Oh no. Not this. Not now. Not…my diamond engagement ring (or other valued jewelry piece).
Well, yes. It happened. It’s real. All too real. Your prized diamond engagement ring has been damaged. Considerably and extensively (as well as expensively) so, by the looks of it. This definitely does not look…good.
Maybe you damaged your diamond engagement ring while working out. Perhaps it was busted up bad while you were exploring the great outdoors—and forgot to wear your specialized hiking boots, causing you to slip, fall, and brace yourself with your left hand. Maybe you even “overcooked” your ring in a kitchen mishap. These are just a few of the unfortunate scenarios that could unfold if you forget to take your ring off in certain situations.
So what do you do…now? What’s the best course of action…here?
Do you repair it? Do you replace it altogether? And what does any jewelry warranty or ancillary insurance policy you may have even…provide for? Are you covered…fully?
Do you really have a choice?
Don’t worry. The dedicated team of experienced jewelry insurance specialists here at Zillion are here to help you navigate this tough time. After all, repair and replacement jewelry insurance is what we do. It’s not just our job, it’s a true passion.
Learn more and answer all your questions here. Let’s take a closer look, shall we?
Repair vs. Replacement: Jewelry Insurance Decisions, Decisions…
First thing’s first. Now that your diamond engagement ring or other prized jewelry piece has been damaged, you have to discern and decide before you take action. In other words, you have to evaluate the degree of damage. Is your ring able to be repaired—or is it too far gone, requiring replacement? Only then can you make an informed and wise decision on how to proceed.
But just what sort of damage necessitates a diamond engagement ring repair? And what warrants a complete and total…ring replacement? After all, this isn’t as obvious or eye-popping as something like a “totaled” car, truck, or SUV.
It helps to consider a “handful” (fingers-full?) of factors during discernment, so you can make the wisest decision possible. Factor in cost, sentimental value, and feasibility of fixing it (as opposed to having no choice but to replace the ring).
A great assist can be provided at this pivotal point by taking a trip to your local, trusted jeweler. Your jeweler can give you a much more professional, precise idea if your ring can be repaired—and if so, what such repairs may cost you. If you visit the jeweler who sold your engagement ring, you’ll likely experience an even higher level of service.
Many times, your damaged diamond engagement ring can be repaired instead of replaced. Just how much these repairs cost, or how long they take to complete, will vary based on factors such as degree of damage, required repair work, available staff and resources, and more. The most common ring repairs generally include quality professional services such as:
· Resizing
· Prong replacement
· Clasp repair
· Cleaning
· Polishing
· Stone replacement
What do Jewelry Care Plans Really Provide?
We’ve all become quite familiar with the concept of “care” when it comes to things like our homes, vehicles, and personal health. But when it comes to any kind of “care plan” for our diamond engagement ring or other valuable, valued jewelry pieces, most of us would admit to a lot less comfort or knowledge. What does a typical jewelry warranty provide? Is there anything like a lifetime warranty available? Is insuring your engagement ring via your homeowners or renters insurance a viable option? Do I need a dedicated jewelry insurance policy—and if so, is it worth the cost and investment?
Let’s take a closer look at each option…
Jewelry Care Plans
Let’s take a look at the care plan offerings provided by a well-established and highly respected diamond manufacturer for context. Legendary and iconic brand Helzberg Diamonds offers a Three-Year Jewelry Care Plan and a Three-Year Watch Care Plan on “select jewelry pieces”
Each of these Helzberg Care Plans are available for use up to three years from the covered piece’s purchase date. It encompasses certain “covered inspections or repairs.” The Three-Year Jewelry Care Plan covers precious engraved and alternative metal bands, including the replacement of bands that can’t be sized due to metal type or design. In addition to replacing bands for a different size, the plan covers the replacement of broken or damaged bands–due to normal wear and tear–and lost or damaged gemstones. The Three-Year Watch Care Plan covers eligible watch repairs and services (both parts and labor) for three years from the watch’s purchase date. Eligible repairs and services include addressing defective or damaged crowns, stems, crystals, bands, or clasps. The plan also includes a one-time cosmetic refurbishment option.
