Heirloom and antique jewellery insurance
For inherited, antique and vintage jewellery. These providers list cover for heirloom or second-hand pieces. Most will want a current valuation.
Providers to review
These providers meet the filters used for this type of insurance.
What you are insuring: Inherited or antique jewellery. You can change this when you filter providers.
| Provider | Who they work with | Cover areas | Items covered | More info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CentrestoneUnderwriting agencyAboutA standalone jewellery policy for items worth $500 or more, insured by Berkley Insurance Australia. It covers rings, other jewellery and luxury watches, and is also offered through participating jewellers. Some men’s jewellery, such as chains and bracelets, is excluded. | Engagement and wedding ring owners, Watch owners, Jewellery buyers |
| Visit provider | |
Q ReportUnderwriting agencyAboutA standalone policy for jewellery and watches worth $2,000 or more, with worldwide cover. Insured by Chubb and sold by Jewellers Loop, which also sells JewelCover. | Engagement and wedding ring owners, Watch owners, Owners of several valuable pieces |
| Visit provider |
Start with a valuation
An inherited piece rarely comes with a receipt. A valuation from a registered valuer describes the piece and gives a replacement cost, which most insurers ask for.
Older pieces can be hard to replace exactly. The valuation shows what a replacement would involve: the metal, the stones and the work needed.
Insurance replaces, it cannot restore the original
Insurance can pay for a repair or a replacement, but it cannot bring back the original. Ask how the policy settles a claim on a one-off piece: a jeweller-made copy, a similar piece or a cash payment.
Cover to ask about
- loss and theft at home and when worn
- damage, including to older settings
- how a claim on a one-of-a-kind piece is settled
- whether you can use your own jeweller
Some policies exclude damage caused during cleaning, repair or restoration. Use a jeweller you trust for any work on an older piece.
What to have ready
- a recent valuation
- photos, including hallmarks and close-ups of the stones
- any history, certificates or earlier valuations
- the condition of the piece
- where it is kept and how often you wear it
Example: an inherited brooch
This is a hypothetical example.
Jordan inherits a diamond brooch from the 1940s, with no receipt and no idea of its value. A registered valuer values it at $11,000.
Jordan's contents policy limits jewellery to $2,500 in total. They compare listing the brooch on the contents policy with a separate jewellery policy, and ask each insurer how a one-off piece would be replaced.
Frequently asked questions
Can I insure jewellery with no receipt?
Usually, with a valuation instead. Some insurers accept a recent valuation in place of a receipt.
How often should I update the valuation?
Every two to three years is a common guide. Do it sooner if gold or gem prices move a lot.
Is sentimental value covered?
No. Insurance pays for repair or replacement, not sentimental value.