From Taylor Swift’s rumored engagement ring to Hailey Bieber’s viral oval-diamond trend, celebrity engagement rings often make headlines. But while social media obsesses over carats and cuts, one important question often gets overlooked — what kind of protection does wedding jewelry require? The reality is, even the most stunning ring isn’t immune to loss, theft, or damage. And with the global jewelry market projected to soar to over $482 billion by 2030 (and the average engagement ring in the U.S. now costing $5,200), a ring is more than a symbol of love – it’s a significant investment. Protecting it should be just as important as choosing it.
Five Ways to Keep Engagement and Wedding Rings Safe
- Keep Rings Secure While Washing Your Hands
Public restrooms are one of the top places where people lose their rings. If you take off your engagement ring to wash your hands, you risk leaving it behind or watching it slip down a drain. Instead, wash your hands with your ring on, or use a zippered pouch for temporary storage when traveling. - Limit Exposure to Unnecessary Damage
Diamonds may be the hardest natural substance, but they can still chip. Everyday activities — like weightlifting, gardening, or dishwashing — can cause scratches, loose prongs, or permanent damage to your jewelry. The safest move? Take off your ring during high-impact activities and store it properly. - Use Safe and Effective Cleaning Methods
While legend has it that Elizabeth Taylor cleaned her diamonds with gin, experts warn against using household cleaners on gemstones. Instead, schedule professional cleanings to ensure your ring stays brilliant without risking damage to delicate settings, gemstones, or finishes. - Schedule Routine Jewelry Inspections
A loose prong or hairline crack could lead to a lost diamond or structural damage before you even realize it. Annual inspections by a jeweler help prevent costly repairs and keep your ring in top condition. - Get the Right Jewelry Insurance
Many assume their homeowners insurance offers sufficient coverage for an engagement ring or wedding band, but standard policies may limit coverage to as little as $1,500 for jewelry losses — far below the value of most engagement rings or wedding sets. Plus, homeowners policies may come with high deductibles and limited coverage options.
A dedicated jewelry insurance policy provides benefits such as:
- Higher coverage limits for valuable pieces
- Coverage for accidental breakage, fire, burglary, water damage, mysterious disappearance, and other causes of loss
- No negative impact on your homeowners insurance premiums in the event of a covered claim
“When it comes to insuring engagement rings and other treasured watches and jewelry, specialty insurance policies offer more options than homeowners insurance in terms of coverage limits, covered perils, deductible options, and flexibility,” says James Appleton, MiniCo’s Director of Program Sales. He added, “In today’s pressurized property insurance market, making a claim against a homeowners policy could result in premium increases or – depending on where you live – the loss of your insurance policy altogether.”
Choose Specialized Jewelry and Collectibles Insurance
When it comes to jewelry insurance and collectibles insurance, a specialized monoline policy offers the ideal union of coverage options and claims handling. Stand-alone jewelry and collectibles insurance policies are tailored to the unique needs of high-value jewelry owners, allowing for flexible coverage and peace of mind that your clients’ cherished pieces are fully protected. MiniCo’s exclusive Collectibles Insurance program offers admitted coverage for a wide range of fine art, wedding jewelry, and collectibles as well as non-admitted options for larger collections of jewelry, watches, and more. Contact MiniCo’s dedicated program team to learn more and get a quote.
