Can You Insure Second-Hand or Inherited Jewellery

Perhaps you've recently inherited your grandmother’s sapphire ring—the kind of piece that seems to hold memories in every facet. Or maybe you stumbled upon a beautiful vintage treasure in a well-loved antique store, full of character and charm. These pieces aren’t just jewellery—they carry stories, emotion, and often, considerable value.

So it’s only natural to ask: Can something like this be insured?

The short answer? Yes.
But—as with most things worth doing—it’s a little more nuanced than that.

When Sentiment Meets Significance

Jewellery that’s been passed down or discovered second-hand often carries something a little deeper than just dollar value. Pieces like these aren’t just beautiful—they hold memories, mark important moments, and often carry a strong connection to family and tradition. Their meaning goes far beyond what they’re made from.

And while they may not have been bought new, that doesn’t make them any less worthy of thoughtful, considered cover. At Q Report, some of the most unique items we see aren’t fresh from the display case—they’re heirlooms, vintage treasures, or meaningful gifts with decades of history behind them.

The important part? Making sure those pieces are properly valued and documented before arranging jewellery insurance.

Getting Your Jewellery Ready to Insure

When it comes to second-hand or inherited jewellery, a professional valuation isn’t just helpful—it’s usually essential. Before you can arrange a specialised jewellery insurance policy, your piece needs to be assessed and properly documented.

This step is especially important for older or one-of-a-kind items, where value isn’t always obvious at first glance.

A thorough valuation will typically:

• Determine the current market value of the piece

• Record its condition, materials, and any unique design details

• Include high-quality images and supporting documents, like gemstone certificates (where available)

Q Report are proud to partner with a trusted network of Referrer Jewellers across Australia, many of whom specialise in valuing both contemporary and vintage pieces. They know how to look beyond the numbers—considering craftsmanship, rarity, and story—because some things can’t be measured by carat weight alone.

Why Home Insurance Might Not Go Far Enough

If you already have home and contents insurance, it’s easy to assume your jewellery—whether it’s newly purchased, inherited, or second-hand—is automatically included. And technically, it might be. But the reality is, that kind of cover sometimes comes with limits that may not meet your expectations, especially when it comes to pieces with personal or significant value.

There are certain things you need to keep in mind. Some home insurance policies:

• Require you to list high-value items individually. If your jewellery isn’t specifically noted on the policy with an up-to-date valuation, any coverage amount could be capped at a default limit—which could be much lower than the piece is worth.

• Include sub-limits for jewellery claims. Even when listed, the maximum amount payable may be restricted, especially for items like antique rings or fine watches.

• Limit cover away from home. If your jewellery is lost while travelling, at work, or even just out and about, it may not be covered—or may only be covered under specific conditions.

• Use preferred repairers or suppliers. This can mean being directed to someone unfamiliar with your piece, rather than returning to your trusted jeweller who knows its history and craftsmanship.

When it comes to something as personal and irreplaceable as a family heirloom or a unique vintage find, you may find it’s worth considering a more tailored approach with jewellery insurance that’s built for exactly that.

How Specialist Jewellery Insurance Stands Apart

Second-hand and inherited jewellery often means more than what it’s worth on paper. These pieces tend to hold stories, sentiment, and a sense of connection that can’t be easily replaced. That’s why it may be worth thinking about cover that’s designed to match their unique value—not just financially, but personally too.

That’s where specialist jewellery insurance, like Q Report, could really make a difference.

Our policies are designed specifically for fine jewellery and watches—crafted around how people actually wear, cherish, and rely on them. Here’s what that means in real terms:

• Cover that travels with you. Whether you're heading interstate for the weekend or jetting off overseas, your jewellery is covered worldwide. (Just keep in mind that exclusions apply for certain sanctioned countries).

• Freedom to return to your trusted jeweller. If something goes wrong, you can work with your original or preferred jeweller—someone who knows your piece and understands its craftsmanship.

• Annual revaluation included. Your policy is updated each year to reflect current market values, helping to ensure you’re not underinsured as prices shift over time.

• Up to 50% cover available. If the cost to repair or replace your jewellery exceeds the insured amount, the insurer can decide to pay up to 50% on top of the sum insured. This buffer can make all the difference for rare, bespoke, or vintage pieces.

Thinking About Insurance? Let’s Make It Simple

If you’re looking to cover a second-hand, inherited, or vintage piece of jewellery, here’s what you’ll usually need to get started:

A current professional valuation

This is one of the most important steps. A professional valuation gives both you and your insurer a clear, accurate picture of what your piece is worth today. It also helps ensure that, if you ever need to make a claim, it can generally be handled fairly and without unnecessary delays.

Top Tip: Look for a valuer affiliated with the National Council of Jewellery Valuers (NCJV) or another recognised industry body. Their expertise matters—especially with older or more unique pieces.

Any supporting documentation

Gather whatever you have. That might include high-quality photos, gemstone certificates, purchase receipts, or any paperwork passed down with the piece. Even if it’s an heirloom, a bit of history or provenance can go a long way.

A personalised quote

Getting a Q Report indicative quote is quick and simple. You can enter your item’s value, upload your documents, and explore your options—all without pressure or jargon. After you receive your cost estimate, our team will be in touch to answer any questions and help you arrange insurance if you choose to proceed.

Frequently Asked (and Answered) Questions

I don’t have a receipt—can I still insure the jewellery?

Yes, you usually can. Receipts aren’t expected for inherited or vintage pieces. What matters most is having a current professional valuation that reflects the item’s value today and being able to provide the exact specifications on the item so that it can be accurately assessed by our team.

Can I insure something that’s been in the family for generations?

Most likely. Age isn’t an issue. As long as the piece holds value, is in good condition and you’d like to have it covered, we can usually help—starting with a valuation to document its worth and condition.

What if the piece is truly irreplaceable?

Some jewellery—especially heirlooms or antique designs—can’t be replicated exactly.  A Q Report policy is a replacement policy, which means that your items are covered for like-for-like replacement or repair. We understand that no two pieces (or people) are the same, so our approach reflects that as we will work with your jeweller to replicate the piece as close to the original as possible.

Some Things Deserve More Than Good Fortune

Jewellery that’s been handed down—or thoughtfully chosen from a vintage boutique—is rarely just about how it looks. These pieces often hold deep meaning. They remind us of people, places, and moments we want to keep close.

Yes, they have a dollar value, but their real worth is tied to the stories they tell.

That’s where specialist jewellery insurance comes in. It’s not about putting a price on sentiment—it’s about giving you the option to cover something that matters, in a way that respects its significance.

At Q Report, we know how personal jewellery can be. We're not here to sell you a policy—we're here to give you the information you need to decide what’s right for you. Whether it’s a vintage ring with a long family history or a timeless gold watch with its own character, we’re here to help you explore your options—openly, honestly, and with care. Get a cost estimate online now and speak with one of our team members about how we could cover your second-hand or inherited jewellery.