The NJSA partners with businesses that provide jewelry security and this critical information to the jewelry consumer. These businesses include: retail jewelers, insurance companies, financial planners, estate attorneys, home security and security product vendors. Visit the Jewelry Security Advisors page for more information. The NJSA Store page lists all official security products available through NJSA.
The NJSA provides consumer information in all areas of jewelry protection. The National Jewelry Security Association was founded in 2009 to provide valuable and actionable information to jewelry consumers. An association of independent jewelers, The NJSA provides information and materials directly to the consumer and through partnerships with businesses that provide services related to security and assessment of jewelry and personal assets.
NJSA Special Consumer Report July 2024
6 Big Reasons Why Security of Your Jewelry Should Be Your Top Priority Now
FREE
REPORT
The National Jewelry Security Association (NJSA) has prepared this Special Report for Consumers who own fine jewelry. By "fine jewelry" we mean, jewelry that is manufactured with precious metals and generally natural gemstones. There are a number of factors that are driving consumers to take precautions to secure their jewelry now. This report briefly outlines the principle concerns and offers suggestions of actions that should be taken by jewelry owners.
Reason #1
The Precious Metals Market is at Record Levels
When this report was written, Gold was over $2,300 per ounce! These are record levels for precious metals, and we don't think we have seen the top yet!
What this means to you is that jewelry you own has substantially increased in value over the past year. Most of the appraisals that you have previously obtained are now under-valued. It is suggested that you take a close look at the paperwork that you have pertaining to your jewelry and take the needed actions to update your documentation to reflect this increase
Reason #2
Your Jewelry is an Asset
Most people don't view their jewelry as an asset because of its sentimental nature. Like many investments, the value of your jewelry fluctuates over time. However, because jewelry is such a personal item, many people don't look at their jewelry as a tangible asset. Even though you may not have any intentions of disposing of your jewelry, the value can be greatly affected by the age and condition of your pieces.
It is advisable to take every precaution to safeguard your jewelry and understand the current market value for the pieces that you own. Often, circumstances can change, that may require you to know how best to handle your jewelry assets.
Reason #3
Stats Show Rise in Crimes Involving Jewelry
Jewelry related crimes are big business. Whether you are an individual or a retail store owner, fine jewelry is a target. Home break-ins account for 66% of jewelry thefts. The current trend is upwards, often due to poor economic conditions around the country.
If you add to that other personal crimes; purse snatching, armed robbery, car break-ins, jewelry stolen while traveling and jewelry reported "missing", the number is staggering. It makes a great case for jewelry security in all forms. This would include; a safe and security system in your home, insurance on your most valuable items and a comprehensive listing of all items that you have, even if not insured. Also advised are personal safety devices and reviewing how you personally showcase your jewelry to the world.
Reason #4
Jewelry as a Target
Jewelry is second in line, only to cash, when it comes to items that are stolen. Especially these days, it is very easy to dispose of jewelry because of the "cash for gold" buyers that have popped up all over the country. The lack of regulations for these businesses has made it very and simple to sell and mail off stolen merchandise without question of origin of the items. And, the rise in precious metals has made it profitable to do so.
Your best protection is to wear your jewelry sensibly and, again take precautions to secure the items that you own. For instance, never store your jewelry in a jewelry box that is left in plain sight on a dresser or counter. Or, leave jewelry in a "dish" next to a sink. These are the first places that an intruder will look for your items and you will make it very easy for them to make off with something that you truly treasure.
Reason #5
Jewelry Loss is Often and "Inside Job"
Jewelry loss happens in many different ways. The most obvious and reported being burglaries, purse snatching, etc. But did you know, that jewelry loss attributed to "mysterious disappearance", or theft by acquaintance totals millions of dollars in annual losses. This loss often occurs secretively and may not be discovered right away - making it even more difficult to file a report or substantiate a claim.
There are numerous situations that put you at risk. Be sure to take extra precautions in these situations; workers of any type in or around your home, relatives that are in financial/other distress, guests that are in your home for a gathering, confusing or misleading people coming to your door for information/advise or sales.
Also, be very conscious of a change in your personal situation or health and how that can make you a target. For instance, if you are suddenly taken to a hospital or put in a rehab/assisted living facility, if you require medical assistance in your home, if you have a death in the family or now need help with cleaning your home. All of these situations put you in a vulnerable state. It is sad to think that anyone would take advantage of someone in distress, but it happens all of the time.
Reason #6
No Recourse Without Records
Unfortunately, all of the above scenarios are true and repeatedly happen, even when best efforts are made to protect yourself. You can have the best security in your home, homeowner's insurance protections, conscientious jewelry wearing practices - and a big dog(!) - but none of that matters if you don't have documentation for the jewelry that you own.
Proof of ownership and value is the number one problem that we see when it comes to jewelry loss. This does not mean that every item that you own needs to be insured. This is a discussion that you need to have with your insurance agent to determine your level or risk and how to protect yourself. However, you do need to have an inventory with descriptions and photos of any piece of fine jewelry that you own (and possibly other collectible pieces, if they are sentimental to you).
Without records, your chances of filing a police report, insurance claim or recovering stolen jewelry, are nearly impossible. After all, you do have to prove that you owned that piece in the first place. If you have your documentation in order, everyone involved can act rapidly on your behalf, and a stressful situation will not be made worse by disorganization or lack of records, all together. Even in the case of a loss that happens while you are wearing a piece of jewelry (stone falling out/bracelet or chain breaking), you will need these records to secure a replacement.
Look to local professionals to help you get your documentation in order and provide the security that you need. Your local jeweler, insurance agent, safe/security company, financial advisor or estate attorney, can all be great resources for you, dependent on your personal situation and stage of life.
The most important thing is to take action now, before a problem occurs. It is easy to believe that nothing of this sort will happen to you, but we're sure that the individuals that comprise the latest crime stats - totaling in the millions of occurrences - didn't believe that they would be a target either.
The National Jewelry Security Association (NJSA) invites you to learn how to protect the jewelry that you value and cherish. This website has numerous resources regarding consumer education, jewelry security products and opportunities to partner with us to share this vital information. The About NJSA page has a free download of a Jewelry Inspection and Maintenance Record that you can use to have your jewelry inspected, which is the first line of defense to prevent a loss.