Our 2025 Collectibles Study* dives into how and why people start collections, what they’re collecting, and how they protect their collections. Even though some may have safes and rooms to store their items, loss can still happen. Protecting your collection with dedicated jewelry or collectibles insurance can help covering you from any loss or damage.
Click here to view the full infographic highlighting the 2025 Collectibles Study
What Is Jewelry Insurance?
Jewelry insurance works like a lot of other insurance you already have, like renters or homeowners insurance, auto, or medical insurance. For a monthly premium, your rings, watches, necklaces, and other items are covered from loss or damage. It’s specifically for jewelry, and coverage often includes items and situations that homeowners insurance may not cover.
What Is Collectible Insurance?
Collectible insurance is a special type of insurance that’s used to protect specific kinds of assets, such as comic books, stamps, jewelry, art, handbags, and much more. It’s important because even though you may have a great homeowners insurance plan, it may have a lower-level coverage limit, if loss or damage were to occur.
In our collection study, 79% of the general population said that they were collecting jewelry, with watches coming in second at 49%. 64% said that they insured other items besides their home or their car, even though they add to their collection every few months. That’s a lot of jewelry left unprotected!
How to start a jewelry collection
Starting a jewelry collection is an exciting journey, whether you're building it from scratch or adding intention to pieces you already own. All participants in the study had some sort of collection and a majority said they are collecting jewelry. It's not just about accumulating valuables; it's about curating a personal story, expressing your style, and investing in pieces that bring you joy. There's no one-size-fits-all approach, which is part of the fun!
The best way to begin is by defining your "why." Are you looking for everyday essentials, statement pieces for special occasions, or heirloom-quality investments? Perhaps you're drawn to a particular metal, gemstone, or era. Understanding your motivation will guide your choices and help prevent impulse buys that don't truly resonate with you. Many people start with foundational pieces: classic stud earrings, a simple chain necklace, a versatile bracelet, or a timeless ring. These are the workhorses of any collection, easily dressed up or down.
Next, consider your lifestyle. Do you need durable pieces for daily wear, or are you seeking more delicate items for specific events? Someone with an active lifestyle might lean towards bezel-set diamonds or sturdy gold pieces, while someone who loves to accessorize for formal events might explore intricate designs with softer stones. Budget is also a key factor. You don't need to break the bank to start; quality over quantity is a great mantra. Begin with what you can comfortably afford, focusing on craftsmanship and materials that will stand the test of time. Over time, you can upgrade, add more valuable pieces, or diversify your collection.
Finally, explore and learn! Visit local jewelers, browse online, read about different gemstones and metals, and discover designers whose aesthetics appeal to you. Don't be afraid to try on pieces that catch your eye, even if they're outside your usual comfort zone. Your collection is an evolving reflection of you, so enjoy the process of discovery and curation. Remember, each piece should spark joy and contribute to the unique narrative of your personal style.
What’s your style of jewelry?
Discovering your jewelry style is a delightful journey of self-expression, as unique as your fingerprint. It's about understanding what resonates with you, complements your wardrobe, and truly feels like "you" when you wear it. There are countless aesthetic categories, but often, your personal style will blend elements from a few. Are you drawn to minimalist chic? This style favors clean lines, simple shapes, subtle pieces, and often focuses on quality materials like solid gold or small, elegant diamonds. Think delicate chains, tiny stud earrings, or slim band rings that offer understated elegance.
Perhaps your heart beats for classic and timeless pieces. This style embraces enduring designs that transcend trends, such as pearl strands, diamond solitaires, hoop earrings, or tennis bracelets. These are pieces that were fashionable decades ago and will remain so for decades to come, often becoming cherished heirlooms. For those who love bold statements, maximalist and eclectic jewelry might be your calling. This style is about layering multiple necklaces, stacking numerous rings, mixing metals and gemstones, or wearing oversized, eye-catching pieces. It's playful, expressive, and often incorporates vintage finds or artisanal creations.
Bohemian or natural styles often feature earthy materials like wood, leather, or raw gemstones, with designs inspired by nature, tribal patterns, or free-spirited aesthetics. Think hammered metals, intricate beadwork, or pieces with a handcrafted, organic feel. Conversely, glamorous and opulent fine jewelry collections are all about sparkle, intricate settings, and luxurious gemstones. This style leans towards statement earrings, elaborate necklaces, and pieces designed to command attention and radiate sophistication.