However, these plans do not cover…everything. In fact, there’s quite a few concerns and instances it doesn’t address. The list of repairs and services that aren’t covered includes:
· Jewelry damage as a result of excessive or abusive treatment
· Jewelry that’s been repaired by a store outside of Helzberg Diamonds
· Damage to jewelry resulting from loss, theft, or any consequential damages or loss of use resulting from broken or damaged jewelry, or from any delay in Helzberg-provided jewelry repair
· Watches with minor scratches or nicks caused by normal wear
· Loss or theft of jewelry
Jewelry Warranty
Sometimes also referred to as a “jewelry guarantee,” jewelry warranties typically cover replacement of damaged or lost diamonds (and possibly any other precious gemstones) for a lifetime. They may also cover mounting (typically for a more limited time) and cleaning of your diamond engagement ring. Some jewelers will offer a warranty or guarantee on the diamonds or gemstones as part of the ring’s purchase price, while others may provide such protection at an additional cost.
There’s also usually a catch, however. In order to keep your warranty active and up-to-date, you will almost certainly need to meet a certain set of criteria, obligations, and rules—as defined by your particular jeweler. These stipulations often include regular ring inspections at your jeweler (typically once every six months), with some providers more severe or strict than others. During these inspections, jewelers examine your diamond ring closely through a gemological microscope or loupe. This is a great way to practice “preventive health” for the lifetime of your prized engagement ring.
We here at Zillion also advise you to take some time to read a more detailed, in-depth blog post that compares diamond engagement ring warranties with dedicated ring insurance (which we’ll “cover” here shortly).
Lifetime Jewelry Care Plan
Turning back to Helzberg Diamonds, it’s notable that this respected jeweler also offers what they call a Lifetime Care Plan on select jewelry pieces. This special plan is available for use immediately from the purchase date—and running throughout the life of the covered piece.
There is also a catch here, however. And it’s a fairly intensive and ongoing one. To maintain your Helzberg Lifetime Care Plan, you must have your covered jewelry inspected at your nearest Helzberg Diamonds location within six months after the purchase date—and continuing every six months after. The Helzberg associate will update your account to verify the requirements have been meant to keep your Lifetime Care Plan current and active, after each inspection or recommended cleaning.
Dedicated Jewelry Insurance for Repair and Replacement
Now we turn to our preferred protection method for your invaluable diamond engagement ring—dedicated jewelry insurance from Zillion. Here, we’re all about providing you with proper protection and peace of mind regarding the timeless and priceless symbol of your undying love—along with any other precious jewelry pieces you may have. This way, you can wear your ring not only with pride and love, but also full and complete confidence.
In addition to any unfortunate damage to your diamond engagement ring, a rock-solid, dedicated insurance policy can help guard against other unfortunate and costly events such as accidental damage, loss, and theft.
Oh, and then there’s a not-so-little something we like to call…
Concierge Claims: Extra Special Care during Your Jewelry Repair or Replacement
No matter how you choose to protect your diamond engagement ring, one thing’s for sure: Zillion cares. About you. And for your diamond engagement ring and/or other prized pieces. So when you do find yourself in need of repair or replacement, and you do have a dedicated jewelry insurance policy from Zillion, you’ll experience the rewards of what we like to call concierge claims service.
Think of concierge claims service as the most powerful and valuable expression of how much we care. This personalized approach means that we take care of any needed repair or replacement work—so you don’t have to. Working closely (you might even say…hand-in-hand) with your preferred jeweler, our dedicated and experienced team rolls up our sleeves and handles all the cumbersome, complicated, stressful stuff—like proving your ownership of the damaged jewelry piece, verifying its value, negotiating a cash settlement, and more.
We also take time to communicate throughout this repair or replacement process, keeping you in the loop every step of the way. Those steps start soon, too. The attentive and responsive approach that defines concierge claim service means that our claims team gets going on finding the best possible solution and outcome for you as quickly and efficiently as possible—typically within 24 hours of your easy online claim submission.
Whenever you’re ready for the next step, simply visit our homepage to get your fast, free engagement ring insurance quote. We look forward to serving you in the New Year…and beyond!
Happy New Year!