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Jewellery insurance

A jewellery insurance policy can cover the cost of repairing or replacing high value items such as engagement rings, watches and family heirlooms.

These items could be covered by a standard home insurance policy. But if they exceed a certain amount, you might need to change your current policy or find a specialist jewellery insurance policy.

We don't compare jewellery insurance but we can help explain it. And if it's not for you, we can help you cover your items with a home insurance policy.

Matthew Harwood, Home & lifestyle insurance expert at Confused.com

Reviewed by Matthew Harwood Home & lifestyle insurance expert 5 min read | Reviewed 17/12/2025

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What is jewellery insurance?

Jewellery insurance is a type of cover you can buy to protect valuable items such as watches, earrings, and rings.

It can come in handy if, for example:

A stone falls out of your engagement ring, and you need it repaired
Your watch is pickpocketed while you’re on holiday
The clasp on your bracelet breaks and you lose it

When should I get jewellery insurance?

You should arrange jewellery insurance as soon as you purchase a new piece, especially for high-value items like engagement rings or luxury watches. Ideally, your cover should be in place before you wear the item, as accidents or loss can happen even on the first day.

Insurance is also important before travelling or attending events where your jewellery could be damaged or stolen.

If the value of a piece changes - such as after an evaluation or an upgrade - make sure you update your policy so it reflects its current worth.

What does jewellery insurance cover?

Most jewellery insurance policies cover a range of events, including:

Accidental damage - for example, broken prongs, scratched gemstones, chipped stones or broken clasps.
Mysterious disappearance - items that go missing without obvious theft, such as leaving them in a safe place and they can't be found.
Theft - from home, travel or public spaces - often includes forced entry into a safe or home.
Loss outside of the home - jewellery lost while travelling, at work or at social events is usually covered under personal possessions cover.
Worldwide coverage - most policies automatically cover your jewellery across the world, not just in your home.
Replacement or repair costs - most policies reimburse the cost of repair or replacement up to the insured value, sometimes know as new for old cover. It's often based on the current market value of the item.

What does jewellery insurance not cover?

Typical exclusions include:

Wear and tear - gradual damage such as scratches, fading or loose stones from normal use.
Intentional damage - damage caused deliberately and not by accident.
Negligence - leaving jewellery in unlocked cars, public places or unattended in unsafe locations.
Unreported loss - failure to report loss or theft promptly can void a claim.
Damage during improper maintenance - for example, using the wrong cleaning products or amateur repairs.
Uninsured items - pieces not listed in your insurance may not be covered, or cover may be limited.

What’s classed as ‘valuable’ for insurance?

Insurers often consider items that are rare or expensive to be high-risk. This typically includes valuables such as:

Art
Jewellery and watches
A collection of items (like a LEGO collection)
Musical instruments
Designer clothing and accessories
Antiques

How to insure your high-value jewellery on a home insurance policy

When it comes to contents insurance, all your belongings are usually insured together as one lump sum - for example, £50,000 of total contents. But insurers also set a single-item limit, often between £1,000 and £2,500. This is the maximum they’ll pay out for any one item unless you list it separately on your policy.

That’s why it’s important to specify higher-value items, like engagement rings, luxury watches or other expensive jewellery, when getting a quote. With Confused.com, we’ll ask if you want to insure any items worth more than £1,000 each. We’ll also ask:

What type of item it is (e.g., jewellery, engagement rings, art, musical instruments)
A brief description of the item
Its value to the nearest pound
Whether you want it covered away from home

Listing valuable items might increase your premium slightly, but it will give you the reassurance they’re properly protected.

For example, if you have a £5,000 watch but don’t list it when applying for home insurance, you may only be covered up to the single-item limit - say £1,500. That would leave you £3,500 out of pocket if you needed to claim. Always double-check the details before buying your policy so you know it suits your needs.

If you already have a contents insurance policy, the easiest way to add cover for a high-value item is to contact your insurer and ask them to update your cover.

What our home insurance expert says

"To make sure your jewellery is properly covered by your home insurance, you should get it accurately valued first. Usually, if it's under £1,000 it's covered by your home insurance policy. But if it's valued over £1,000 you'll need to list it as a high value item. If it exceeds your insurer's single item limit, you'll need to get a specialist jewellery policy.

Having your jewellery valued by a professional means you can get the right amount of cover. If your jewellery is under-valued, you might find you won't be able to claim the full amount needed to repair or replace it."

Matthew Harwood Home & lifestyle insurance expert

How to find cheaper jewellery insurance quotes

There are a few ways you can help reduce your policy premium:

Pay annually. Insurers often add interest to monthly repayments, so paying yearly can work out cheaper overall.
Make sure the value of your items is accurate. If you overestimate, you could end up paying more than you need to.
Avoid add-ons you don’t need. Extras like accidental damage cover can be useful if they’re relevant to you – but if not, they’ll only increase your costs.

When you compare contents insurance with Confused.com, you can view policies that include high-value item cover all in one place! This will help you find a policy that suits your needs and fits your budget.

Frequently asked questions

Am I covered to take my jewellery abroad?

Most home insurance policies won’t cover your jewellery while you’re overseas so it’s important to check before you fly. Specialist policies are more likely to offer this cover. You might also be covered by your travel insurance. In many cases it makes sense to leave valuable items at home.

Does insurance for jewellery cover a set or collection?

Whether your home insurance can cover a jewellery set or collection depends on its value. If your home insurer can’t cover it you should be able to arrange standalone insurance with a specialist jewellery insurance company.

How much does jewellery insurance cost?

The cost of your jewellery insurance depends on the level of cover you request and the value of the items you want to insure.

Your contents cover will provide some jewellery insurance. But factors such as where you live and the total value of your possessions influence the cost too.

However, your cover may cost more if you need high value items of jewellery insured separately.

What happens if I under-insure my jewellery?

If your jewellery is under-insured and you need to make a claim, the payout might not be enough to cover the replacement cost. This is why it’s important to make sure you have up to date valuations for any expensive jewellery you have.