Jewelry losses tend to spike during travel and the busy holiday season, when routines are disrupted and valuables are more likely to be misplaced or stolen. From slipping off in cold weather to disappearing during airport security checks, even the most careful couples aren’t immune to accidents. Taking a few simple precautions now can help protect your new investment—and the memories it represents—so your engagement story stays full of sparkle, not stress.

A Moment Worth Protecting

An engagement ring isn’t just jewelry; it’s a story, a promise, and often one of the most valuable items a person owns. Whether it’s a brand-new diamond or a family heirloom, a single mishap could turn joy into stress. That’s why experts recommend treating engagement rings with the same care you’d give to any major investment.

Beyond sentimental value, there’s real financial risk. The average engagement ring in the United States now costs more than $5,000. And traditional homeowners or renters policies often limit jewelry coverage to just a fraction of that unless you’ve added a specific endorsement. Think of an endorsement as an upgrade to your existing policy. It gives you the ability to cover specific high-value items individually, so you’re not relying on a general limit that may fall short if something happens to your valuables.

Simple Ways to Safeguard Your Sparkle

Before you pop the question (or after you’ve said yes), take a few steps to make sure that ring is protected from the start:

1. Get it appraised. Before you insure the ring, make sure you know what it’s worth today—not just what it cost when purchased. You can easily search online to find qualified jewelry appraisers in your area who can provide an official valuation based on current market prices, gemstone quality, and craftsmanship. Keep in mind that jewelry values can fluctuate over time, so it’s wise to have your piece reappraised every few years to ensure your coverage reflects its true replacement cost.

2. Keep records. Save receipts, photos, and certification documents in a safe place or digital file. These details help verify ownership and value if you ever need to file a claim or update your policy. It’s also smart to keep a copy of your appraisal and any serial numbers with your insurance paperwork or stored securely in the cloud, so you can access them even if something happens while you’re traveling.

3. Consider a dedicated jewelry endorsement. Standard homeowners or renters insurance often limits coverage for jewelry losses, so a scheduled personal property rider or standalone jewelry policy offers stronger protection. This type of coverage insures specific pieces for their appraised value and typically covers theft, loss, or damage anywhere in the world—even if it disappears under mysterious circumstances. It’s a small addition that can make a big difference when something irreplaceable goes missing.

4. Store and wear wisely. Take the ring off during workouts, gardening, cleaning, or travel through airports—times when it’s most likely to be damaged or misplaced. Keep a soft pouch or small travel jewelry case handy for safekeeping instead of tossing it into a gym bag or purse pocket. At home, designate one consistent spot, like a ring dish or jewelry box, so you always know where it is when it’s not on your hand.

Coverage That Travels With You

Life can move fast—from holiday travel and everyday adventure to honeymoons and new beginnings—and your jewelry coverage should keep up. Whether you’re traveling for the holidays, planning a destination wedding, or settling into newlywed life, jewelry insurance ensures your “forever” piece is covered for its full value, wherever life takes you. After all, your engagement story deserves to sparkle without worry.

Contact a Westwood agent to make sure your jewelry is protected through every season and milestone.

Please note: This article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not represent any specific insurance policy and does not modify any provisions, limitations, or exclusions of any current policy.