So he popped the question and now you can't stop staring at your gorgeous new bling. But, before you get too comfortable, make sure to insure that beauty just in case your new ring were to take a tumble down the garbage disposal (Hey, it happens!).
First things first, you're going to need to get your ring appraised. More than likely, the jewelry store where your ring was purchased will do an appraisal for you. We asked our friends at Blakeman's Fine Jewelry for their expertise on the matter.
"At Blakeman's, we provide a certified appraisal along with a diamond grading report to our engagement clients so that they can then select an insurance provider of their choice," says Ben Blakeman. "We do not provide insurance coverage directly to the customer. We give them the documentation needed to make their own insurance decision."
Next up is choosing your ring insurance. You really have two options: If you have homeowners' or renters' insurance, you can purchase an extension (also called a "rider") that covers your engagement ring specifically, or if you don't have homeowners' or renters' insurance you can take out a policy through a company that specializes in jewelry insurance like Jewelers Mutual. Independent companies like Jewelers Mutual are also worth a look if your insurance provider doesn't offer the specific coverage you require.
Other important questions to ask a potential policy provider:
- Can you choose who repairs your ring?
- If you're insured for replacement, where can you purchase a new ring?
- What happens if a suitable replacement cannot be found?
- How will you need to prove the ring vanished if you make a claim?
- Are there any circumstances that aren't covered?
Bottom line, it's better to be safe than sorry. Try to get your ring insured before you start wearing it out and about. We hate hearing stories of newly engaged brides losing their ring or damaging it before they had a chance to get it insured.
On the topic of keeping your ring safe and sound, we have some other expert advice for keeping your ring safe and sound even after it's insured:
- We've heard of brides who have locked their engagement ring in a safe in the U.S. before they go abroad. Instead of risking their beloved ring to pickpockets, they bought a cheap cubic zirconia ring to wear around the streets of Europe.
- If you want to make sure everyone knows you're married while you hit the gym, there are plenty of silicone ring choices that will help keep your actual engagement ring in tip-top shape. Try these Qalo rings from $20.
- To make your ring as beautiful as can be, many jewelers recommend bringing it in for an inspection and cleaning every six months. During those visits, jewelers are looking to make sure no stones have fallen out, nothing's loose and that everything's as shiny as the day he popped the question.
