Should You Say Yes to the Jewelry Warranty?

If you are spending a large sum of money on a piece of jewelry such as a diamond engagement ring, tennis bracelet, or diamond studs, you should definitely cough up the extra money to purchase the jewelry warranty. Many things can go wrong with your jewelry in the first few years, and in the long run, the amount you pay for the warranty will have been worth it. Here are just a few of the things most jewelry store warranties or service plans will cover.

Cleanings
You'll be surprised at how fast your diamonds get dingy and dirty. With a jewelry warranty or service plan, you can bring your jewelry into the store for a cleaning in the sonic machine or the steamer. It will look brand new again.

Sizing
Jewelry warranties often cover as many sizings as you need for the length of the warranty. You can have your ring sized when you buy it, then again when you get pregnant and gain weight, and then again when you lose the baby weight. You can also have links removed from your bracelets and chains and then put back in again at your whim.

Broken Gold
Unfortunately, gold bracelets and chains often get caught on things and break. This can be expensive to fix. For example, if your clasp breaks, a small lobster clasp can set you back $40, and the repair work would likely be between $20 and $40, so you are looking at a possible $60-80. If you buy the warranty, all of this is usually covered.

Missing diamonds
If your diamond jewelry is "pave" style, or has many small accent diamonds, it is very likely that one may pop out and get lost. Most jewelry warranties will cover replacement of the diamond as well as the work to put it back in.

Rhodium Dipping
Finally, if you are purchasing white gold jewelry, the cost of the warranty is worth it just for the rhodium dipping. Rhodium is a hard silvery metal that is used to coat and protect white gold. It is what makes it look shiny and new. Unfortunately, it wears off and may have to be re-dipped every six months or so. Rhodium plating alone can cost $40 or more without a warranty.

Keep in mind that every jewelry store is different, and has its own individual policies, so be sure to ask what the warranty covers in the store where you are shopping. Also, make sure you get the terms of your warranty in writing and keep the documents in a safe place.