If you have lost a valuable piece of jewellery, such as an engagement ring, diamond ring, wedding ring or other precious item, you may be able to make a claim through your home insurance or jewellery insurance policy.
If your jewellery has been stolen, you should report the theft to An Garda Síochána as soon as possible and obtain a crime or incident reference number for your insurance claim.
The first step is to contact your insurance company or insurance broker and ask what information and documentation they require to process your claim. Every insurance policy is different, so your insurer will be able to explain the specific requirements of your policy.
To help support your claim, gather as much information as possible about the lost or stolen jewellery.
1. Contact Your Insurer
Notify your insurance company as soon as possible and explain what has happened. Ask what documentation they require and whether they need a professional jewellery valuation as part of your claim.
2. Gather Any Photographs
Look for photographs showing you wearing the jewellery or photographs taken before the item was lost or stolen.
Clear photographs can help establish what the item looked like and may assist with identifying its design, gemstones and other features.
3. Find Your Original Receipts
If you still have the original purchase receipt or invoice, provide a copy to your insurer and valuer.
This can help confirm where and when the jewellery was purchased and may provide useful information about the item and its original cost.
4. Locate Any Diamond or Gemstone Certificates
If the jewellery contained a certified diamond or gemstone, look for the original laboratory certificate.
A diamond grading report can provide important information about the stone, including its carat weight, colour, clarity and measurements.
5. Find Any Previous Jewellery Valuations
If the item was previously professionally valued, locate the valuation document.
A previous valuation may contain important details about the jewellery that can help establish its identity and characteristics.
6. Gather Your Insurance Documents
Check your home insurance policy, jewellery insurance schedule or other relevant insurance documentation.
These documents may confirm whether the item was specifically listed or insured and the level of cover provided.
7. Contact a Professional Jewellery Valuer
If your insurer requires professional documentation as part of your claim, you may need a professional post-loss jewellery valuation.
A professional valuer can review the information and documentation available to you, including photographs, receipts, previous valuations, diamond certificates and insurance schedules.
This information can be used to help identify and describe the lost or stolen item as accurately as possible.
At Diamond Valuations Ireland, we provide professional post-loss jewellery valuations for insurance purposes. Our service is available online throughout Ireland, making it possible to arrange a valuation even when the original jewellery is no longer available for physical inspection.