quality of safe's and installation proceedures that should be followed for maximum benefit. We don't recommend that you store your jewelry in a jewelry box that is placed in plain site. Cash and jewelry are the first two things stolen in a home burglary - so you don't want to make it easy for the thieves.
A home security alarm system will provide an added layer of protection if used consistently. Even then, burglars are becoming very bold, breaking in with alarms blaring and going right for the jewelry that is in plain sight. Again, having an inventory and photos of your jewelry would be invaluable in this unfortunate sitation. Often, having immediate information for the authorities will allow recovery of your items.