Beyond these broad categories, consider your preferred metals (gold, silver, platinum, rose gold), gemstones (birthstones, diamonds, colorful gems), and even the emotional significance behind pieces. Your jewelry style is a fluid extension of your personal identity, evolving as you do. The most important thing is to choose pieces that make you feel confident, beautiful, and truly reflect who you are.
How many pieces should you have in your collection?
The beauty of a jewelry collection is that its "ideal" size is entirely personal, with no right or wrong answer. Unlike a clothing wardrobe where too few items might limit your daily options, a jewelry collection thrives on quality, sentiment, and versatility rather than sheer volume. Some people prefer a minimalist approach, curating a small, carefully chosen selection of five to ten pieces that can be mixed and matched for any occasion. These might include versatile diamond studs, a classic gold chain, a signature ring, and a go-to bracelet. For them, each piece carries significant meaning and serves multiple purposes, reducing clutter and simplifying choices.
On the other hand, passionate collectors might amass hundreds of items, each representing a facet of their interest – be it antique mourning jewelry, specific gemstone varieties, or pieces from a particular designer or era. For these individuals, the joy comes from the hunt, the historical significance, and the sheer breadth of their curated treasures. They might have a dedicated storage system, a detailed inventory, and a deep knowledge of each piece's provenance. Their collection is an ongoing project, a living museum of their passions.
Most people fall somewhere in between. A practical approach might involve building a core collection of everyday essentials that align with your lifestyle and personal style, perhaps 10-20 pieces that you rotate regularly. Beyond this core, you can add "occasion" pieces – statement necklaces, elaborate earrings, or unique cocktail rings – that are reserved for special events. This allows you to have versatile basics while still indulging in more extravagant or whimsical items. The true measure of a "good" collection isn't its size, but how well it serves your needs, reflects your personality, and brings you happiness. Focus on pieces you genuinely love and will wear, rather than chasing an arbitrary number.
How to insure and protect your jewelry collection
Once you’ve started to build your unique jewelry collection, whether it’s a few cherished pieces or an extensive array, protecting your investment becomes critical. 57% of respondents said that they view their jewelry collection as their most important collection, and 79% of people with uninsured collections believe collections should be insured. So why wouldn’t you insure it?
Jewelry faces numerous risks in daily life: accidental damage from drops or impacts, loss during travel or activities, disappearance (when a piece just vanishes without explanation), and unfortunately, theft. While you might be careful, life’s unpredictable moments can lead to heartbreaking losses. This is where specialized jewelry protection goes beyond what standard homeowners or renters insurance policies can typically offer.
Most standard home insurance policies have very limited coverage for jewelry. They often have low "sub-limits" (e.g., only $1,000 to $2,500 for all jewelry combined), and might only cover specific perils like theft or fire, often excluding common mishaps like accidental damage or disappearance. If your collection grows, or if you acquire a single valuable piece, you can quickly exceed these limits, leaving you significantly underinsured. Also, filing a jewelry claim on your homeowners policy can impact your overall premiums, or even your ability to renew your policy, even if it’s a minor claim.
Insure your jewelry collection with Jewelers Mutual
This is precisely where Jewelers Mutual steps in as your dedicated jewelry protection. Unlike homeowners or renters insurance, Jewelers Mutual specializes exclusively in jewelry insurance, offering comprehensive coverage designed for the unique risks your collection faces. Our policies cover:
Loss: Whether it slipped off in the ocean or just disappeared from your dresser, Jewelers Mutual covers outright loss.
Theft: Protection if your jewelry is stolen, whether from your home, car, or while you’re out.
Accidental Damage: This is huge! Bumps, drops, broken prongs, cracked stones – if an "oops!" happens, we cover it.
Disappearance: This often-excluded peril is typically covered, giving you peace of mind even when you can't explain what happened.
Worldwide Travel: Your jewelry is protected wherever your adventures take you.
Over one-third of collectors have experienced loss of an item. Our claims process is known for being discreet and hassle-free, allowing you to work with your preferred jeweler for repairs or replacement. Don't let the fear of the unexpected overshadow the joy of wearing your jewelry. Protecting your collection with a specialized policy from Jewelers Mutual is an easy, smart step to ensure your precious pieces are covered, so you can continue to enjoy them worry-free.
*The Jewelers Mutual study was conducted in February 2025 via an online survey through Qualtrics. A sample of over 1,500 adult collectors in the U.S. who were responsible for making insurance decisions in their household were recruited via an online research panel and surveyed via online self-completion.
